Though the idea of buying an unmodernised property to tailor to one's own tastes and lifestyle may seem appealing, the reality can be very different. Such projects often require a great deal of time and money, are can be stressful and run the risk of not adding any real value.

Instead, why not go for a home that’s already renovated to a high standard?

You’ll be able to move in, unpack and enjoy living there straight away without the hassle of repairs and upgrades. Start your search with this selection of move-in ready apartments and houses for sale.

1. Oke Cottage, St Tudy, Cornwall, £375,000

Located in a rural village between Bodmin Moor and the coast, this Grade II listed wisteria and rose-clad cottage dates back to the 18th century.

It’s been fully restored by the existing owners using natural materials and comprises two bedrooms, an open plan kitchen/diner, a separate sitting room and a shower room.

There are sash windows, beamed ceilings, new lime plaster walls and timber floors throughout. Find out more from John Bray Estates.

2. Belleview, Edinburgh, offers over £435,000

The city centre is in walking distance of this pristine basement flat, ideal for young professionals seeking plenty of room.

Accommodation consists of a bright bay-fronted living room with a fireplace, a kitchen/dining room, two double bedrooms — one with an ensuite shower room — a modern bathroom and study.

You’ll find a private courtyard at the front and a well-maintained communal garden at the rear. By Neilsons via ESPC.

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3. Merlot House, Wickambrook, Suffolk, £500,000

A palette of white and earthy hues helps to enhance light and space in this attractive semi-detached house, part of a sympathetically converted Grade II listed pub.

It includes a triple aspect open plan family room, kitchen and dining area, a large living room with a bay window and wood-burning stove, three bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor, and a ground floor study that could be repurposed as a fourth bedroom. Contact Cheffins.

4. Bedford, Bedfordshire, £750,000

With a freshly refitted kitchen, three new bathrooms and new windows, this centrally-located five-bedroom Victorian house would suit a busy, time-poor family.

One of the two reception rooms is currently used as a playroom and there’s lots of storage and a big utility room.

Even the garden is low maintenance as the grass is artificial, though very realistic. Get in touch with Fitzjohn Estates.

5. Chelsea, London SW3, £850,000

As you might expect in a property renovated by an artist, this apartment showcases an abundance of creative flair.

On the top floor of a mansion block, it incorporates an all-in-one reception/dining area, two bedrooms, aluminium kitchen worktops, a freestanding bath tub, exposed beams and brickwork and bags of built-in storage. On the market through Knight Frank.

Read more: 10 homes geared up for outdoor entertaining

6. Watnall, Nottingham, offers over £850,000

Constructed in the 1960s, this 3,900 square foot house has undergone such an extensive makeover that it looks brand new.

Not only will the buyer get six bedrooms, six bathrooms and a vast open plan kitchen and entertaining space, but also a sitting room, playroom, gym and utility.

Air conditioning, underfloor heating, integrated speaker systems and CCTV have been installed too. Find out more from Fine & Country.

7. Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, £1m

In 2021 this well-proportioned four-bedroom Cotswold stone house was extended and redesigned to create a country-style kitchen and utility, both opening off a rear hall.

A sitting room and dining room are at the front, and there are two double bedrooms and two bathrooms with underfloor heating on the first floor, and a further pair of bedrooms at the top.

Other improvements include wood panelling, flooring and joinery and a log burner in the sitting room. Contact Butler Sherborn.

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8. Hagg Hill Farm, Winlaton Mill, Tyne & Wear, £1.25m

This four-bedroom Georgian farmhouse is quite a find, as it’s in a semi-rural setting with lovely countryside views, yet only a few miles from Gateshead and Newcastle.

The traditional stone façade conceals a modern interior, and a recent two-storey extension houses a contemporary kitchen with full-height windows and bi-fold doors and the principal bedroom suite above.

An adjoining one-bedroom cottage is run as a holiday let but could serve as an annex. Get in touch with Finest Properties.

9. Regent’s Park, London NW1, £4.5m

Charlotte Green, an interior designer and co-founder of Mayfair-based studio Sixty3 London, has spent the last four years restoring her own home to its original glory.

The Grade II listed five-bedroom townhouse comes with access to two residents-only private gardens and is the largest in a classic Nash terrace of just eight properties.

It is arranged over five storeys replete with light-filled lateral living spaces, bespoke storage and period features such as shuttered sash windows, decorative plasterwork and cast iron balconies.

Rooms are finished in a mix of soft neutrals and sophisticated dark tones. For sale via Aston Chase and Beauchamp Estates.

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