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4522 Ferntop Drive, Los Angeles, California 90032, Los Angeles, 90032 - 1 bed, 1 bath

4522 Ferntop Drive, Los Angeles, California 90032 home-pic-0
ACTIVE$525,000
4522 Ferntop Drive, Los Angeles, California 90032
1Bed
1Bath
468Sqft
1,836Lot
Year Built
1924
Close
-
List price
$525K
Original List price
$525K
Price/Sqft
$1,122
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
PW25228142
Home ConditionPoor
Features
Good View: Hills, Neighborhood
Deck
ViewHills, Neighborhood

About this home

We found 3 Cons,5 Pros. Rank: price - $525.0K(4th), sqft - 468(1th), beds - 1(4th), baths - 1(38th).

Charming hillside cottage in El Sereno with sweeping views and unique outdoor spaces. This 1-bedroom, 1-bath home offers 468 sq ft of living space on an elevated lot. Access is from the street up to the top of the property, where the residence sits privately above it all. A central terrace area provides a balcony-style outdoor space perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Great opportunity for an investor or owner-user looking for value in a sought-after neighborhood close to Downtown LA, Alhambra, and South Pasadena. Property includes an additional unpermitted living area not reflected in public records. Buyer to verify all square footage, permits, and uses. A long-term tenant is in place under an existing lease, paying $1,200/month, with the potential for a negotiated buyout. This makes the property an excellent opportunity for buyers seeking future redevelopment, creative renovation, or a long-term hold in a rapidly evolving neighborhood. Located near major thoroughfares, shopping, and dining, this hillside property combines accessibility with privacy. Bring your vision and unlock the potential of this well-situated Los Angeles home.

Price History

Date
Event
Price
09/29/25
Listing
$525,000
Condition Rating
Poor
This 1924-built property is 100 years old and shows significant signs of age and deferred maintenance. The kitchen features very dated white cabinets, open shelving, and bright yellow walls, indicating it has not been updated in many decades. No images of the bathroom were provided, but given the overall condition, it is highly likely to be in a similar, very outdated state. The property lacks central air conditioning, relying on visible window AC units, and the light fixtures are basic and old. Flooring is a mix of hardwood-look laminate and older tile. The exterior appears worn, and the description explicitly mentions an 'unpermitted living area' and suggests the property is an opportunity for 'future redevelopment' or 'creative renovation,' implying substantial work is needed. While currently occupied by a tenant, its condition necessitates significant repairs and rehabilitation to meet modern living standards, aligning with a 'poor' rating.
Pros & Cons

Pros

Strong Investment & Development Potential: Explicitly marketed for investors, redevelopment, creative renovation, or long-term hold in a rapidly evolving neighborhood. The existing tenant provides immediate income, offering a potential revenue stream from day one.
Prime Location & Accessibility: Situated in the desirable El Sereno neighborhood, offering excellent proximity to Downtown LA, Alhambra, and South Pasadena, with convenient access to major thoroughfares, shopping, and dining.
Panoramic Views & Elevated Privacy: Benefits from a hillside, elevated lot that provides sweeping views of the hills and neighborhood, coupled with a sense of privacy as the residence sits 'privately above it all'.
Unique Outdoor Living Space: Features a central terrace area described as a 'balcony-style' outdoor space, perfect for relaxing or entertaining, which significantly enhances the property's appeal despite its small interior footprint.
Historic Charm & Character: Built in 1924, this 'charming hillside cottage' offers unique architectural character and a sense of history, appealing to buyers looking for properties with distinct personality.

Cons

Unpermitted Living Area & Verification Burden: The property includes an additional unpermitted living area not reflected in public records, posing legal and financial risks. The buyer is responsible for verifying all square footage, permits, and uses, which could lead to costly legalization or removal.
Extremely Limited Living Space: At only 468 sq ft with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, the property offers very compact living, which significantly restricts its market appeal and functionality for many potential buyers.
Tenant Occupancy & Access Challenges: A long-term tenant is in place under an existing lease, complicating immediate owner-occupancy or renovation plans and potentially requiring a negotiated buyout. Additionally, access 'from the street up to the top of the property' suggests a potentially difficult or inconvenient approach.

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