The older housing in a city known for new

Austin's reputation is growth, but its central neighborhoods are old. East Austin, Govalle, Montopolis, St. Johns, Rosewood, and parts of South Austin have houses from the 1930s through the 1960s — small, often on pier-and-beam, with original wiring, galvanized or cast iron plumbing, and window units where there is no ductwork.

Many of these have been held by the same family for decades. The land value rose around them while the house stayed as it was, which is exactly the situation a cash purchase fits: no repairs, no cleanout, no showings, and a closing date the family chooses.

Onion Creek, Dove Springs, and floodplain remapping

Southeast Austin's flood history is specific and severe. Onion Creek flooded Dove Springs and surrounding neighborhoods in 2013 and again in 2015, leading to a long-running buyout program. Williamson Creek, Shoal Creek, and Waller Creek have their own histories, and Austin periodically remaps floodplains, so a house once outside the 100-year floodplain can end up inside it.

Flood history makes insurance expensive or unavailable and financing difficult. We buy flooded property with repairs finished, partial, or never begun.

Older condos and association finances

Austin has a significant stock of 1970s and 1980s condominiums with original building systems, deferred exterior and roof work, and associations that have raised dues or levied special assessments to catch up. Lenders examine condo association finances closely, and a building with low reserves, high delinquency, or pending litigation can be ineligible for financing entirely.

We buy units in those buildings. Send the resale certificate, the budget, and the assessment schedule, and we will account for them.

Permits, trees, and why projects stall

City of Austin review timelines, protected-tree rules, impervious cover limits, and in some areas watershed ordinances all add time and cost to a renovation. Owners routinely start a project, discover what the permitting path involves, and stop — which is how half-finished houses end up on the market.

Unpermitted work is common too: additions, enclosed garages, and accessory dwelling units built without permits. None of that has to be legalized before we close.

Austin property we buy

  • Pre-1970 houses in East Austin, Montopolis, Govalle, St. Johns, and South Austin
  • Homes that flooded in Dove Springs or along Onion, Williamson, or Shoal creeks
  • 1970s and 1980s condominiums, including buildings with special assessments
  • Duplexes and older rentals near campus and on the east side
  • Houses with unpermitted additions, garage conversions, or ADUs
  • Stalled renovations waiting on permits or money
  • Long-held family homes that were never updated
  • Investment property where the tax bill has outrun the rent

Frequently asked questions

Do you buy older East Austin houses that were never updated?

Yes. Original wiring, plumbing, foundations, and kitchens are exactly what we expect there.

Will you buy a 1980s Austin condo with a special assessment?

Yes. Share the resale certificate and assessment schedule and we will account for them.

Do you buy houses that flooded in Dove Springs?

Yes, at any stage of repair, including properties with repeat flood history.

I have an unpermitted ADU in the back. Is that a problem?

Not for us. Unpermitted additions and ADUs do not have to be legalized before closing.

My renovation stalled halfway. Will you still buy?

Yes. Unfinished work does not have to be completed or inspected first.