685 Center St Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Downtown Costa Mesa NeighborhoodEstimated payment $10,470/month
Highlights
- Main Floor Bedroom
- High Ceiling
- No HOA
- Horace Ensign Intermediate School Rated A
- Private Yard
- Beamed Ceilings
About This Home
An exceptional find in Costa Mesa! This expansive 8,500+ square foot double lot boasts not one, but two distinct two-story homes, offering endless possibilities. Ideally situated just minutes from the vibrant heart of downtown and less than two miles from the sun-soaked shores, this property combines space, versatility, and an unbeatable location. Both homes present an incredible opportunity for those with a vision—whether you're an investor, planning for multi-generational living, or a buyer eager to customize and create your dream space. With some updates and repairs, the potential here is endless. The front home, spanning 1,340 sq. ft., offers charm and comfort with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The inviting living room features a cozy fireplace, while the dining area flows into an open kitchen with a breakfast bar—perfect for gathering. The downstairs bedroom offers convenience and ease, while two more bedrooms upstairs provide additional living areas, including one with its own private balcony. Outside, you'll find a welcoming front porch, a fenced backyard, and a one-car garage. The rear home, at 1,534 sq. ft., is a light-filled retreat with unique architectural touches. It boasts 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, including a stunning primary suite perched above a two-car tandem garage. This spacious suite features a cathedral wood ceiling, walk-in closet, private balcony, and views of the Santa Ana and Saddleback Mountains. The main level showcases charming wood ceilings, a skylit kitchen, and a bright, airy living room perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a wood-paneled family room with a fireplace offer a warm and versatile retreat, blending comfort with functionality. Both homes are surrounded by serene outdoor amenities, including a deck, a succulent garden, mature fruit trees, and an oversized yard—ideal for enjoying Southern California's indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Conveniently located near the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library, Triangle Square, Mother’s Market & Kitchen, Trader Joe’s, and 24 Hour Fitness, with easy access to beaches, restaurants, UC Irvine, John Wayne Airport, and the 55 freeway. With two homes and a large double lot—rare for the area—this property offers a unique chance to renovate and create your own vision.
Listing Agent
Compass Brokerage Phone: 949-441-6161 License #01762446 Listed on: 04/09/2026
Property Details
Home Type
- Multi-Family
Year Built
- Built in 1950
Lot Details
- 8,568 Sq Ft Lot
- No Common Walls
- Wood Fence
- Needs Fence Repair
- Private Yard
- Front Yard
- Density is up to 1 Unit/Acre
Parking
- 3 Car Direct Access Garage
- 3 Open Parking Spaces
- Parking Available
- Single Garage Door
Home Design
- Duplex
- Entry on the 1st floor
- Fixer Upper
Interior Spaces
- 2,874 Sq Ft Home
- 2-Story Property
- Beamed Ceilings
- High Ceiling
- Ceiling Fan
- Living Room with Fireplace
Kitchen
- Gas Range
- Dishwasher
Flooring
- Carpet
- Tile
- Vinyl
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
- 6 Bedrooms
- Main Floor Bedroom
- 4 Bathrooms
Laundry
- Laundry Room
- Laundry in Garage
Home Security
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Fire and Smoke Detector
Outdoor Features
- Balcony
- Exterior Lighting
Utilities
- Wall Furnace
- Natural Gas Connected
- Water Heater
Listing and Financial Details
- Tax Lot 503
- Tax Tract Number 517
- Assessor Parcel Number 42424105
- Seller Considering Concessions
Community Details
Overview
- No Home Owners Association
- 2 Buildings
- 2 Units
Building Details
- 2 Separate Electric Meters
- 2 Separate Gas Meters
- 1 Separate Water Meter
- Insurance Expense $3,672
- Trash Expense $717
- Water Sewer Expense $486
- Operating Expense $4,875
Map
Home Values in the Area
Average Home Value in this Area
Tax History
| Year | Tax Paid | Tax Assessment Tax Assessment Total Assessment is a certain percentage of the fair market value that is determined by local assessors to be the total taxable value of land and additions on the property. | Land | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $11,187 | $941,264 | $778,532 | $162,732 |
| 2024 | $11,187 | $922,808 | $763,266 | $159,542 |
| 2023 | $10,824 | $904,714 | $748,300 | $156,414 |
| 2022 | $10,586 | $886,975 | $733,627 | $153,348 |
| 2021 | $10,274 | $869,584 | $719,242 | $150,342 |
| 2020 | $10,147 | $860,668 | $711,867 | $148,801 |
| 2019 | $9,925 | $843,793 | $697,909 | $145,884 |
| 2018 | $9,723 | $827,249 | $684,225 | $143,024 |
| 2017 | $9,563 | $811,029 | $670,809 | $140,220 |
| 2016 | $9,362 | $795,127 | $657,656 | $137,471 |
| 2015 | $9,274 | $783,184 | $647,777 | $135,407 |
| 2014 | $9,068 | $767,843 | $635,088 | $132,755 |
Property History
| Date | Event | Price | List to Sale | Price per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/09/2026 04/09/26 | For Sale | $1,799,000 | -- | $626 / Sq Ft |
Purchase History
| Date | Type | Sale Price | Title Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Deed | -- | None Listed On Document | |
| Interfamily Deed Transfer | -- | None Available | |
| Interfamily Deed Transfer | -- | None Available | |
| Interfamily Deed Transfer | -- | None Available | |
| Interfamily Deed Transfer | -- | None Available | |
| Interfamily Deed Transfer | -- | -- | |
| Grant Deed | $650,000 | Fidelity National Title | |
| Interfamily Deed Transfer | -- | Stewart Title Company |
Mortgage History
| Date | Status | Loan Amount | Loan Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Previous Owner | $454,930 | Purchase Money Mortgage |
Source: California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS)
MLS Number: OC26074046
APN: 424-241-05
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Ask me questions while you tour the home.