
San Diego, California 92115
This Multi-Unit Development Opportunity is listed at $729,000, representing a stable acquisition near its $703,821 Fair Market Value. Maintaining a Condition Rating of 4, the home is Move-In Ready with fresh paint and updated flooring. The property offers Significant ADU Potential, featuring expired permits for a garage conversion and zoning that supports up to four total units on the lot. Located in the ABC Unified district with a Private Patio and Detached Third Bedroom, this asset is ideal for Owner-Occupants seeking rental income or Buy-and-Hold Investors looking for long-term density upside.
Comparables within 1 miles sold in recently
| Address | Sold Price | Beds | Baths | Sq Ft | $/Sqft | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
★ 5278 Trojan Ave Subject | $729,000* List Price | 3 | 1 | 947 | $743 | - |
A 4462 52nd St Sold | $780,000 | 3 | 2 | 1,070 | $729 | 0.3 mi |
B 5556 Baja Drive Sold | $800,000 | 3 | 2 | 1,153 | $694 | 0.9 mi |
C 4649 60th Street Sold | $855,000 | 3 | 1 | 994 | $860 | 0.9 mi |
* Subject property listed price vs sold prices of comps.
Property is moderate renovation needed.
Built in 1948, the property is well over 50 years old. While the description notes fresh paint and updated flooring, the kitchen and bathroom are only 'partially renovated,' with images showing dated vintage tile and older fixtures. It is functional and move-in ready, but the core systems and aesthetic remain dated, fitting the criteria for minor repairs and updates.
The property offers a massive head start for investors with previously approved plans for a garage conversion and zoning that supports up to four total units on the lot.
Recent updates including fresh paint, new flooring, and a partially renovated kitchen and bathroom allow for immediate occupancy or rental without the need for initial repairs.
The detached third bedroom provides a unique and flexible layout, perfect for a private home office, guest suite, or rental opportunity separate from the main living area.
Lot size discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing lot size in square feet =7000, other record lot size in square feet = 5400. Bedroom count discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing bedroom count = 3, other record bedroom count = 2.
With three bedrooms but only one bathroom, the home may face functional challenges for larger families and could be less competitive compared to multi-bath properties in the area.
At just 947 square feet, the main living space is relatively small, which may feel restrictive for buyers seeking spacious common areas or larger room dimensions.
Welcome to 5278 Trojan Ave, a charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath single family home tucked into one of San Diego's most established neighborhoods, Colina del Sol in the heart of Mid-City. Fresh paint, updated flooring, and a partially renovated kitchen and bathroom make this home ready to enjoy from the moment you move in. The renovated laundry room with French doors adds a bright, functional touch that feels anything but ordinary. One of the bedrooms is detached from the main living area, offering natural separation perfect for guests, a home office, or a teenager who needs their own space. The lot spans 5,326 sq ft with no HOA and no Mello-Roos, and this is where the opportunity gets exciting. The City of San Diego previously approved permits and completed plans for a garage conversion to a 1-bed, 1-bath ADU. The permit has since expired but is eligible for renewal, meaning the next owner skips the longest and most frustrating part of the ADU process and picks up right where it left off. On top of that, the zoning supports two additional full ADUs in the backyard, giving this property the potential to accommodate four separate living units on one lot. The plans are fully drawn by a licensed drafter, energy compliance is certified, and the City has already reviewed and approved the design. Renewing an expired permit is a far simpler process than starting fresh, and that advantage has real dollar value in today's San Diego market. Live in the main house, build at your own pace, and let the property grow with you. Colina del Sol is a tight-knit, walkable community with great dining along El Cajon Blvd, easy access to local shopping, and quick freeway connections to all of San Diego. Whether you are planting roots, housing extended family, or simply buying smart, 5278 Trojan Ave delivers a real home today with serious long-term upside already in place.
No exterior & parking available.
No sensitive facilities data found.
| Feature | Subject | Average Home | Neighborhood Ranking (50 Listings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beds | 3.0 | 3.0 | 50% |
| Baths | 1.0 | 2.0 | 30% |
| Square foot | 947 | 1,283.5 | 14% |
| Lot Size | 7,000 | 6,100 | 69% |
| Price | $729.0K | $937.0K | 17% |
| Price per sq ft | $770 | $736 | 60% |
| Built year | 1948 | 1951 | 32% |
| HOA | $0 | $0 | 50% |
| Days on market | 23 | 160 | 9% |
Apr 10, 2026
$729,000
$799,000
-9% Price Drop
Initial Listing
Mar 31, 2026
$799,000
Initial Listing
Nov 3, 2017
$232,000
Public Record