2 beds 1 baths 1,145 sqft

Birmingham Alabama Investor Special With Historic Character and Renovation Potential for $36,500

A low-priced home in Birmingham, Alabama is offering investors, contractors, renovators, and buyers with a vision an opportunity to take on a property with historic character and substantial renovation potential. Listed for $36,500, this 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom single-family residence provides approximately 1,145 square feet of living space on a 0.26-acre lot.

Built in 1925, the home has the kind of older architectural details that can be difficult to recreate in newer construction. Hardwood floors, two fireplaces, a traditional dining room, a front porch, and a spacious living area give the property a distinctive character. At the same time, the listing clearly identifies the house as an investor special that needs renovation and is being sold strictly as-is.

For buyers interested in Birmingham real estate, affordable renovation properties, rental opportunities, or historic homes that can be transformed through thoughtful improvements, this property presents an interesting starting point. Its one-story layout, public water, connected sewer, paved road access, driveway, and established neighborhood setting add practical elements to the renovation equation.

An Affordable Birmingham Renovation Opportunity

The $36,500 asking price places this property firmly in the affordable segment of the Birmingham housing market. At approximately 1,145 square feet, the listed price works out to about $32 per square foot, giving buyers a relatively low entry point compared with the cost of acquiring a finished home and immediately moving into it.

However, the low purchase price should be considered together with the renovation requirements. This is not being marketed as a move-in-ready residence. The listing describes it as a full renovation opportunity, and buyers should expect that repairs, updates, and improvements may be necessary before the property is suitable for occupancy or rental use.

That distinction is important for anyone evaluating the opportunity. A low acquisition price can create room for renovation, but the total project cost depends on the home’s actual condition, the scope of required work, local permit requirements, contractor pricing, materials, and the buyer’s intended final use.

For an experienced investor or contractor, the property could provide a chance to acquire an older Birmingham home at a relatively low initial cost and create a renovated residence according to a specific design plan.

A 1925 Home With Historic Character

One of the most notable features of this property is its 1925 construction date. Homes from this period can offer architectural elements and proportions that differ considerably from many modern houses.

This Birmingham property includes hardwood flooring and two fireplaces, features that can contribute significantly to the character of a renovated older home. The front porch also adds to the traditional appearance and may provide an opportunity to create an attractive outdoor sitting area after restoration.

The property should not be viewed simply as an empty renovation shell. Although it requires work, it retains elements that could potentially become focal points of a finished design.

Hardwood floors, for example, may be refinished if their condition and thickness allow. Fireplaces may provide architectural interest, although their structural condition, chimney condition, and ability to operate safely should be professionally evaluated before any assumptions are made about their use.

Older homes can also contain construction methods and materials that differ from contemporary standards. This makes a thorough inspection particularly important before a buyer commits to a renovation budget.

Two Bedrooms and One Bathroom

The home offers two bedrooms and one full bathroom within approximately 1,145 square feet of finished above-ground living space.

Both bedrooms are located on the first level, consistent with the property’s one-story design. A single-level floor plan can appeal to a range of occupants, including individuals who prefer fewer stairs and investors seeking a straightforward rental layout.

The two-bedroom configuration may also provide flexibility during renovation. Depending on local regulations and the existing structure, a buyer could potentially reconfigure interior spaces, improve storage, update the bathroom, or make other changes that better suit the intended use.

Any changes to bedroom counts, room sizes, structural walls, electrical systems, plumbing, or other major components should be evaluated with qualified professionals and local building officials before construction begins.

Spacious Living Area

The listing describes a spacious living area, providing one of the primary gathering spaces inside the home.

Combined with hardwood floors and one of the property’s fireplaces, the living room could potentially become one of the strongest visual features after renovation. A carefully planned rehabilitation could focus on preserving the home’s original character while introducing updated lighting, paint, electrical components, and other modern conveniences.

For an investor considering a future rental property, a functional living room can also be important for marketability. Tenants often look for practical layouts, usable common areas, updated kitchens and bathrooms, and comfortable bedrooms.

Because this property requires renovation, however, the final appeal will depend heavily on the quality and extent of the work performed.

