FREE Houses! All You Have to Do Is Move Them.

Being a historic preservation professional married to the director of a creative agency, I am constantly being challenged to appreciate the value of new things as much as I love the past (before I met Ethan, I would happily have plotted my overseas time travel to 1920s London and never looked back, even if it meant being dead by now). Ethan’s perspective has opened my eyes to the incredible ways in which new media can transform preservation advocacy, and how critical it is that preservation groups jump on the new media bandwagon. If you’re at all tapped into this world, you’ve probably seen the stats showing that social media is no longer an option for businesses; rather, it’s “just the ways things are.”
CIRCA’s presence on Facebook has introduced me to a number of wonderful preservation advocacy groups and campaigns that I had never before known about, and it’s great fun to follow their work. Coincidentally, three items that have popped up in my feed recently all have something in common: They are offering free houses to the first person who can pick them up and move them.
And by the way, if you’re interested in knowing how to move a house, I did some in-depth research that I’m happy to share with you in the video below!
Arlington, Virginia
Photo courtesy of Preservation Arlington.
Preservation Arlington is helping to promote this adorable Sears kit bungalow dating from 1926. Here is what their webpage says about it:
On behalf of their client, Arlington-based architects Paola Lugli and Paola Amodeo, of the firm Paolasquare international, are offering a free Sears house at 3010 7th St. N. (near Pershing Drive in Lyon Park). The house, built in 1926, is a Wellington model Sears home. Originally priced at $1,998, this lot recently sold in September 2013 for over $750,000. However, the needs of the homeowner do not meet the constrictions of the current home. Rather than bulldoze this historic property, the homeowner is interested in giving it away for only the cost of moving the home.
“When we got the project, we spoke with our client, and we all agreed that the house should not be demolished,” Lugli says. “Unfortunately, given its positioning on the very narrow lot and the programmatic requirements of the client, we cannot integrate it in our project. The Sears bungalows are part of Arlington’s historic heritage and boast great proportions, hard-to-find craftsmanship, and attention to detail. We would love for someone to move it somewhere where it can be used.”
To save this house, contact either principal of Paolasquare International:
Paola Lugli — [email protected]
Paola Amodeo — [email protected]
Greenville, Georgia
Photo courtesy of Keller Williams Realty.
Photo courtesy of Keller Williams Realty.
Ok, this one’s not entirely free. BUT it’s only $40,000, and hey, in my inflated world of Brooklyn real estate, that’s as good as free (and you might have some bargaining power there). Besides, it dates all the way back to 1840! Oh, I just love an historic log cabin. (Over the holiday, we happily binged on the entire season of Frontier House. Best 10 hours of my life.)
Here’s what the listing says:
A true and authentic hand-hewn Log Cabin constructed in 1840. It is a Dog-Trot design. It has a bathroom, dining room, living room and sunporch on main level. It has three adjoining bedrooms on upper floor. Located near the FDR & Warm Springs GA areas. Price is for the cabin only; no land. Buyer must move cabin to a new location.
To save this house, contact Keller Williams realtor Norm Hatke at 404-906-4455.
Nashville, Tennessee
Photo courtesy of Historic Nashville.
Gahhhhhhh I love this one. A little Queen Anne with a porch to die for! AND It’s entirely free. From the Facebook page of Historic Nashville:
Looking for a FREE historic house?? This c. 1885 Queen Anne-style house at 1818 Eastland Avenue in East Nashville (across from Eastland Cafe) is available at no cost for anyone willing to move it to another lot. According to research by the Metro Historical Commission, the building was originally the Spout Spring School before being converted into a dwelling. In the 1970s, it was converted into 3 apartments. The current owner March Egerton has pulled a demolition permit, but will allow someone to relocate the house at no cost. The window of opportunity is short so if you are seriously interested, you must ACT FAST. Please spread the word. Let’s save this East Nashville landmark!
UPDATE (July 18, 2014): Sadly, the house in Nashville has been demolished. Thank you to everyone who reached out to try to save it!
AUTHOR ELIZABETH FINKELSTEIN
Elizabeth is the founder of CIRCA and a practicing writer, architectural historian and preservation consultant living in Brooklyn, NY. Elizabeth has loved historic houses for as long as she can remember, having grown up in an 1850’s Greek Revival gem that was lovingly restored by her parents. Elizabeth, her husband Ethan and their beagle Banjo remain on a relentless hunt for their perfect “Thanksgiving house.”
