Elizabeth Finkelstein is a passionate historic preservationist, co-founder of the viral Cheap Old Houses movement, and HGTV star best known for co-hosting Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House? with her husband Ethan Finkelstein. Through their wildly popular Instagram account @cheapoldhouses—with millions of followers—they spotlight affordable historic homes under $150,000-$199,000, inspiring a generation to embrace restoration over new construction. If you’re searching for Cheap Old Houses HGTV updates 2026, historic home renovation tips, affordable fixer-upper ideas, or preserving old houses, Elizabeth’s expertise—rooted in her master’s in historic preservation and years advocating for architectural integrity—offers practical guidance on saving forgotten gems. As of January 2026, while no new seasons are confirmed amid HGTV’s evolving lineup, their influence endures through the website, newsletter, book, and ongoing community efforts promoting sustainable, budget-friendly historic restorations that preserve cultural heritage and combat housing affordability challenges.
Early Life and Roots in Historic Preservation
Elizabeth grew up in an 1850s Greek Revival home in Queensbury, New York, lovingly restored by her parents, Dr. Joel and Gail Solomon. This childhood environment—filled with crown molding, peeling wallpaper, and the magic of revival—instilled a deep appreciation for old houses from a young age. She recalls understanding the “magic” even as a toddler, with the nooks, crannies, and stories fueling her imagination.
After graduating from Queensbury High School in 1998, Elizabeth moved to New York City for New York University, earning a degree in communications. Immersed in the city’s rich history, she volunteered with preservation organizations, became a licensed tour guide, and pursued a master’s in historic preservation from Pratt Institute. This education focused on policy, landmark advocacy, and advising owners on historically accurate alterations.
Her professional path included years in preservation nonprofits, where she advocated for new designations and guided building changes to maintain integrity. This foundation shaped her mission to make historic preservation accessible beyond elite circles.
Launching Cheap Old Houses: From Instagram to a Movement
In 2013, Elizabeth and Ethan founded CIRCA Old Houses, a curated marketplace for historic properties. Frustrated by how appraisers undervalued character in her parents’ home sale, they created a platform highlighting beauty in older homes. In 2016, they launched @cheapoldhouses on Instagram to spotlight bargains under $100,000-$150,000, featuring architecturally intact fixer-uppers.
The account exploded, growing to millions of followers by showcasing “forgotten” homes with details like pocket doors, wavy glass, and original plaster. It tapped into housing affordability frustrations, especially for younger generations, while celebrating everyday history—fishermen, millworkers, and families—not just grand landmarks.
The movement evolved into a newsletter, book Cheap Old Houses: An Unconventional Guide to Loving and Restoring a Forgotten Home, and partnerships like with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In 2022, the couple received the Pillar of New York Award from the Preservation League of New York State for making restoration “cool again” and converting everyday people into preservationists.
HGTV Breakthrough: Cheap Old Houses and Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House?
The Instagram success led to HGTV’s Cheap Old Houses in 2021, an eight-episode series where Elizabeth and Ethan toured low-priced older homes, shared historical significance, and featured restorations. It drew millions, inspiring viewers to save architectural gems.
In spring 2024, they returned with Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House?, an eight-episode series guiding buyers through purchasing and restoring properties under $199,000, often within 90 minutes of the Capital Region. With designer Jennifer Salvemini and architectural designer Scott Reed, they addressed fears of old homes, emphasizing budget-friendly, respectful updates.
As of January 2026, no new seasons are confirmed amid HGTV’s focus on returning hits like Fixer to Fabulous and new shows, but the Finkelsteins continue advocating through social media and their site. For updates, visit the HGTV profile or Cheap Old Houses.
Personal Life: Family, Home, and Balance
Elizabeth and Ethan have been together nearly two decades, married, and share a young son, Everett (around 6-8 years old in recent years). They prioritize family time amid busy careers, with Elizabeth noting deep conversations and routines like Monday sleepovers with her child as sources of joy.
The family lives in and restores historic properties, including a $70,000 cheap old farmhouse in Upstate New York—a personal “slice of heaven” and dream home from Elizabeth’s childhood drives. Their hands-on approach mirrors their advocacy: living with homes to understand their worth.
Advocacy and Insights: Preserving Affordable History in 2026
Elizabeth champions preserving character details—pocket doors, plaster walls, butler’s pantries—while updating for modern living. She stresses restoration as a marathon, not sprint, and highlights financing like FHA 203(k) loans for renovations.
In 2026, amid housing challenges, her vision promotes old homes as sustainable, affordable alternatives with soul. One insight: many “scary” features hide value; respectful updates respect architecture while boosting livability and resale.
Her work democratizes preservation, showing everyday homes tell America’s true stories and deserve saving.
Elizabeth Finkelstein’s Key Strengths and Contributions
| Aspect | Elizabeth Finkelstein’s Approach |
|---|---|
| Preservation Background | Master’s in historic preservation; years in nonprofits advocating landmarks |
| Online Platform | Co-founder @cheapoldhouses (millions of followers); CIRCA marketplace |
| HGTV Presence | Co-host Cheap Old Houses (2021); Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House? (2024) |
| Advocacy Focus | Makes restoration accessible; highlights affordable historic homes |
| Family Integration | Works with husband Ethan; raises son Everett in restored homes |
| Awards | Pillar of New York Award (2022) from Preservation League of NYS |
| Publications | Book: Cheap Old Houses guide; newsletter curating listings |
| Community Building | Millions engaged; converts fans into preservationists |
| Personal Projects | Restoring $70k farmhouse; hands-on with historic details |
| Financing Tips | Promotes restoration loans like FHA 203(k) for budget projects |
| Cultural Impact | Preserves everyday history; combats affordability crisis |
| 2026 Relevance | Ongoing influence via social, site despite no confirmed new seasons |
These elements highlight why Elizabeth stands out: blending expertise, passion, and accessibility to save historic homes.
Why Elizabeth Finkelstein Inspires in 2026
From childhood in a restored 1850s home to leading a national movement, Elizabeth proves passion for preservation can spark widespread change. Her work addresses housing crises while honoring architectural heritage, offering hope for affordable, character-filled living.
Follow on Instagram @cheapoldhouses, explore Cheap Old Houses, or her HGTV profile. For context, check related topics on Wikipedia.
Elizabeth doesn’t just save houses—she revives stories, communities, and dreams, one affordable old gem at a time.
