Sales comparison approach using recent sales of similar multi-family properties in Johnstown. Adjusted for size, condition, and location. Income approach supports rental value of approximately $1,600/month.
Historic 6-Bedroom Duplex with Rare Off-Street Parking
122 South Melcher Street stands out immediately for its combination of historic character and practical functionality: a wood‑frame duplex built in 1900 with off‑street parking for up to six vehicles — a rare convenience for rental properties in central Johnstown. The building’s vinyl and metal exterior protects original construction, while the two occupied units create immediate income potential for investors or owner-operators prepared to renovate selectively.
Inside you’ll find 2,446 square feet arranged over two stories with a workable layout: six bedrooms, two bathrooms and an unfinished basement that opens possibilities for storage, laundry, or future conversion. Heating is provided by forced air; utilities are municipal water and sewer with National Grid service for gas and electric. Condition is described as average, reflecting a home that preserves period bones but will reward cosmetic and systems upgrades.
Location is another strong asset. The property sits within easy walking distance of civic anchors — Johnstown Public Library (0.5 mi), Fulton County Courthouse (0.6 mi) and Johnstown High School (0.7 mi) — making it attractive to tenants who value proximity to downtown services and local employers. Zoned SF-3, the parcel permits multi-family use, which keeps options open for continued rental operation or owner occupancy with an accessory unit.
Financially, comparable sales in the immediate neighborhood support a valuation in the $60k–$70k range (midpoint $65,000). Current assessed value is $45,000 with annual taxes of $1,445, and lease comps in the area indicate an estimated gross monthly rent around $1,600 (rent per sf ~ $0.65). Whether you’re pursuing steady cash flow or a value-add renovation to lift rents and resale value, this property represents a pragmatic entry into Johnstown’s small‑town multi‑family market. Prospective buyers should verify lot boundaries, the condition of major systems (roof, HVAC, plumbing), and rental history during due diligence.
See the properties helping shape the valuation.
Comparable sales
- 660 SF smaller
- 2 fewer bedrooms
- 872 SF larger lot
- 5 years newer
- 1,194 SF larger
- 2 additional bedrooms
- 2 additional bathrooms
- Similar lot size
- 80 years newer
- 214 SF smaller
- 2 fewer bedrooms
- 45,374 SF larger lot
- 70 years older
A 1900 duplex on 0.11 acres.
Building
Site & utilities
Johnstown, NY
Researched nearby locations
Location
122 South Melcher Street, Johnstown, NY 12095
This property sits in central Johnstown, a compact community defined by civic institutions, small downtown businesses, and residential blocks. Residents appreciate easy access to the Johnstown Public Library, courthouse, and schools — amenities within short walking distance. The neighborhood has a steady population and modest household incomes, producing stable local rental demand. Streets are lined with a mix of historic homes and working properties, giving the area a practical, community‑oriented feel ideal for investors or residents seeking proximity to downtown services without urban congestion.
Moderate outdoor recreation access with neighborhood walking routes and community green spaces nearby; larger parks and regional trails are a short drive from Johnstown.
A factual market snapshot around 122 South Melcher Street.
Johnstown’s market currently leans toward buyers. Inventory sits near 3.5 months and average days on market are about 60 — indicators of a moderately soft market where motivated sellers and investors who move quickly can find value. Median sale prices in the area are low compared with regional metros (area median ~$65,000), and five‑year appreciation has been modest (+10%). Multi-family duplexes in this corridor trade primarily to local investors and small-portfolio owners; recent comps range from roughly $74k to $145k depending on size and condition, with price-per-square-foot metrics clustering in the $33–$50 range.
For income-focused buyers, lease comparables show stable rental demand with typical rents near $1,500–$1,600/month and rent-per-sf around $0.65. That supports a workable income approach for underwriting cash flow or refinance. Given the building’s 1900 vintage, buyers should budget for maintenance and selective upgrades; yet the combination of below-market assessed value, central location, and immediate tenancy makes this a pragmatic purchase opportunity for investors targeting small multi-family holdings in Fulton County.
Single-Family Residential
Zoning
Research-indicated uses
- Single Family
- Multi Family
- Home Occupation
Assessment data and recorded transactions.
Assessed value is kept visually separate from the CompCasa market-value estimate.
Tax assessment
Sale history
Rental references from the research record.
Context only—not an investment recommendation or guarantee of achievable rent.
Supporting lease references
- Same living area
- 202 SF smaller
What the research supports — and what is still worth verifying.
Key findings
- Assessed value of $45,000 (land $15K, improvements $30K) — annual taxes $1,445
- Zoned SF-3 allowing single-family and multi-family residential use
- Comparable sales in Johnstown range from $60K to $70K
- Average days on market in Johnstown: 60 days (buyer's market)
Still worth verifying
Routine buyer due diligence items; these are not known defects.
- Confirm lot dimensions and boundaries
- Verify condition of major systems (roof, HVAC, plumbing)
- Review rental history and current lease agreements
- Confirm compliance with local zoning regulations for multi-family use
What stands out about this property.
Interior Features
- Six total bedrooms across two units
- Two full bathrooms
- Unfinished basement — storage or conversion potential
- Forced air heating
- Original wood‑frame construction and historic character
- Average condition; opportunities for cosmetic upgrades
Exterior & Lot
- 0.11-acre lot (4,791 sq ft)
- Off-street parking for up to six vehicles
- Vinyl and metal exterior
- Level topography
- Street access from South Melcher Street
Location & Neighborhood
- 0.5 mi to Johnstown Public Library
- 0.6 mi to Fulton County Courthouse
- 0.7 mi to Johnstown Senior High School
- Zoned SF-3 — permits multi-family residential use
- Central Johnstown setting with civic and downtown access
Walkability & Recreation
- Walkability Rating: 50/100 — Some errands and amenities are walkable
- Close proximity to civic amenities and schools
- Neighborhood streets suited for daily walking and short commutes
- Local community recreation facilities and small parks within short drives
- Hiking and larger regional outdoor areas reachable by car
Sources & research confidence.
See where the property research came from and how confidence varies by field.