Dot Gillis
February 7, 2014 at 8:46 pm
Oh Gosh…I’ll take them all…can we them to Canada?
CIRCAhouses
February 8, 2014 at 1:38 am
Dot, I don’t see why not! <3
Cherry Darling
February 9, 2014 at 7:50 pm
So sad there are probably 100’s of houses like these demo’d every year! 🙁 I want them alllllll lol
Michelle Fowler
April 5, 2014 at 7:11 pm
Looking for one in Maine, possibly New Hampshire but no luck.Any suggestions?
CIRCAhouses
April 7, 2014 at 6:41 pm
Michelle, are you looking for a free one to move?
Brandy Stretch Jones
May 13, 2014 at 11:36 pm
I’m looking for one that’s needs moved in south carolina
Jeanne M Watson
May 18, 2014 at 12:32 am
We are looking for a house in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin area. It doesn’t have to be free. I can’t seem to find anything. Are there places I could look, or sites to visit? Any type of help would be great please.
Will
July 6, 2014 at 12:15 am
I have a very nice ca. 1790 2 story house, dismantled, in Maine, $50,000.
Heather Porter Smith
August 30, 2014 at 12:14 am
Funny I stumbled upon this website on FB. We are house movers in Ga!
Jennifer Benefield
September 19, 2014 at 8:27 pm
Where at in Georgia? I need one moved possibly to a different location. ? Im in Carrolton ga
K Horsley
October 1, 2014 at 5:35 pm
We are looking for a house to move in or near St. Augustine Florida. I’m not sure where to start!
gigi
October 9, 2014 at 11:22 am
I am looking for a house to move in southeast ga
andrea
October 11, 2014 at 7:45 pm
Are you still looking? We have a 1750 cape in maine.
jim
October 15, 2014 at 3:42 pm
I am looking for a house to move in Minnesota in the southern part!
Delayne
October 26, 2014 at 5:43 pm
I need a small home in the Dallas area (or north of Dallas) that needs to be moved.
[email protected]
Zachery Martel
November 1, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Looking for a free house to be moved and any contacts to who can move them.
CIRCAhouses
January 4, 2015 at 10:17 pm
Keep your eyes on CIRCA — if we can find one in George, we won’t hesitate to share it! In the meantime, you might try reaching out to a realtor in your area, or one of the folks featured here: https://circaoldhouses.com/historic-real-estate-agents/
Cheryl
January 25, 2015 at 1:33 am
looking for an old house to move onto my property. Free would be best.
Brenda
February 1, 2015 at 9:31 pm
Looking for a farm house in east Tennessee area to move to my property .
CIRCAhouses
February 2, 2015 at 3:58 am
If one comes across our desks, we won’t hesitate to share it with the CIRCA community. Thanks for visiting the site!
Kari
February 3, 2015 at 2:57 am
I wish I could find something like this in Montana!
Dave Moose
February 5, 2015 at 6:38 pm
Looking houses in the Pittsburgh, Pa. area to move.
aidac5
February 10, 2015 at 8:41 pm
Looking for a moveable house to move to New Jersey
aidac5
February 10, 2015 at 8:44 pm
Looking for a house to move to New Jersey
Virginia DelGesso Puckett
February 11, 2015 at 10:44 pm
A House To Be Moved To The NC Coast…
Amy
February 15, 2015 at 7:46 pm
Looking for house to be moved in West Alabama. Free would be great
Martha Mc
February 17, 2015 at 8:23 pm
I am looking for a small, free, house/ cabin to move onto my property. I am in northeast Georgia.
Michelle
February 19, 2015 at 11:39 pm
I am looking for a house with some charm I live in East Texas, and would love a chance to preserve history and find myself a project and a beautiful home to start my future in.
Kir
February 20, 2015 at 3:36 am
Bob
What are the addresses so I can Google Earth them unless yo have pictures you can forward
barney
February 21, 2015 at 7:00 am
Looking for house to be moved to my property to corpus Christi Texas
Bess Miles
February 25, 2015 at 9:35 pm
Looking for a house to move to Elgin,TX.