Traditional Dining Room

Another feature highlighted in the listing is the dining room.

Dedicated dining spaces are less common in some modern floor plans, making a traditional dining room an appealing characteristic for buyers who appreciate older-home layouts. Depending on the condition and configuration, the room could be restored as a formal dining area or adapted to another purpose if allowed by the property’s structure and local requirements.

The dining room could also connect naturally with the kitchen and living area, creating a traditional entertaining arrangement.

Before remodeling, buyers should evaluate the dimensions, flooring condition, ceiling condition, electrical outlets, lighting, and any walls separating the dining room from adjacent spaces.

Kitchen With Laminate Counters

The kitchen is located on the first level and includes laminate countertops.

Since the property is described as needing renovation, the kitchen could become one of the major areas for improvement. Depending on the existing condition, a renovation might include new cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and electrical upgrades.

The listing does not include appliances with the sale, although an electric water heater is noted among the utility features. Buyers should therefore account for appliance costs if the goal is to create a fully equipped residence.

A renovation plan should also consider the age of the home’s plumbing and electrical systems. In a house built in 1925, these components may have been updated at different points over the property’s history, so an inspection can help determine what remains and what needs replacement.

Two Fireplaces Add Character

The property features two fireplaces, one of its most distinctive characteristics.

The listing identifies brick fireplace construction and notes fireplace locations associated with the bedroom and den, with gas also referenced in the fireplace features. Because fireplace systems can involve chimneys, vents, masonry, gas connections, and other components, buyers should have them inspected before deciding whether to restore, operate, or simply preserve them as architectural features.

Even if they are not ultimately used for heating, fireplaces can provide visual interest in a renovated home.

For a restoration project, preserving original architectural details can sometimes help maintain the identity of an older property. The final decision should depend on structural condition, safety, local codes, and renovation objectives.

Hardwood Floors Throughout the Home

Hardwood flooring is another feature that could contribute to the property’s future appeal.

Older hardwood floors can sometimes be refinished rather than replaced, depending on wear, previous renovations, moisture exposure, and the amount of usable material remaining. Restoring existing flooring may help preserve the character of a 1925 home while creating a more polished appearance.

However, buyers should not assume that all flooring is ready for refinishing. An inspection can reveal whether boards are damaged, uneven, stained, or affected by moisture or structural issues.

If portions of the flooring need replacement, a contractor can also evaluate whether matching materials are available.

Front Porch and Outdoor Potential

The front porch provides an important exterior feature for the property.

Porches are particularly compatible with traditional homes because they can create a welcoming transition between the street and the interior. With appropriate repairs, paint, lighting, railings, and landscaping, the porch could potentially become an attractive outdoor space.

The property sits on approximately 0.26 acres, giving the home some outdoor area without requiring the extensive maintenance associated with a large rural property.

The lot could provide space for lawn areas, landscaping, outdoor seating, gardening, or other improvements, subject to local regulations and the physical characteristics of the property.

One-Story Layout

The property is a one-story residence, which can simplify certain aspects of renovation.

A single-level home eliminates the need to renovate multiple floors and can offer a straightforward relationship between the bedrooms, living spaces, kitchen, and bathroom. It may also appeal to occupants seeking a home without interior stairs.

For an investor, a compact one-story layout can sometimes make maintenance easier because there are fewer levels and fewer vertical building components to manage.

The actual renovation scope should still be determined through inspection, particularly because the home was constructed nearly a century ago.

Crawl-Space Foundation

The home has a crawl-space foundation rather than a full basement.

Crawl spaces can provide access to plumbing, electrical components, ductwork, and structural elements, but they also require careful inspection. Moisture, drainage, ventilation, insulation, pests, and structural conditions can all affect a crawl-space area.

Because the property is being sold as-is, buyers should pay particular attention to the foundation and crawl space during due diligence.

A qualified inspector or contractor can evaluate whether there are signs of moisture intrusion, settlement, wood deterioration, inadequate ventilation, or other conditions that could affect renovation costs.

Heating and Cooling Considerations

The listing information contains some differences regarding the home’s mechanical systems. The property description references gas heating, while the detailed facts section lists heating and cooling as none.

