653 Melville Avenue, Palo Alto, California 94301, Palo Alto, 94301 - bed, bath
653 Melville Avenue
Palo Alto, California 94301
Property Price
SUMMARY
Analysis of 653 Melville Avenue, Palo Alto, California 94301 is currently available with a list price of $3,200,000. The property maintains a Poor Condition Rating (30/100), indicating the property requires renovation and updates to maximize its market potential. This presents opportunities for value-add investors. Located in a high-demand neighborhood within the Palo Alto 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 extensive renovation needed.
Built in 1910, this property exhibits significant deferred maintenance and aging infrastructure. The interior features outdated kitchens and bathrooms, peeling paint, and worn flooring, requiring a total gut renovation or substantial rehabilitation to meet modern living standards.
PROSSTRENGTHS & OPPORTUNITIES
- Prime Location
Situated in a highly coveted Palo Alto neighborhood, the property offers exceptional proximity to downtown University Avenue, Stanford University, and the venture capital hub of Sand Hill Road.
- Investment Versatility
As a residential income duplex on a generous 6,800-square-foot lot, this property provides flexible options for high-yield rental income or multi-generational living in a supply-constrained market.
- Significant Value-Add Potential
The 'blank canvas' nature of this 1910 build allows investors or developers to execute a complete custom renovation, capturing substantial equity growth in one of California's most expensive zip codes.
CONSRISKS & DEFICIENCIES
- Extensive Deferred Maintenance
The property requires significant capital expenditure to address neglected upkeep, making it unsuitable for buyers looking for a move-in ready home without immediate renovation costs.
- Aging Infrastructure
Given the 1910 construction date, the property likely faces challenges with outdated electrical, plumbing, and structural systems that may not meet modern building codes or buyer expectations.
About 653 Melville Avenue
Just south of downtown University Avenue in Palo Alto, this duplex presents a terrific opportunity. Its proximity to the heart of Palo Alto, Stanford University, and world-renowned Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford make it highly desirable. Sand Hill Road, home to preeminent venture capital firms, is nearby, too! The deferred maintenance makes this situation ideal for someone who prioritizes location and wants a blank canvas to start with.
Property Details
Public Facts
- Property Type
- Duplex
- Year Built
- 1910
- Lot Size
- 6,800 Sq. Ft.
Interior
- Total Bedrooms
- -
- Total Bathrooms
- -
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 | - | - | 50% |
| Baths | - | - | 50% |
| Square foot | 1,458 | 2,274 | 33% |
| Lot Size | 6,800 | 6,800 | 50% |
| Price | $3.20M | $3.12M | 67% |
| Price per sq ft | $2.2K | $1.4K | 67% |
| Built year | 1910 | 1910 | 50% |
| HOA | $0 | $0 | 50% |
| Days on market | 39 | 129 | 33% |
Pricing History
Listed for Sale
Jan 27, 2026
$3,200,000
Initial Listing