$249,900
3 Bed · 2 Bath · 1,500 Sq Ft
Fixer-upper ranch with strong upside and prime downtown access
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,500
Sq Ft
1949
Built
0.11 acres
Lot
none (on-street parking only)
Garage
1405 Norman Street is a mid-century ranch that puts downtown Wilmington within an easy half-mile walk while offering a substantial renovation opportunity. Built in 1949 and sitting on a level 0.11-acre lot (4,792 SF) with 65 feet of street frontage, the single-story layout spans approximately 1,500 square feet and currently provides three bedrooms and two baths. The home retains basic systems — central air and forced-air heating — but is in poor condition and priced to reflect required structural and cosmetic work.
Inside, the footprint is straightforward and highly actionable for investors or buyers who want to customize a long-term home. Wood-frame construction, a shingle roof, and original-era finishes present both challenges and potential: with thoughtful upgrades the house can be repositioned to match comps that have commanded significantly higher price-per-square-foot figures after renovation. The assessed value of $366,700 vs. recent as‑is sale activity highlights the possibility for upside when capital improvements are applied strategically.
The lot and location are the real differentiators. At 0.5 miles to Downtown Wilmington, 0.7 miles to the Cape Fear Riverwalk and 1.2 miles to Greenfield Lake Park, this property anchors a walkable, amenity-rich lifestyle while remaining in The Bottom neighborhood — an area attracting investor interest tied to ongoing revitalization. Market Street sits just 0.3 miles away, and New Hanover Regional Medical Center is 1.5 miles from the front door, offering convenient access to services, transit corridors and the city's restaurants and shops.
This listing is a classic as‑is sale for buyers prepared to lead a renovation. Zoning is R-3 (single-family residential), which allows accessory dwelling units subject to local rules — a potential path to add value or rental income. On-street parking only and no garage are notable constraints to factor into renovation planning. Prospective purchasers should confirm repair estimates, permitting and zoning details, and the extent of required work. For investors seeking a property with immediate location advantages and measurable upside, 1405 Norman Street is a compelling candidate — contact the listing agent to schedule an inspection and obtain contractor quotes.
The Bottom is an emerging, centrally located neighborhood prized for its proximity to Downtown Wilmington and the Cape Fear Riverwalk. Residents enjoy short walks to independent restaurants, breweries and cultural venues, plus easy access to Greenfield Lake’s trails and water recreation. The area is attracting renovation projects and investor attention, which is reshaping housing stock while retaining a tight-knit, working urban character. Schools in the district receive average ratings, and buyers often weigh proximity to downtown and local amenities when choosing this neighborhood.
The Bottom neighborhood is currently a moderately competitive market that favors sellers of renovated product but presents opportunities for investors focused on distressed assets. Local indicators: inventory sits near 2.5 months (tight supply), average days on market roughly 35, and median sale price for the area near $250,000. Recent transactions show a range—smaller, renovated cottages have fetched $260K+ while as‑is properties have sold for substantially less, as seen in this block. Appreciation has been steady (about 5% year-over-year and ~20% over five years), suggesting longer-term support for price growth.
For single-family fixer-uppers specifically, demand is driven by buyers seeking proximity to downtown and by investors pursuing renovation-to-rent or renovation-to-resell strategies. Lease comps in the immediate area indicate rental demand as well: comparable three-bedroom units command roughly $2,200/month post-renovation, and conservative rental estimates for this property post-upgrade are about $1,850/month. Given low inventory and sustained buyer interest in centrally located homes, now is a favorable window for investors to acquire a below-market asset and execute value-add renovations—provided thorough due diligence on repair scope and costs is completed first.
Snipes Academy of Arts & Design
Elementary
Williston Middle School
Middle
New Hanover High School
High
Very good access to outdoor recreation: Cape Fear Riverwalk is 0.7 miles away, Greenfield Lake Park is 1.2 miles out, and downtown waterfront amenities and trails are within a short walk.
Distressed property in a revitalizing neighborhood near downtown Wilmington offers significant upside potential post-renovation.
Buyers should conduct independent due diligence before making any purchase decisions.
Low
$200K
Midpoint
$210K
High
$220K
$140/SF estimated price per square foot
Sales comparison approach using 3 comparable sales within 0.5 miles sold in last 6 months. Adjusted for condition, lot size, and bedroom count. Assessed value of $366,700 appears above market due to property's current condition.
As of 2026-03-06
This is a computer-generated estimate for informational purposes only and is not an appraisal or professional valuation.
The Bottom neighborhood has seen increased interest from investors due to its proximity to downtown and potential for revitalization.
Walking distance to downtown shops, restaurants, and the Cape Fear Riverwalk. Proximity to Greenfield Lake Park offers recreational opportunities.
Market data is based on aggregated public records and may not reflect real-time conditions.
Allowed Uses
$122/SF
Sold as-is; cash transaction
Transaction details not fully available
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