Jean Turner
March 2, 2015 at 1:02 am
Looking for house(preferably free) to be moved to property near Marion Al. could be structure suitable for home..
Jean Turner
March 2, 2015 at 1:27 am
Information please on houses in safety harbor. Looking to move house to property near Marion al. Thanks
Belinda
March 10, 2015 at 7:47 pm
I am looking for a small house to be moved hopefully house is free and close very limited funds to be moved to Ponchatoula La
Vickie Watson
March 12, 2015 at 5:30 am
Looking for a free house 3 bedroom 2 bath to be moved to Marshall Texas
adrienne
March 15, 2015 at 12:40 am
Looking for a free house to be moved to Avinger, Texas.
David Laymon
March 15, 2015 at 4:22 am
Hi! We’re looking for an older/ unique structure for a permenant residence. We recently acquired 29 acres, with unique views on a ridge in chattahoochee hills, Fulton county Ga. Our budget to buy and move is @ $75,000. Our site limit is, 60’x 100+’. Thanks! David & Virginia
Amy
March 15, 2015 at 4:30 pm
I’m looking for an older two story home around minot North Dakota. Please if anyone knows of one let me know. I had one but found it was not stable enough to move. Sadly another piece of history will be lost. I had everything set up too! Mover and all!
Vicki Williams Davis
March 16, 2015 at 12:27 am
We are looking for a free home to put on our property in Romance, AR.
Merrill
March 17, 2015 at 12:15 am
I am looking for a small free (hopefully!) house to be moved to Sebago, Maine.
Barry Co.
March 18, 2015 at 1:59 am
Im looking for a fixer up a real fixer my hubbie is a carpenter we have a ranch near Corsicana Tx
Dawn Rochelle Tucker
March 19, 2015 at 10:16 pm
Looking for a historic home to pick up and move in AZ.
Kristy Neidlinger
March 22, 2015 at 7:49 am
I’m looking for a home to move I’m in mason city, ia
Jess
March 22, 2015 at 2:52 pm
I have land in historic brooksville. Not far to move if decent houses. Please send pictures.
Milton Guardado
March 25, 2015 at 6:59 pm
I have a house in Galveston, TX that I’m selling for $8000 obo. Email me if you’re interested. [email protected]
Vinney
March 28, 2015 at 6:42 pm
Please….I am looking for a free home to be placed on my property in Pittsburg, Tx. So if you want to make a country couple happy….please let us have your free home.
Rachel
March 29, 2015 at 3:55 am
I am looking for a house in Houston Tx to be moved
JO
April 2, 2015 at 7:53 pm
Hi there. Did you find a taker on these homes?
JO
April 2, 2015 at 7:57 pm
Looking for a home to move in Central Florida.
Michele M. Jackson
April 11, 2015 at 3:55 am
Looking for a house that can be moved to Minnesota. I am in love with the American Foursquare homes and the Sears kits style homes. But am open to looking at anything available!
Barry Co.
April 16, 2015 at 3:14 pm
Thanks but thats to far for us
Trenard Davis
April 18, 2015 at 4:16 am
Hi My name is Trenard Davis and I’m from Texas City. My wife and I are looking to purchase a home please contact us asap at 409-974-0278 or 409-939-6915
Joelsky2
April 26, 2015 at 2:52 am
looking for a house to be moved to an acre in Harlingen, Texas
George Tripp
April 29, 2015 at 1:24 am
Looking fora housein New England to move to maine
Julie Miller Kelley
May 4, 2015 at 10:11 pm
Looking for a house to move to hill country outside of San Antonio TX
Jennifer Benefield
May 7, 2015 at 5:31 pm
anyone move houses in ga
Jennifer Benefield
May 7, 2015 at 5:47 pm
where at in Ga? I need one moved @Heatherportersmith
Jennifer Benefield
May 11, 2015 at 6:16 pm
anyone know who moves houses in Georgia?
Jane
May 14, 2015 at 11:17 pm
I see a lot of ads, especially on craigslist for free. Many of them are beautiful, older homes. Unfortunately, they are not free to move which can cost up to $100,000 depending on the distance, size of the house (power lines), narrow streets, trees that have to be trimmed, etc. I would love to own one of these beautiful, older homes, but if I had that amount of money to spend to move it, I would just buy a home and the land it sits on instead of moving a house. It’s a shame, though, because so many of these homes end up being torn down because of the expense of moving.
