needs renovation

USAGE SUMMARY

"needs renovation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that requires repairs or improvements in order to make it usable or up to date. For example: "This old house needs renovation before it can be lived in again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The apartment, which needs renovation, is listed at €4.1 million.

The New York Times

D. Appleton: In church we signal manse needs renovation.

The Guardian

(Sunday's event was a preview of the space, which still needs renovation).

The New York Times - Arts

ft. of commercial space; needs renovation, 3-car garage, 20-by-90-ft.

The New York Times

Bargain of the week Three-bedroom period detached; needs renovation; £75,000, with huwtudor.co.uk.

The Guardian - Money

"Sometimes even the second-time home buyers are getting help from the family," especially if their new residence needs renovation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The house is more than 100 years old and needs renovations that will cost up to $60,000, Hindi said.

HuffPost

Both needed renovation.

The New York Times

It needed renovation.

The New York Times - Arts

They found a place ideally situated but needing renovation.

The New York Times

The owner had had blueprints drawn up for a needed renovation: $350,000, tops.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing real estate, be specific about which areas or features of the property "needs renovation" to provide potential buyers with a clear understanding of the work involved.

Common error

Avoid using "needs renovation" repeatedly in close proximity; vary your language with synonyms such as "requires refurbishment" or "could use updating" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs renovation" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, typically used to indicate that a building, room, or object is in a state that requires repair or improvement. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs renovation" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something in need of repair or improvement, as validated by Ludwig. Its usage is prevalent across various contexts, notably in news, real estate, and academic discussions. The phrase carries a neutral tone and is frequently used to inform potential buyers about the condition of a property. While alternatives like "requires refurbishment" or "could use updating" exist, varying your language will help maintain reader engagement. In essence, "needs renovation" serves as a straightforward indicator of a subject's condition requiring future improvements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires refurbishment

Emphasizes a more comprehensive upgrade, often including decoration and new equipment.

could use some updating

Suggests minor improvements are needed to modernize or refresh the appearance or functionality.

is in need of repair

Focuses specifically on fixing damages or broken aspects of the property or item.

calls for remodeling

Indicates a significant structural or design change is desired.

would benefit from an overhaul

Suggests a thorough examination and repair to improve performance or condition.

demands restoration

Implies returning something to its original condition, often after damage or neglect.

is crying out for a makeover

A more emphatic and informal way of saying something needs a cosmetic upgrade.

presents an opportunity for improvement

Focuses on the positive potential of upgrading a property or item.

is ripe for a transformation

Suggests that a significant and beneficial change is possible.

warrants some attention

A general term indicating that something should be checked or improved.

FAQs

How can I use "needs renovation" in a sentence?

You can use "needs renovation" to describe a property or item that requires repairs or improvements. For example, "The old house "needs renovation" before it can be sold."

What are some alternatives to saying "needs renovation"?

Alternatives include "requires refurbishment", "could use some updating", or "is in need of repair" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "needs renovation" or "needs to be renovated"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "needs renovation" is more concise and commonly used. "Needs to be renovated" is more formal but can sound redundant in certain contexts.

What does it mean when a property listing says it "needs renovation"?

It means the property requires significant work to improve its condition, which could include structural repairs, cosmetic upgrades, or modernization of features. This often translates to a lower purchase price but higher upfront costs.