This makes independent verification especially important.

Buyers should determine exactly what heating equipment is currently present, whether it is operational, what fuel source is used, and whether a cooling system exists. If the home does not have functional central heating or air conditioning, installing modern systems could become a significant part of the renovation budget.

For a Birmingham property, cooling can be an important consideration because of the region’s warm climate. A buyer planning to occupy or rent the property should evaluate the most practical heating and cooling solution based on the home’s size, insulation, electrical capacity, gas availability, and local requirements.

Public Water and Connected Sewer

The property benefits from public water service and connected sewer according to the listing.

Access to municipal utilities can be an advantage compared with properties requiring private wells or septic systems. However, buyers should still verify the status of each utility before closing.

Utility connections do not necessarily mean that every interior component is functioning properly. Plumbing lines, fixtures, drains, sewer connections, electrical wiring, and water-heating equipment should all be inspected.

The listing identifies an electric water heater, and the home also includes washer and dryer hookups on the main level.

Laundry Area on the Main Level

Laundry hookups are located on the main level, with a laundry closet noted in the listing.

A main-level laundry arrangement can be convenient for future occupants and may be a useful feature to retain during renovation.

Because the property needs work, the laundry area should be inspected for plumbing condition, drainage, electrical requirements, ventilation, and any signs of previous leaks.

If the washer and dryer are not included, a future buyer should also budget for appliances if needed.

Driveway and Off-Street Parking

The property includes a driveway with uncovered parking spaces.

Off-street parking can be an important practical feature for both owner-occupants and potential tenants. The driveway provides an alternative to relying exclusively on street parking.

As with the other property features, buyers should verify the physical condition of the driveway and confirm any applicable property boundaries or access rights.

Birmingham Location and Neighborhood Setting

The home is located in Birmingham, Alabama, in the East Lake/Woodlawn area according to the listing description.

The property is situated within an established residential setting rather than on undeveloped land. Its paved road access and public utilities reflect an existing urban residential environment.

For investors, location is an important part of any renovation calculation. The value of a finished property depends not only on the construction quality but also on surrounding housing conditions, neighborhood demand, nearby services, transportation, employment centers, schools, retail, and other local factors.

A buyer considering the property as a rental should independently research current rental demand and comparable renovated properties in the immediate area.

A Potential Value-Add Project

The listing specifically describes this property as a potential value-add opportunity.

The basic concept of a value-add renovation is straightforward: acquire a property in need of work, improve the structure and appearance, and potentially create a more functional and marketable home.

There are several possible strategies for a property like this.

An owner-occupant could purchase the home at a relatively low acquisition price and renovate it according to personal preferences.

An investor could potentially renovate the property for long-term rental use, subject to local rental regulations and financial analysis.

A contractor or experienced renovator could undertake a larger rehabilitation project.

Another possibility could be resale after renovation, although any projected resale value should be based on verified comparable properties, realistic construction costs, transaction expenses, holding costs, and current market conditions rather than simply the difference between purchase price and potential finished value.

Renovation Budget Should Come First

The $36,500 purchase price is only one component of the total investment.

Before making an offer, buyers should develop a realistic renovation budget. That budget may need to include structural repairs, roofing, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC installation or replacement, kitchen improvements, bathroom renovation, flooring, painting, windows, doors, exterior repairs, landscaping, permits, professional services, insurance, financing costs, and contingency funds.

Older properties can sometimes reveal additional problems once walls, floors, ceilings, or other components are opened during renovation.

For this reason, a contingency reserve is particularly important.

The property should be evaluated based on its total project cost rather than the acquisition price alone.

As-Is Sale Requires Careful Due Diligence

The home is being sold as-is.

An as-is sale generally means the buyer should not expect the seller to make repairs or bring the property up to a particular condition before closing. This makes inspections and document review especially important.

Before purchasing, a prospective buyer should consider obtaining professional evaluations of:

• Foundation and crawl space
• Roof and exterior structure
• Electrical system
• Plumbing
• Sewer connection
• Water service
• Heating and cooling
• Fireplaces and chimneys
• Flooring and subflooring
• Windows and doors
• Structural framing
• Moisture and drainage
• Possible pest or termite activity
• Interior and exterior safety issues

Buyers should also confirm property boundaries, zoning, taxes, utility status, and any applicable local requirements.

