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.
Investor Special: 3-Bed Ranch Minutes from Downtown Wilmington
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.
See the properties helping shape the valuation.
Comparable sales
- 460 SF smaller
- 1 fewer bathroom
- Similar lot size
- 21 years older
- 455 SF smaller
- 1 fewer bedroom
- 1 fewer bathroom
- Similar lot size
- 29 years older
- 1,020 SF smaller
- 2 fewer bedrooms
- 1 fewer bathroom
- Similar lot size
- 9 years older
A 1949 ranch on 0.11 acres.
Building
Site & utilities
The Bottom
Researched nearby locations
Location
1405 Norman St, Wilmington, NC 28401
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.
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.
A factual market snapshot around 1405 Norman St.
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.
Single-Family Residential
Zoning
Research-indicated uses
- Single Family
- Accessory Dwelling Unit
- 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
- 460 SF smaller
- 1 fewer bathroom
- 1,020 SF smaller
- 2 fewer bedrooms
- 1 fewer bathroom
What the research supports — and what is still worth verifying.
Key findings
- Built in 1949 with 1,500 SF of living space
- Lot size: 0.11 acres (4,792 SF)
- Sold in November 2025 for $182,500
- Assessed value: $366,700
- Zoned R-3: Single-Family Residential
Still worth verifying
Routine buyer due diligence items; these are not known defects.
- Confirm extent of necessary repairs and obtain contractor estimates
- Verify zoning regulations and any restrictions on renovations
- Conduct title search to ensure clear ownership
- Assess potential rental income post-renovation
- Evaluate neighborhood development plans and impact on property value
What stands out about this property.
Interior Features
- 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- Approximately 1,500 square feet
- Central air conditioning
- Forced-air heating
- Single-story ranch layout
- Wood-frame construction
- Shingle roof
Exterior & Lot
- Lot size: 0.11 acres (4,792 SF)
- 65 ft frontage on Norman St
- Level topography
- On-street parking only (no garage)
- Zoned R-3 (Single-Family Residential)
Location & Neighborhood
- 0.5 miles to Downtown Wilmington
- 0.7 miles to Cape Fear Riverwalk
- 1.2 miles to Greenfield Lake Park
- 1.5 miles to New Hanover Regional Medical Center
- Near Market Street (0.3 mi) — local shops and eateries
- Neighborhood: The Bottom — undergoing revitalization
Walkability & Recreation
- Walkability Rating: 78/100 — Some errands and downtown amenities within walking distance
- Cape Fear Riverwalk (0.7 miles) for strolling and waterfront access
- Greenfield Lake Park (1.2 miles) — trails and open-water recreation
- Easy pedestrian access to downtown restaurants, galleries and services
- Proximity supports strong rental demand for renovated units
Sources & research confidence.
See where the property research came from and how confidence varies by field.