1430 Merrill Street, Santa Cruz, California 95062, Santa Cruz, 95062 - 3 bed, 3 bath

1430 Merrill Street
Santa Cruz, California 95062
Property Price
SUMMARY
Analysis of 1430 Merrill Street, Santa Cruz, California 95062 is currently available with a list price of $1,975,000. The property maintains a Tear down Condition Rating (10/100), reflecting significant deferred maintenance. This property is best suited for experienced investors or developers prepared for substantial renovation work. Located in a high-demand neighborhood within the Santa Cruz Unified School District, this asset is categorized as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition suitable for Experienced Investors and Fix-and-Flip Specialists.
Condition Analysis
OVERALL CONDITION SCORE
Property is land value only, full reconstruction required.
Built in 1927, the property consists of three cottages that are explicitly stated to 'need love' and 'lack polish.' The images reveal extremely outdated and worn interiors, including very old kitchens with basic appliances, exposed light bulbs, and dilapidated flooring. There's no evidence of significant renovations in the past 50 years. The listing heavily emphasizes the land's development potential (e.g., 'create a family compound,' 'build a surf-centric community,' 'leverage SB684 for up to 6 detached single-family homes,' 'Density Bonus for up to 19 multifamily units'), indicating that the value is primarily in the land and its redevelopment opportunities, rather than the existing structures. The current structures are in a condition that suggests they are beyond economical repair for modern living standards, aligning with the 'tear-down' criteria.
PROSSTRENGTHS & OPPORTUNITIES
- High Available Lot Utilization
The property has a large lot size, which is more than 4 times of its living area. lot size in square feet = 19646, living area = 1630.
- Exceptional Development Potential
Zoned RM-2.5 with flexible standards, offering significant opportunities for multi-unit development (up to 19 units with Density Bonus) or multiple single-family homes (up to 6 via SB684).
- Prime Walkable Coastal Location
Unbeatable proximity to Black's Beach (5 min walk), Live Oak Farmers Market (3 min), and local amenities, situated in the highly sought-after East Cliff Village.
CONSRISKS & DEFICIENCIES
- Extensive Renovation/Redevelopment Required
The existing cottages are explicitly noted as needing 'love' and lacking 'polish,' indicating a substantial capital investment for modernization or complete redevelopment.
- High Entry Price Point
The list price of $1.975 million represents a significant initial investment, which will be further compounded by the necessary costs for renovation or new construction.
- Age of Structures
Built in 1927, the current structures are nearly a century old, likely requiring comprehensive updates to systems, infrastructure, and aesthetics to meet modern standards.
About 1430 Merrill Street
Hello, I'm a special property with three charming cottages on an extraordinary half-acre in coastal Live Oak. My three 1BR/1BA homes need love, but what I lack in polish, I make up for in pure potential and a walkable location that offers privacy and design flexibility with mature trees, morning light and ocean breezes on my nearly 20,000 SF level lot. Imagine waking up just a 5-minute stroll from Black's Beach with Live Oak Farmers Market at your doorstep (3 min) and morning coffee at Bodega del Lago (4 min). Maybe you'll create a family compound, design your dream beach estate with a pool and gardens, or build a surf-centric community where multiple families can share this coastal paradise and catch waves at Pleasure Point. I'm zoned for possibilities (RM-2.5) with flexible development standards (3-stories). Your options: 1) leverage SB684 for up to 6 detached single-family homes on separate parcels, 2) use Density Bonus for up to 19 multifamily units (14 base + 5 bonus), 3) create your single dream home with incredible outdoor living or beach houses for extended family and rental income - your vision can become reality. Properties like me in walkable East Cliff Village don't come along often. Come visit. Walk to the beach. Imagine possibilities. Create your coastal legacy.
Property Details
Public Facts
- Property Type
- Single Family Residence
- Year Built
- 1927
- Lot Size
- 19,646 Sq. Ft.
Interior
- Total Bedrooms
- 3
- Total Bathrooms
- 3 (3 Full, 0 Half)
Exterior & Parking
No exterior & parking available.
Utilities & Misc
- HOA Fee
- $0 / Month
Neighborhood Insights
Sensitive Facilities
No sensitive facilities data found.
Neighborhood Comparison
| Feature | Subject | Average Home | Neighborhood Ranking (50 Listings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beds | 3.0 | 3.0 | 50% |
| Baths | 3.0 | 2.0 | 65% |
| Square foot | 1,630 | 1,565 | 54% |
| Lot Size | 19,646 | 5,336 | 94% |
| Price | $1.98M | $1.47M | 75% |
| Price per sq ft | $1.2K | $1.0K | 58% |
| Built year | 1927 | 1960 | 15% |
| HOA | $0 | $0 | 50% |
| Days on market | 142 | 155 | 44% |
Pricing History
Listed for Sale
Jan 15, 2026
$1,975,000
$1,995,000
-1% Price Drop
Initial Listing
Price Change
Oct 16, 2025
$1,995,000
Initial Listing







































