How turnkey homes work for second-home buyers
Turnkey homes offer unique value for second-home buyers, especially those purchasing in a different state or region. Instead of juggling remodeling plans from afar or flying in to check on construction progress, you get a home that’s already updated, modernized and prepared for your first stay.For second-home owners, time is precious. A turnkey home lets you focus on making memories, not managing permits, interviewing contractors or coordinating deliveries. Whether your second home is a beach retreat or a mountain getaway, turnkey living means your time away is fully dedicated to enjoying the space instead of fixing it.And because everything is finished before closing, you experience faster access to the lifestyle you’re working toward, like meaningful time with family, stress-free travel and comfortable stays throughout the year.What’s included in a turnkey home
While every property is different, most turnkey homes share a set of core qualities. These features give buyers confidence that they won’t need to make immediate repairs or updates. Here’s what’s usually included in a turnkey home:- Updated kitchens and bathrooms, often with new cabinetry, countertops or fixtures
- Fresh paint throughout the home
- Modern flooring, such as hardwood, luxury vinyl plank or updated tile
- Fully functioning major systems, including HVAC, plumbing and electrical
- Move-in-ready appliances, frequently replaced or recently serviced
- Safe and clean exterior condition, from roofing to siding to landscaping
- Professionally curated furnishings and décor
- Smart-home upgrades, such as climate control, security and lighting
- Enhanced outdoor spaces like decks, fire pits or refreshed patios
- Optional professional property management, especially relevant for turnkey rentals
Pros of buying a turnkey home
Turnkey homes are appealing for many reasons. They offer an experience built on convenience, comfort, and clarity. Here are some of the benefits of buying a turnkey home:- Convenience and speed: You skip the renovation phase entirely and move in quickly.
- Predictable budgeting: Because updates are already complete, you avoid surprise renovation expenses.
- Lower upfront maintenance: Recently updated systems and finishes reduce the likelihood of early repairs.
- Perfect for busy professionals: If your life is already full, a turnkey property gives you a home that demands less from you and gives more in return.
Cons of buying a turnkey home
Turnkey homes also have a few trade-offs, especially if customization or cost savings are top priorities. Here’s what you’ll need to look out for when buying turnkey properties:- Higher purchase price compared to fixer-uppers: You’re paying for completed upgrades and modern finishes.
- Limited customization: Since the design decisions are made for you, the home may not perfectly match your taste.
- Turnkey quality varies: Some sellers may refresh only surface-level features while skipping more meaningful updates.
- Inspections still required: A clean look doesn’t guarantee quality craftsmanship behind the walls.
| Pros of turnkey homes | Cons of turnkey homes |
| Perfect for buyers with busy lifestyles | Higher purchase price compared to fixer-uppers |
| Convenience and speed | Limited customization |
| More predictable budgeting | Quality varies |
| Lower upfront maintenance costs | Inspections still required |
Who is a turnkey home right for
Turnkey homes are an excellent fit for buyers who want to spend less time coordinating projects and more time actually enjoying their home. They’re especially appealing to people with full schedules who prefer a space that’s fully prepared from day one. Out-of-state and second-home buyers also benefit from the turnkey approach because they can avoid the challenge of managing contractors or renovation decisions from far away. It’s also a great option for people looking for a vacation home that’s ready for arrival. On the other hand, buyers who love hands-on customization or who enjoy shaping a property to their exact preferences may feel limited by a home that’s already completed. Those who thrive on renovation projects often find a fixer-upper more satisfying. These buyers typically prioritize the control and potential transformation that come with renovating, while turnkey buyers prioritize convenience, predictability and immediate comfort.What to consider before buying a turnkey home
Before buying a turnkey home, it’s important to take a thoughtful look at the property’s quality, history and documentation so you know exactly what “move-in ready” truly means. Even when a home is labeled turnkey property or turnkey home in real estate listings, the level of work completed can vary widely, so due diligence is essential.Questions to ask the builder or seller
When evaluating what is included in a turnkey home, ask the builder or seller detailed questions to better understand the scope and quality of updates. Confirm whether improvements were cosmetic or structural, how recently they were completed and whether licensed contractors performed the work. Here are some questions to ask during the walkthrough:- What specific updates or renovations were completed and when?
- Are warranties available for appliances, roofing or major systems?
- What is the age and condition of the HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems?