Important Transaction Restrictions

The listing includes specific transaction conditions.

There is no seller financing available, meaning buyers should arrange their own financing or have sufficient funds available to complete the purchase.

The listing also states that assignments of contracts will not be accepted. This is particularly relevant for investors who use contract-assignment strategies, because the stated condition indicates that such a transaction structure is not acceptable to the seller.

Potential buyers should review the complete purchase contract and confirm all transaction requirements with the listing agent before proceeding.

Financial Details

The property is listed for $36,500.

The listed price per square foot is approximately $32 based on 1,145 square feet of living area.

The tax-assessed value is listed at $26,100, with annual property taxes of approximately $378.

Tax-assessed value should not be interpreted as a current market appraisal. Assessment practices vary by jurisdiction, and the assessed amount may differ substantially from market value.

The property is also listed without an HOA fee according to the available listing information.

Who Might Consider This Property?

This Birmingham home could attract several types of buyers.

An experienced real estate investor may be interested in the renovation potential and relatively low purchase price.

A contractor could view the property as a project where construction skills and careful planning may add value.

A buyer with renovation experience could potentially create a customized residence while preserving some of the home’s older character.

A long-term rental investor might evaluate whether a renovated two-bedroom home could fit local rental demand.

A buyer interested in historic homes may appreciate the 1925 construction, hardwood floors, front porch, dining room, and fireplaces.

None of these potential strategies guarantees a financial return. Each should be evaluated using current market data, renovation estimates, financing costs, taxes, insurance, and local regulations.

What Makes the Property Stand Out?

Several features make this Birmingham renovation opportunity notable:

• $36,500 asking price
• Approximately 1,145 square feet
• Two bedrooms
• One full bathroom
• Approximately 0.26 acres
• Built in 1925
• Hardwood floors
• Two fireplaces
• Traditional dining room
• Front porch
• One-story layout
• Crawl-space foundation
• Main-level laundry hookups
• Driveway parking
• Public water
• Connected sewer
• No HOA listed
• East Lake/Woodlawn area
• As-is sale
• Full renovation opportunity

The combination of price, size, lot, and older architectural features creates a property that may be worth investigating for buyers who are comfortable with renovation.

Final Thoughts on This Birmingham Property

At $36,500, this Birmingham, Alabama property offers an entry point into the market for buyers willing to take on a renovation project. The 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home contains approximately 1,145 square feet and sits on about 0.26 acres.

Its 1925 construction gives the property a sense of history, while features such as hardwood floors, two fireplaces, a dining room, and a front porch provide architectural elements that could potentially be preserved or restored.

At the same time, buyers should approach the opportunity with realistic expectations. This is an investor special and full renovation project, not a turnkey home. The as-is condition means the buyer assumes responsibility for determining the property’s actual condition and estimating the cost of bringing it to the desired standard.

The crawl-space foundation, mechanical systems, plumbing, electrical components, fireplaces, roof, structure, and other major systems deserve careful attention during due diligence. The discrepancy between the listing description and detailed facts regarding heating and cooling is another reason to verify the property’s systems independently.

For the right buyer, the appeal may lie in the ability to start with an affordable purchase price and develop a renovation plan around the home’s existing character. Whether the ultimate goal is a personal residence, rental property, restoration project, or another permitted use, the financial feasibility should be determined through careful research rather than the purchase price alone.

With public water, connected sewer, paved road access, a driveway, an established Birmingham location, and a traditional one-story floor plan, the property has several practical fundamentals to investigate. The 1925 architecture and original-style features add another layer of interest for buyers who appreciate older homes.

Anyone considering the property should verify all listing information, zoning, utility connections, property boundaries, renovation requirements, permits, taxes, and other conditions with the appropriate professionals and local authorities before purchasing.

For investors and renovators searching for an affordable Birmingham property with historic character and substantial potential for improvement, this $36,500 listing represents a project where careful planning, due diligence, and renovation expertise will be central to determining its ultimate value.

 

 

Listed on Zillow.