Arnold Salazar
May 23, 2015 at 8:09 pm
I am looking for multiple small houses to move to my property in Houston, TX. South of downtown inside loop 610?
Arnold Salazar
May 23, 2015 at 8:13 pm
call me at 713-859-1749 or email me at [email protected]
Garrett Denny
May 27, 2015 at 4:20 am
Where in AZ?
T Randolph
June 6, 2015 at 8:19 pm
Hello,
I am looking for a house to move to a lot in Portsmouth, VA, small lot, narrow, but long.
Tonika Pettigrew
June 29, 2015 at 1:13 pm
I’m looking for one in Georgia to put on property in Madison.
MerryCline Coffey
July 5, 2015 at 4:41 pm
I am looking for a house close to Madison, MIssissippi to be relocated on my property. Any information would be helpful.
D flock
July 18, 2015 at 9:12 am
So how do u find a house in Texas. Would love to renovate a home.
Debbie
July 18, 2015 at 9:18 am
So how do you find these homes in Texas near Houston And galveston
John Harper
July 19, 2015 at 11:34 am
We have recently purchased a log cabin in Clarkesville, GA that was originally built somewhere in Ohio back in 1826. We are trying to find out the history of the cabin.
JulieJR
August 3, 2015 at 2:32 am
There used to be an adorable Victorian near the train tracks (in Madison, near where yellow dog books was) with a hole in its roof….loved it! Not sure if it is still there as we moved five years ago. Try contacting the Mississippi Department of Archives and History in Jackson, they might know of one. Good Luck!
Yvonne Gonzalez
August 26, 2015 at 5:46 pm
How is do I go abodut finding more houses for free I can move it to a lot but I can’t find anymore ?
Kristie Madsen Burns
September 13, 2015 at 9:27 pm
Do you have any houses in Utah?
Claudia
September 19, 2015 at 2:20 pm
Hello my name is Claudia an would like to move the house
Shelia Branch
September 25, 2015 at 2:23 am
Any houses close to me Stockton Ga.
DEBORAH
October 21, 2015 at 6:29 pm
LOOKING FOR A HOUSE NEAR THE LEBANON TN AREA
Rios
October 26, 2015 at 9:37 pm
Have a house in Pharr, Texas and must be moved out!
Cynthia Dareshori
October 29, 2015 at 11:58 am
I have an adorable 2 br/1 ba home located in Wellesley Ma. It’s free if you move it. I’d have to look at the street today to see if it could fit on a truck. Are you still looking? Cynthia – my email:
[email protected].
Candace
November 3, 2015 at 3:22 pm
Is there a limit to how big a house can be to move it? Does it have to be pier and beam? I have a house in East Texas that is 3000 sq ft and I would like to sell and move it.
Nancy
November 4, 2015 at 6:48 pm
I’m interested.
Nancy 281-601-2116
Stacy Desselle
November 6, 2015 at 8:38 pm
My son is looking for a free house to be moved in central Louisiana [email protected] thank you
Audrey Huston
November 10, 2015 at 4:13 pm
Hello, wondering if you had more info about the home in Pharr tx. Thanks!
Rana
November 16, 2015 at 7:20 pm
I have a house in Nicholls, Georgia that needs to be moved. It is approximately 100 years old.
angie
November 21, 2015 at 1:42 am
Where in east texas? Do you have pics?
Kimberli Wilson-Gray
November 21, 2015 at 9:09 pm
My daughter is looking for free home to be moved in central texas near Belton Texas [email protected].
Francis Jenkins
November 25, 2015 at 12:53 am
Do you have more Pictures?
[email protected]
Amanda White
November 25, 2015 at 5:27 pm
Can you provide some more info?
Jacob Barnett
November 27, 2015 at 2:10 pm
Do you know of any homes that need to be moved near Idaho [email protected]
Paige
November 28, 2015 at 11:01 pm
Please email me, I’m in Texas! [email protected]
Paige
November 28, 2015 at 11:02 pm
I’m interested ASAP!! [email protected]
Amy
February 16, 2016 at 12:18 am
There was a yellow house next to Whataburger in Jacksonville that was either free or very inexpensive to be moved. I don’t know if it’s still there or not, but just FYI
James J
March 2, 2016 at 8:18 am
I’m looking for a free home to be moved. 3+ bedrooms. Jacksonville TX (Pine Grove)
maricia stapleton
March 24, 2016 at 10:58 pm
Do you have way to move them?
emilio oliva
April 7, 2016 at 11:39 pm
I’m in Austin Texas. I am looking for an old log home that can be moved with minimal damage.
