Why is 1135 4th Street in Novato attracting so much buyer attention?
We listed 1135 4th Street in Old Town Novato this week, and it is attracting exceptional buyer interest! It combines a single-family home and detached ADU on a large corner lot just two blocks from Novato’s main shopping corridor, creating rare opportunities for rental income, multi-generational living, investment, or renovation. The property generated more than 30 private showings and welcomed over 70 visitors during its first public open house.
Main house, virtually staged
A Rare Opportunity in Old Town Novato
New listings come on the market every week, but only a handful generate the level of excitement currently surrounding 1135 4th Street in Novato. The property is priced attractively at $749,000 because it requires some structural improvements.
We have a complete disclosure packet to provide to agents of interested buyers.
Located in the heart of Old Town Novato, this unique property includes a charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom main residence that was built in 1919, and a detached 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom ADU (much newer construction than the main house) situated on an approximately 7,500-square-foot corner lot.
The combination of location, flexibility, and value-add potential has made it one of the most talked-about properties in Novato this week.
Since coming to market, the property has hosted more than 30 private showings, and the first public open house attracted over 70 visitors. That is a remarkable turnout that highlights the strong demand for unique opportunities in today’s Marin County real estate market.
Property Highlights
Main Residence
The primary home offers approximately 1,373 square feet of living space and features:
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- Open-concept great room design
- Light-filled living spaces
- Primary suite with walk-in closet
- Interior laundry
- Sliding glass door to backyard
- Spacious lawn and garden area
The floor plan creates an inviting indoor-outdoor connection while providing buyers with a functional layout that works for modern living.
Detached ADU
One of the most desirable aspects of the property is the detached accessory dwelling unit.
Features include:
- 1 bedroom
- 1 bathroom
- Private entrance from Romar Court
- Separate front and rear yards
- Interior laundry
- Samsung range
- Stainless steel dishwasher
- Brand-new wall heater
- Double-pane vinyl windows
The detached nature of the ADU creates privacy and flexibility that many buyers seek but rarely find.
The detached cottage (ADU) at 1135 4th St.
Backyard of the ADU
Why Buyers Are So Excited About This Property
Multiple Housing Solutions in One Property
Housing needs have changed dramatically over the past several years.
Many buyers today are searching for properties that can serve multiple purposes:
- Housing for aging parents
- Space for adult children
- Rental income opportunities
- Home office or creative workspace
- Long-term investment potential
1135 4th Street checks all of these boxes.
Income Potential
One of the biggest challenges facing buyers today is affordability.
Properties with detached ADUs can help offset ownership costs through rental income while providing future flexibility as family needs change.
For many buyers, this makes the property significantly more attractive than a traditional single-family home.
Prime Old Town Novato Location
Location continues to be one of the most important drivers of real estate value.
Situated just blocks from:
- Downtown Novato shopping
- Restaurants (Rustic Bakery, Marvin’s Breakfast Club, Bacon, La Hacienda and more)
- Coffee shops
- Grocery stores
- Community events (Art and Wine Festival, 4th of July Parade and more)
- Everyday conveniences
A Value-Add Opportunity
Not every buyer is looking for a fully remodeled home.
Many of the visitors touring 1135 4th Street recognize the opportunity to purchase a property with strong fundamentals and improve it over time.
The property needs updating and improvements, and it has been priced accordingly.
This creates an opportunity for:
- Contractors
- Investors
- DIY-minded homeowners
- Buyers seeking sweat equity
In a market where fully renovated homes often command premium prices, value-add opportunities like this can be difficult to find.
Main house, virtually staged
What Does the Buyer Activity Tell Us?
The extraordinary level of activity surrounding this listing reinforces an important trend in the Novato housing market.
Buyers continue to compete aggressively for properties that offer:
- Flexibility
- Income potential
- Larger lots
- ADUs
- Strong locations
- Opportunities to create value
While turnkey homes remain popular, there is also substantial demand for properties where buyers can improve the home and build equity.
The response to 1135 4th Street demonstrates that buyers are actively searching for creative housing solutions and long-term investment opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is 1135 4th Street located?
The property is located in Old Town Novato, close to downtown shopping, dining, services, and community amenities.
Does the property have an ADU?
Yes. The property includes a detached 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom accessory dwelling unit with its own entrance and yard space.
Is the property suitable for rental income?
Many buyers are attracted to the property’s rental income potential because of the detached ADU and flexible layout.
Does the property need work?
Yes. The property has some structural deficiencies and requires improvements. It has been priced accordingly, creating an opportunity for buyers to add value.
Why has the property attracted so much attention?
The combination of a main home, detached ADU, large corner lot, Old Town location, and value-add potential has created exceptional buyer interest, resulting in more than 30 private showings and over 70 visitors during the first public open house.
Inside the ADU, virtually staged
Looking for Similar Opportunities in Novato?
Properties that combine location, flexibility, income potential, and upside are among the most sought-after opportunities in today’s market.
If you’re interested in learning more about 1135 4th Street or would like to discuss similar investment and multi-generational housing opportunities in Novato, contact Team McGinnis. We would be happy to help you explore your options and understand what’s happening in the local market.
Kevin and Erin McGinnis
Realtors at Compass
Novato and Marin real estate specialists
teammcginnis@compass.com
415-725-1911