556 Alcatraz Ave, Oakland, California 94609, Oakland, - bed, bath
ACTIVE$899,000
556 Alcatraz Ave, Oakland, California 94609
0Bed
0Bath
Sqft
3,240Lot
Year Built
1900
Close
-
List price
$899K
Original List price
$899K
Price/Sqft
-
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
41106772
Home ConditionPoor
Features
Patio
View-
About this home
Opportunity knocks in one of Oakland’s most convenient and sought-after neighborhoods. This 2,499 sq ft duplex is hitting the market for the first time in decades and offers the perfect blend of location, potential, and versatility. It features a bright 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit and a 1-bedroom, 1-bath unit — both delivered vacant and ready for your vision. Ideal for investors, house hackers, or anyone looking to live in one unit while renting the other. Positioned between Rockridge and Ashby BART stations, with easy access to Whole Foods, local shops, cafes, and multiple transit options, this property offers strong value-add potential in a high-demand rental market. Whether you’re building your portfolio or creating your ideal live/work setup, this location delivers.
Nearby schools
8/10
Peralta Elementary School
Public,•K-5•0.2mi
1/10
Sankofa Academy
Public,•PK-5•0.2mi
6/10
Leconte Elementary School
Public,•K-5•0.5mi
6/10
Malcolm X Elementary School
Public,•K-5•0.6mi
7/10
Emerson Elementary School
Public,•K-5•1.0mi
6/10
John Muir Elementary School
Public,•K-5•1.0mi
6/10
Claremont Middle School
Public,•6-8•0.6mi
8/10
Willard Middle School
Public,•6-8•0.7mi
2/10
Oakland International High School
Public,•9-12•1.2mi
7/10
Oakland Technical High School
Public,•9-12•1.3mi
8/10
Berkeley High School
Public,•9-12•1.4mi
2/10
Fremont High
Public,•9-12•6.0mi
Price History
Date
Event
Price
08/01/25
Listing
$899,000
Neighborhood Comparison
| Subject | Average Home | Neighbourhood Ranking (10 Listings) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beds | 0 | 0 | |
| Baths | 0 | 0 | |
| Square foot | 0 | 0 | |
| Lot Size | 3,240 | 4,500 | 27% |
| Price | $899K | $1.1M | 18% |
| Price per square foot | $0 | $0 | |
| Built year | 1900 | 1908 | 18% |
| HOA | |||
| Days on market | 97 | 175 | 18% |
Condition Rating
Poor
Built in 1900, this duplex shows significant age and a clear lack of modern updates, especially in critical areas like the kitchens and bathrooms. Both kitchens feature extremely outdated cabinets, appliances, and flooring, suggesting renovations (if any) occurred many decades ago. The bathrooms also present with very old fixtures, tubs, and sinks. While the exterior appears to have received a recent paint job, the interior condition, coupled with the property description's emphasis on 'value-add potential' and being 'ready for your vision,' strongly indicates that substantial repairs and rehabilitation are required, including likely major system replacements (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) to meet current standards and comfort levels.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Duplex Income Potential: This 2,499 sq ft duplex offers significant versatility for investors, house hackers, or owner-occupants, with two separate units (2-bed/1-bath and 1-bed/1-bath) providing strong rental income potential in a high-demand market.
Prime Location: Situated in one of Oakland’s most convenient and sought-after neighborhoods, 'N OAKLAND', enhancing its desirability and long-term value.
Excellent Transit Accessibility: Strategically positioned between Rockridge and Ashby BART stations, offering easy access to multiple public transit options for commuters.
Vacant Units: Both units are delivered vacant, providing immediate flexibility for a new owner to either occupy, renovate, or select new tenants without existing lease constraints.
Proximity to Amenities: Conveniently located with easy access to essential amenities including Whole Foods, local shops, and cafes, contributing to a desirable lifestyle.
Cons
Historic Age: Built in 1900, the property's age suggests potential for outdated infrastructure, systems, and components that may require significant capital investment for modernization.
Implied Renovation Needs: The description highlights 'value-add potential' and being 'ready for your vision,' strongly indicating that substantial renovation and upgrades will likely be required to meet modern standards and maximize rental income.
Lack of Recent Updates: No specific recent renovations or modern features are mentioned in the description, implying the property may be in original or dated condition, necessitating further investment.