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Dallas County (small parts in Collin and Rockwall counties) · TX

Fixer Upper Homes in Garland, TX

Fixer upper homes are common in Garland, TX, because so much of the city was built decades ago. Buying one can work well if you plan permits, financing and inspections from the start. The live listings on this page show current options.

Fixer Upper Homes in Garland, TX

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Which permits does Garland require for renovations?

Garland's Building Inspection Department handles permits, codes and inspections for homeowners. You often need a permit for additions and major remodels. Fences, driveways, plumbing, electrical and HVAC work often need one too.

Ask the seller whether past additions or garage conversions were permitted. Work done without a permit can slow a sale or a loan. Check before you commit.

Do HOA approvals apply to a Garland fixer upper?

Many older Garland neighborhoods have no HOA, but newer subdivisions often do. If there is one, get the rules and the resale certificate. Learn how outside changes such as roofs, fences and paint get approved.

Build HOA approval time into your remodel schedule, along with city permits.

How can you finance a fixer upper in Garland?

Renovation loans roll the purchase and the repairs into one mortgage. FHA's 203(k) program insures loans to buy or refinance and fix up a home. The home must be at least a year old. The program comes in Standard and Limited versions.

Fannie Mae's HomeStyle Renovation loan also puts the mortgage and the upgrades in one loan. For a purchase, it covers up to 75% of the lower of two numbers. One is the price plus remodel costs. The other is the appraised value once the work is done. Ask a lender which option fits your project.

What should you inspect on an older Garland home?

Get a full inspection and add specialists where needed. Have the sewer line scoped with a camera and the foundation checked. Look at the electrical panel, wiring, windows and roof age.

Ask whether any part of the lot sits in a mapped floodplain near a creek or the lake. Get contractor bids during your option period. That way your offer matches the real cost.

See older neighborhoods on the Garland homes for sale page. Budget with the mortgage calculator. Then contact Mariela to tour at your pace.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to renovate a house in Garland, TX?

Often, yes. Garland's Building Inspection Department says permits are often needed for additions, major remodels, fences, driveways, plumbing, electrical and HVAC work. Call the department at 972-205-2300 with questions about a project.

What loans help buy a fixer upper in Garland?

Renovation loans such as FHA's 203(k) and Fannie Mae's HomeStyle Renovation put the purchase and the repairs in one mortgage. Each has its own limits and rules. Compare them with a lender before you make an offer.

What should I inspect on an older home in Garland?

Have the sewer line scoped and the foundation checked. Look at the electrical panel, wiring, windows and roof. Ask for permits on past additions. Check whether any part of the lot is in a mapped floodplain.

Sources

  1. QuickFacts: Garland city, Texas (with Arlington, 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. Dallas Central Appraisal District (homestead filing, property search, uFILE protest), Dallas Central 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. Garland Power & Light: Home and About Us, City of Garland / Garland Power & Light (read 2026-09-24)
  9. New Resident Info, City of Garland (read 2026-09-24)
  10. School Choice & Magnet Application Guide, Garland Independent School District (read 2026-09-24)
  11. Garland ISD home page, Garland Independent School District (read 2026-09-24)
  12. Garland, Texas, Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  13. Sanitation, City of Garland (read 2026-09-24)
  14. Texas School Report Cards, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  15. Parks & Recreation, City of Garland (read 2026-09-24)
  16. Downtown Garland, City of Garland Downtown Development Office (read 2026-09-24)
  17. Firewheel Town Center, Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  18. Lake Ray Hubbard, Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  19. 2025 Ad Valorem Tax Rates for Dallas County (revised November 5, 2025), Dallas Central Appraisal District (read 2026-09-24)
  20. Sales and Use Tax, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  21. City Sales and Use Tax Rates, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  22. Texas is open for small business (Fiscal Notes), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  23. Valuing Property (10 percent homestead appraisal limit), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  24. 2026 Statewide Multi-Year Ratings Spreadsheet, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  25. A–F Accountability, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  26. Health and Safety Code Chapter 757. Pool Yard Enclosures, Texas Legislature (read 2026-09-24)
  27. What to know about deductibles, Texas Department of Insurance (read 2026-09-24)
  28. North Texas Tollway Authority, North Texas Tollway Authority (read 2026-09-24)
  29. Swimming Pool / Hot Tub / Spa, City of Garland Building Inspection (read 2026-09-24)
  30. Building Inspection, City of Garland (read 2026-09-24)
  31. 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (read 2026-09-24)
  32. HomeStyle Renovation mortgage, Fannie Mae (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.