2517 Cedar St, Berkeley, California 94708, Berkeley, - bed, bath

home-pic
ACTIVE$975,000
2517 Cedar St, Berkeley, California 94708
0Bed
0Bath
Sqft
2,720Lot
Year Built
1935
Close
-
List price
$975K
Original List price
$795K
Price/Sqft
-
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
41107765
Home ConditionPoor
Features
Excellent View: Bay, Bridge(s), Hills
ViewBay, Bridge(s), Hills

About this home

TRANSPARENT PRICE. The best priced duplex in years! Only 6 duplexes sold in the neighborhood in the last 2 years. Average sale price is $2.376 million. The McGrath House – A Rare Opportunity in Iconic Normandy Village/North Campus/Berkeley Hills. The McGrath House is a Craftsman Duplex (FULLY VACANT) with excellent rental potential, perched in Berkeley’s coveted Normandy Village. This architectural gem offers sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Downtown Oakland, Berkeley Hills, and the UC Berkeley Campus. Just blocks from the Northside of Cal Campus, the Rose Garden, Chez Panisse, Cheese Board, Memorial Stadium, and the Gourmet Ghetto. This prime location puts the very best of Berkeley at your doorstep, providing sweeping views, excellent schools, and walkability, while keeping you out of the high fire zone. Live in one unit and rent the other, or bring your contractor and reimagine the McGrath House to it's original glory as a grand single-family residence. With its rich history, unbeatable location, and endless potential, this is a truly rare find in Berkeley's best neighborhood. Opportunity knocks.

Price History

Date
Event
Price
09/13/25
Price Change
$975,000-2.4%
09/09/25
Price Change
$999,000
08/12/25
Listing
$795,000
Neighborhood Comparison

 SubjectAverage HomeNeighbourhood Ranking (1 Listings)
Beds00
Baths00
Square foot00
Lot Size2,7204,710
50%
Price$975K$1.51M
50%
Price per square foot$0$0
Built year19359600968
100%
HOA
Days on market85130
50%
Condition Rating
Poor

The property was built in 1935, making it very old. While some areas show signs of upkeep (like one bedroom with fresh paint and staged furniture), the overall condition, especially in key areas like the kitchens, is dated and requires substantial work. One kitchen features older wooden cabinets, dark granite countertops, a dated light fixture, and worn hardwood floors. The other kitchen, while having newer white cabinets and stainless steel appliances, still has an inconsistent floor (older tile/linoleum) and doesn't appear to be a full, modern renovation. No bathroom images are provided, which is a red flag for a property of this age. The living areas have original-style fireplaces, older windows, and visible radiators, indicating an outdated heating system. The description itself states, 'bring your contractor and reimagine the McGrath House to it's original glory,' which strongly suggests a need for significant rehabilitation and system replacements (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) to meet modern standards, aligning with the 'poor' condition criteria.
Pros & Cons

Pros

Exceptional Location: Situated in the coveted Normandy Village/North Campus/Berkeley Hills, the property offers unparalleled walkability to UC Berkeley, renowned dining (Chez Panisse, Cheese Board), cultural landmarks, and excellent schools, while being outside the high fire zone.
Panoramic Views: Boasts sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Downtown Oakland, Berkeley Hills, and the UC Berkeley Campus, significantly enhancing its appeal and value.
Income-Generating Duplex: A fully vacant Craftsman Duplex with excellent rental potential, providing immediate income generation or the flexibility for an owner to live in one unit and rent the other.
Significant Investment Potential: Marketed as 'the best priced duplex in years' in a neighborhood where average duplex sales exceed $2.3 million, indicating strong appreciation potential and a compelling value proposition.
Architectural Charm & Flexibility: An architectural Craftsman gem offering the unique opportunity to be reimagined and restored to its original grandeur as a single-family residence, appealing to buyers seeking character and customization.

Cons

Age and Renovation Requirements: Built in 1935, the property likely requires significant investment in renovations and updates to restore it to its 'original glory' or modernize its systems, which could be a substantial undertaking for a new owner.
Inconsistent Pricing History: Despite being advertised as 'transparent price,' the listing history shows an initial price of $795k, an increase to $999k, and then a reduction to the current $975k, which may raise questions about the pricing strategy or perceived value.
Limited Lot Size: With a lot size of 2720 sq ft, the property offers relatively limited outdoor space, which might not appeal to buyers desiring a larger yard or extensive outdoor living areas.

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