
Santa Ana, California 92701
This High-Potential Investment Opportunity is a historic Craftsman triplex listed at $849,000, positioned above the $717,801 Fair Market Value. While the property requires significant rehabilitation given its Condition Rating of 5, it offers substantial upside through its Historic French Park designation and potential for ADU expansion. The triplex layout provides versatile income streams for Buy-and-Hold Investors or Owner-Occupants seeking to offset mortgage costs. With a newer roof and electrical panel, this asset is primed for value-add renovations in a sought-after historic district.
Comparables within 1 miles sold in recently
| Address | Sold Price | Beds | Baths | Sq Ft | $/Sqft | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
★ 831 French Street Subject | $849,000* List Price | 0 | 0 | 2,065 | $348 | - |
A 435 S Ross Street Sold | $850,000 | 0 | 0 | 1,790 | $475 | 0.9 mi |
B 404 E Chestnut Avenue Sold | $806,000 | 0 | 0 | 2,049 | $393 | 0.7 mi |
C 101 S Birch Street Active | $1,099,000 List Price | 0 | 0 | 2,808 | $391 | 0.6 mi |
* Subject property listed price vs sold prices of comps.
Property is extensive renovation needed.
Built in 1911 and explicitly marketed as a 'fixer,' this property shows significant interior age. While the roof and electrical panel are recently updated, the kitchens and bathrooms are extremely dated with 30-50+ year old finishes, worn flooring, and aged appliances, requiring a full rehabilitation to meet modern standards.
Located in the prestigious Historic French Park, this 1911 Craftsman is a designated historic property, offering significant architectural character and potential property tax savings through the Mills Act.
The triplex configuration provides versatile options for owner-users to offset mortgage costs or for investors to maximize cash flow, with additional upside via potential ADU conversion of the detached storage structure.
The property features a newer composition shingle roof and an updated electrical panel, addressing two major capital expenditure items and providing a more secure foundation for further renovations.
Lot size discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing lot size in square feet =4356, other record lot size in square feet = 4631. Living area discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing living area = 2065, other record living area = 1979.
Explicitly listed as a fixer, the property requires significant cosmetic and potentially structural investment to realize its full market value and rental potential.
The surrounding public schools have relatively low performance ratings, which may limit the property's appeal to families and impact long-term appreciation compared to higher-rated districts.
Welcome to the Gowdy House, a classic Craftsman triplex located in the highly sought-after Historic French Park neighborhood and designated as a contributive property on Santa Ana’s Historic Properties list, check for possible qualification for Mills Act. Rich in character and architectural charm, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of local history with strong income potential. The property features three units: Unit A is a spacious ground-level residence of approximately 1,027 sq ft(buyer to verify), offering 2 bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill layout, 1 1/4 bath, a formal living room, dining area with built-in buffet, as well as a separate laundry room and pantry. Unit B is located upstairs and is approximately 725 sq ft(buyer to verify), configured as a 1-bedroom, 1-bath with potential to easily create a second bedroom. Unit C is a downstairs studio unit of approximately 312 sq ft(buyer to verify), ideal for additional income or flexible use. An exceptional opportunity for an owner-user, this “live in one and rent the others” setup provides the ability to offset your mortgage while enjoying the character of a historic home, with added flexibility for multigenerational living. Investors will be drawn to the triplex layout, delivering multiple income streams and significant upside through cosmetic improvements and potential ADU expansion (buyer to verify). Additional features include a welcoming front porch, basement for added storage or potential use, and a detached rear storage structure that may offer ADU conversion potential (buyer to verify with the City). Recent improvements include an updated electrical panel and subpanel. This is a fixer with tremendous upside in one of Santa Ana’s most desirable historic neighborhoods.
No exterior & parking available.
Grades K-5 • 0.3 mi
Grades K-5 • 0.8 mi
Grades K-5 • 1.0 mi
No sensitive facilities data found.
| Feature | Subject | Average Home | Neighborhood Ranking (50 Listings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beds | 0.0 | 0.0 | 50% |
| Baths | 0.0 | 0.0 | 50% |
| Square foot | 2,065 | 2,057 | 50% |
| Lot Size | 4,356 | 6,751.5 | 13% |
| Price | $849.0K | $945.0K | 38% |
| Price per sq ft | $411 | $398 | 63% |
| Built year | 1911 | 1925 | 13% |
| HOA | $0 | $0 | 50% |
| Days on market | 8 | 210 | 13% |
May 29, 2026
$849,000
Initial Listing