
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Incredible opportunity to own a centrally located 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom home just 0.5 miles from downtown Santa Barbara. This 588 sq ft cottage offers exceptional walkability to some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Santa Barbara Courthouse Gardens (0.6 mi), Arlington Theater (0.5 mi), Granada Theater (0.5 mi), and Stearns Wharf (1.8 mi). The home features several recent updates, including a brand new roof (December 2025), new attic insulation, a brand new toilet, new bathroom faucet, new shower head, and a replaced kitchen faucet. Windows were replaced in 2014, and a new sewer lateral line has been installed (April 2025)offering key functional upgrades for future renovation or restoration. The living room and dining room feature classic wood louvered shutters, adding character and allure to the space. This home is an ideal opportunity for first-time home buyers or buyers looking to add sweat equity and personalize a charming property in a highly desirable location. With its prime location and strong short-term rental appeal, the property also presents excellent Airbnb potential for investors. Don't miss this unique opportunity to bring new life to a property just minutes from Santa Barbara's vibrant downtown, world-class dining, and the beach.
Property is moderate renovation needed.
While the property was built in 1914, it has received critical functional updates including a brand new roof (2025), new sewer lateral (2025), and windows (2014). However, the interior remains dated with older ceiling tiles and only minor fixture updates to the kitchen and bathroom. The listing's emphasis on 'sweat equity' and 'future renovation' confirms it is a habitable but dated structure requiring cosmetic and system modernization.
Situated just 0.5 miles from downtown Santa Barbara, the property offers exceptional walkability to iconic landmarks, world-class dining, and cultural attractions like the Arlington Theater.
Recent capital improvements, including a brand new roof, new sewer lateral line, and updated insulation, provide essential structural security and reduce immediate renovation costs.
The property presents a unique opportunity for first-time buyers to build sweat equity or for investors to capitalize on its strong short-term rental potential in a highly desirable market.
At only 588 square feet on a minimal 871 square foot lot, the property offers very restricted living space and almost no outdoor area for expansion or recreation.
Despite recent updates, the 1914 construction may present ongoing maintenance challenges and require further modernization to meet contemporary living standards.
No exterior & parking available.
No sensitive facilities data found.
| Feature | Subject | Average Home |
|---|---|---|
| Beds | 1.0 | 3.4 |
| Baths | 1.0 | 3.2 |
| Square foot | 588 | 2,768.185 |
| Lot Size | 871 | 20,827.852 |
| Price | $635.0K | $4.30M |
| Price per sq ft | $1.1K | $1.6K |
| Built year | 1914 | 1959 |
| HOA | $0 | $3.2K |
| Days on market | 402 | 89 |
Feb 9, 2026
$749,000
Initial Listing