The older the better (historical, rustic, 1800’s type dwelling, or newer.)
Holly
April 14, 2016 at 5:45 am
We are looking for a 2 story house or diary barn/grainery to be moved in Montana or a bordering state to the SW corner of the state that we can convert into our next home. Anyone know of anything that may be a fit for us?
renee
April 15, 2016 at 8:38 pm
House question. In Lufkin Texas and considering lot in town and house for it,any house info aappreciated.
Crystal Fisher
May 1, 2016 at 2:52 am
Any houses in NC?
Derrick Lee Newell
May 2, 2016 at 9:00 pm
looking for a house in Livingston Texas
Derrick Lee Newell
May 2, 2016 at 9:05 pm
ANY FREE HOUSES OR MANUFACTURED HOMES IN CLEVELAND , GOODRICH OR LIVINGSTON TEXAS
Leta Bergstrom
May 4, 2016 at 2:52 am
Any free older homes in Oregon nearby gold beach Oregon ?
Johnna Lockmiller
May 6, 2016 at 6:01 pm
Looking for barn style of Victorian home small to move tomy property If u have one please contact me at 931-316-3936 my name is johnnA
Johnna Lockmiller
May 6, 2016 at 6:07 pm
Looking for a small barn or Victorian to move to my property. If Iu have one plz contact me at 9313163936 thank you close too cookville tn
Tanya
May 6, 2016 at 6:19 pm
Can anyone tell me about the cost of hoisting up a house and moving it in California around Sacramento? Is there a flat rate or does it go by the mileage and size of the house?
Teresa
May 11, 2016 at 4:46 pm
Looking for a free house to move to our property in Northeast Florida. Near Gainesville, FL
rayunseitig
May 15, 2016 at 4:01 am
looks like some good ideas here.
Oziel Delgado
May 16, 2016 at 4:07 pm
I am looking for free houses to be moved in Houston Texas, [email protected]
mikeabouttown
May 24, 2016 at 1:44 am
I may be giving away a couple of houses for the cost of moving +$5,000
mikeabouttown
May 24, 2016 at 1:44 am
oh…this would be in Waco Texas
Wendy
May 31, 2016 at 5:54 pm
Any homes to be moved in Oregon? Looking for something with character 🙂
CIRCAhouses
May 31, 2016 at 8:11 pm
Please send us the information! letters(at)circaoldhouses(dot)com
Jess
June 11, 2016 at 6:01 pm
Looking for home to move onto my property. I’m in northern california , looking for structures in california or Oregon. -jess96093 @gmail.com
Max
July 3, 2016 at 1:50 am
Looking for a 2 bd old house to be moved to place it in Santa Maria Cal. Any prospects avail? Thanks
Max
July 3, 2016 at 1:52 am
Any homes avail in the central coast in calif?
Debbie hartman
July 7, 2016 at 3:40 am
Looking for free homes in Texas. We live in the San Angelo area.
Siu
July 15, 2016 at 3:43 pm
Looking for a free old house in North Florida
Daphne BRITT
July 20, 2016 at 12:39 pm
Looking for a free home near the Port Arthur and Beaumont area
chuck jones
July 23, 2016 at 6:23 am
looking for homes in Oklahoma or Texas.
Maha
July 29, 2016 at 4:44 am
But is it possible take a free house ❤️Vintage farmhouse is my dream and cook organic food ?
Denise Harvey
July 29, 2016 at 10:30 pm
Looking for a free home to move to our country property, preferably within 200 miles of Preston, Idaho, but will consider anywhere in Utah, Idaho or Wyoming.
KittCatt
April 30, 2019 at 8:26 pm
The cost of moving a house starts at about $12 to $16 per square foot but can quickly rise if the home is heavier, bigger or has farther to go [sources: McLinden, Burstein]. One house builder estimates that moving a large home more than just a few miles can run about $150,000 to $200,000 [