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520 W California, Glendale, California 91203, Glendale, 91203 - bed, bath

520 W California, Glendale, California 91203 home-pic-0
ACTIVE$1,795,000
520 W California, Glendale, California 91203
0Bed
0Bath
3,000Sqft
7,059Lot
Year Built
1952
Close
-
List price
$1.79M
Original List price
$1.79M
Price/Sqft
$598
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
GD25277125
Home ConditionFair
Features
Good View: City Lights, Mountain(s), Neighborhood
Patio
ViewCity Lights,Mountain(s),Neighborhood

About this home

We found 4 Cons,5 Pros. Rank: price - $1.79M(75th), sqft - 3000(50th), beds - undefined(50th), baths - undefined(50th).

Amazing opportunity for investors or owner-users looking to add value and expand in a prime Glendale location. Situated at 520 W California Avenue, this well-located duplex offers versatility, strong upside potential, and a desirable neighborhood setting. The front unit features a spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom layout with comfortable living areas and abundant natural light. The rear unit offers an expansive 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom floor plan, ideal for larger households or maximizing rental income. Both units are thoughtfully laid out, providing privacy and functionality. Set on a generous lot, the property presents excellent potential for investors seeking steady income with future development possibilities, including the opportunity to add more units. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, parks, schools, and major freeways, this duplex combines strong rental appeal with long-term growth potential. Whether you are looking to invest, live in one unit and rent the other, or explore expansion opportunities, 520 W California Avenue is a rare find in the heart of Glendale.

Price History

Date
Event
Price
12/16/25
Listing
$1,795,000
03/08/23
Sold
$1,350,000
08/05/22
Sold
$1,100,000
05/09/14
Sold
$740,000
01/22/07
Sold
$675,000
07/14/04
Sold
$520,000
Condition Rating
Fair
The property, built in 1952, features recently updated interiors including modern white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, new stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, and contemporary laminate flooring in the kitchen and living areas. The bathrooms also show recent renovations with modern tiling and vanities. However, despite these significant cosmetic updates, the property's age (72 years old) and the MLS description's emphasis on 'adding value' and 'potential for updates to its infrastructure, systems, and interior finishes' suggest that major components may still be outdated or require substantial investment beyond the visible renovations. The presence of a drop ceiling in one room also hints at areas that haven't received a full modern overhaul. While the visible living spaces are move-in ready, the overall property condition, particularly its underlying systems and infrastructure, likely falls into the 'aged but maintained' category with signs of outdated major components, aligning with a 'Fair' rating.
Pros & Cons

Pros

Prime Glendale Location: Situated in a highly desirable Glendale neighborhood, the property offers excellent access to shopping, dining, parks, schools, and major freeways, enhancing its rental appeal and long-term value.
Strong Income & Value-Add Potential: As a duplex, it provides significant versatility for investors seeking steady income or owner-users looking to live in one unit and rent the other, with clear opportunities for value appreciation.
Development & Expansion Opportunities: Set on a generous 7,059 sqft lot, the property offers future development possibilities, including the potential to add more units, maximizing its long-term growth and return on investment.
Spacious & Functional Unit Layouts: Features a spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom front unit and an expansive 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom rear unit, providing ample living space and flexibility for various tenant needs.
Desirable Views: The property benefits from appealing views of City Lights, Mountains, and the surrounding Neighborhood, contributing to its overall desirability.

Cons

MLS Listing Discrepancy: Living area discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing living area = 3000, other record living area = 1705.
Age of Property & Potential for Updates: Built in 1952, the property's age suggests that significant updates to its infrastructure, systems, and interior finishes may be required to meet contemporary standards and attract premium tenants.
Implied Renovation Costs: The description's emphasis on 'adding value' and 'expansion' indicates that substantial capital investment beyond the purchase price will likely be necessary to fully modernize the units and realize the property's full potential.
High Initial Investment for Value-Add: With a list price of $1.795M for a property requiring further investment, the initial capital outlay is substantial for a value-add opportunity, potentially impacting immediate cash flow or return on investment.

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