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Tarrant County · TX

Fixer upper homes in Arlington

A fixer upper in Arlington lets you buy in an older neighborhood and update the house to fit you. How smoothly it goes depends on three things: the city's permit rules, any HOA approvals and a realistic repair budget. Here is how to plan one.

Fixer upper homes in Arlington

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Which projects need a permit in Arlington?

Planning & Development Services handles permits through the Arlington Permits portal. The city's DIY guide says these jobs need permits: kitchen and bath remodels, wall removals and garage conversions.

New windows or exterior doors also need a permit. One exception is a single solid door up to 24 square feet. Cosmetic work such as paint, wallpaper and flooring repairs does not. The city also posts rules for roofing and foundation repair.

Will an HOA limit my changes?

If the home is in an HOA, outside changes usually need its approval under the deed restrictions. Ask for the rules and the resale certificate before your option period ends.

Older neighborhoods near downtown and in southwest Arlington may have no HOA. That gives you more freedom.

How can I finance a fixer upper?

HUD's FHA 203(k) program insures loans to buy and fix up a home. Fannie Mae's HomeStyle Renovation mortgage puts the purchase and the remodel in one loan. You make one monthly payment.

Both need contractor bids, so talk with a lender early. First-time buyers can read the Texas first-time buyer guide.

What should I inspect on an older Arlington home?

Ask for the roof's age and any hail claims. Ask for foundation repair records and the age of the HVAC system and water heater. Have the sewer line scoped with a camera, and check the electrical panel.

Get contractor estimates during your option period. Then run the numbers in the mortgage calculator. Compare with move-in-ready Arlington homes for sale.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to remodel a kitchen in Arlington?

Yes. Arlington's DIY permit guide says kitchen and bath remodels, wall removals and garage conversions need a permit. Apply through the Arlington Permits portal.

Do I need a permit to paint or replace flooring?

No. The city's guide says cosmetic work such as paint, wallpaper and flooring repairs does not need a permit.

What loans help pay for renovations?

Two common options are the FHA 203(k) program and Fannie Mae's HomeStyle Renovation mortgage. Both roll the repair costs into one loan.

Sources

  1. QuickFacts: Arlington city, Texas (with Garland, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Duncanville), U.S. Census Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
  2. Property Tax Exemptions, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  3. Property Tax Protests and Appeals, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  4. Tarrant Appraisal District (homestead exemption, property search, online protest), Tarrant Appraisal District (read 2026-09-24)
  5. Choosing an Electric Plan, Public Utility Commission of Texas (read 2026-09-24)
  6. Clear as MUD, Texas Real Estate Research Center, Texas A&M University (read 2026-09-24)
  7. Don't Piddle Around with PID Notices, Texas Real Estate Research Center, Texas A&M University (read 2026-09-24)
  8. What to Know: Arlington's Outdoor Warning Siren System, City of Arlington (read 2026-09-24)
  9. Arlington On-Demand, City of Arlington (read 2026-09-24)
  10. River Legacy Park, City of Arlington (read 2026-09-24)
  11. Viridian Amenities, Viridian (community developer site) (read 2026-09-24)
  12. Attractions in Arlington, TX, Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
  13. Medical City Arlington, Medical City Healthcare (read 2026-09-24)
  14. Arlington, Texas, Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  15. Garbage & Recycling, City of Arlington (read 2026-09-24)
  16. Lake Arlington, City of Arlington (read 2026-09-24)
  17. Downtown Arlington, Downtown Arlington Management Corporation (read 2026-09-24)
  18. Texas School Report Cards, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  19. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, DFW International Airport (read 2026-09-24)
  20. Arlington ISD, Arlington Independent School District (read 2026-09-24)
  21. Water Utilities: My Water Account / Start New Water Service, City of Arlington (read 2026-09-24)
  22. Truth-in-Taxation summary, Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector (read 2026-09-24)
  23. Sales and Use Tax, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  24. Texas Sales and Use Tax Rates – July 2026, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  25. Starting a New Business (Fiscal Notes), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  26. Valuing Property, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  27. 2026 Statewide Multi-Year Ratings Spreadsheet, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  28. Do I Need A Permit? A DIY Guide, City of Arlington (read 2026-09-24)
  29. Permits, City of Arlington (read 2026-09-24)
  30. Texas Health and Safety Code Section 757.002 – Application, Texas Health and Safety Code (via texas.public.law) (read 2026-09-24)
  31. Texas Property Code Section 207.003 – Delivery of Subdivision Information, Texas Property Code (via texas.public.law) (read 2026-09-24)
  32. 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program Types, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (read 2026-09-24)
  33. HomeStyle Renovation mortgage, Fannie Mae (read 2026-09-24)
  34. New Home Contract (Incomplete Construction), Texas Real Estate Commission (read 2026-09-24)
  35. Home insurance guide, Texas Department of Insurance (read 2026-09-24)
  36. FEMA Flood Map Service Center, FEMA (read 2026-09-24)
  37. North and Central Texas tornado climatology, National Weather Service Fort Worth (read 2026-09-24)
  38. Dallas/Fort Worth Climate Narrative, National Weather Service Fort Worth (read 2026-09-24)
  39. Power to Choose (official PUCT electricity shopping site), Public Utility Commission of Texas (read 2026-09-24)
  40. North Texas Tollway Authority, North Texas Tollway Authority (read 2026-09-24)

Last reviewed: 2026-09-24. Descriptions cover places and amenities, not the people who live there. We are committed to the Fair Housing Act.