- Were the upgrades inspected or permitted, when applicable?
- Which improvements are structural versus purely cosmetic?
How to verify a listing is truly move-in ready
To verify that a listing is genuinely turnkey, request documentation that reflects the quality of the work. This may include inspection reports, permits for structural changes, receipts from contractors or proof of recent servicing for major systems. A true turnkey property will have consistent updates across the home, modern mechanical systems and completed spaces with no unfinished rooms or outdated features. When inspecting the home, pay attention to common signs that the home isn’t fully turnkey, such as mismatched finishes, older electrical panels, aging HVAC units or partially updated kitchens and bathrooms.Cost expectations for turnkey homes
Turnkey homes often come with a higher upfront purchase price because the improvements, design work and system updates have already been completed for you. However, buyers typically save money and time by avoiding renovation expenses, travel for project oversight and the unpredictable costs that come with fixer-uppers.Turnkey home vs. fixer-upper: what’s the difference?
A turnkey home is all about readiness. It’s complete, polished and requires no immediate work. A fixer-upper, on the other hand, is a property that needs renovation, repair or modernization before it feels complete.Turnkey homes streamline the experience from day one, allowing buyers to arrive and enjoy their vacation home with peace of mind. Fixer-uppers appeal to those who want the creative freedom to customize deeply and are comfortable navigating updates, delays and long-term projects.As you compare your options, weigh the immediate convenience and clarity of a turnkey home against the potentially lower upfront cost of a home that requires additional work. For many second-home buyers looking for ease, speed and comfort, the turnkey route offers a smoother path into ownership.| Turnkey homes | Fixer-uppers | |
| Overall condition | Complete, polished and ready for immediate use | Needs renovations or repairs before moving |
| Move-in timeline | Ready from day one | Delayed move until renovations are complete |
| Effort needed | Minimal effort after purchase, perfect for a vacation home | Requires hands-on involvement and project management |
| Buyer experience | Streamlined and lower stress | More complex, with potential delays |
| Customization | Very limited, since all updates are done | Freedom to redesign and personalize |
| Upfront cost | Often higher due to readiness and completed renovations | Potentially lower upfront costs but with additional costs for updates |
| Best suited for | Second-home buyers prioritizing ease, speed and comfort | Buyers who prefer long-term projects and customization |
How to find a turnkey home
Turnkey homes are especially common in second-home markets and desirable vacation destinations. When browsing listings, look for descriptions like “move-in ready” or “recently renovated.” Also, verify that the features align with your expectations for readiness, as not every home labeled “turnkey” meets the same standard of quality.Pacaso offers fully managed, turnkey homes in premier global locations. Also, through the co-ownership model, the turnkey experience is even more seamless, since owners spread the costs of buying and maintaining the home. With Pacaso, you get access to beautifully furnished and professionally designed second homes without the renovation or setup work.| Tip: Don’t rely on the word “turnkey” alone. Always ask for recent inspection reports and documentation of updates. Quality varies widely, and a true turnkey home should have the paperwork to prove it. |
Find your turnkey home with Pacaso
Pacaso simplifies second home ownership by offering professionally managed vacation homes that come fully furnished and expertly designed. With our co-ownership model, you can buy a luxury turnkey home in premier locations like Paris, London, Cabo and San Diego. Whether you’re right-sizing your time away or exploring new destinations, Pacaso makes second-home living more seamless, ensuring your turnkey home is ready from the moment you walk in the door. Explore our current high-end listings here.What is a turnkey home? FAQs
01: Is a turnkey home more expensive?
Yes, typically a turnkey home is more expensive because the upgrades, modern finishes and completed prep work are included in the price. Still, buyers save time and avoid renovation-related costs and stress.
02: Are turnkey homes furnished?
Sometimes turnkey homes come fully furnished. Standard turnkey homes may not include furnishings, but many luxury and second-home turnkey properties, including Pacaso homes, come fully furnished and professionally decorated.
03: Can you customize a turnkey home?
Customization options for turnkey homes are limited after move-in. Turnkey homes prioritize efficiency and readiness, so major design decisions are already complete.
04: What’s the difference between a turnkey home and a move-in ready home?
A turnkey home is fully renovated, furnished, and ready to live in immediately with no setup required. A move-in ready home is structurally sound and livable but may still need furniture, minor updates, or personal touches before it feels complete.
