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Occupied Two-Unit Duplex
For Sale
$164,900

1161 21st Street, Des Moines, IA 50311

MultiFamily, Duplex, Des Moines, IA

Property Size2,214 SF
Lot Size0.15 Acres
Price / SF$74.48
Days on Market64

Property Features for 1161 21st Street

General Information

Property type Residential Multi Family
Property subtype Duplex
Zoning RES
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 2
Full bathrooms 2
Rooms Basement, Bedroom 2, Bathroom 1, Bedroom 4, Bathroom 2, Bedroom 1, Bedroom 3
Appliances Refrigerator, Stove
Lot features Rectangular Lot
Elementary school district Des Moines Independent
Middle school district Des Moines Independent
High school district Des Moines Independent
Directions University Ave. to 21st St. Turn south onto 21st St. 1161 21st is located on east side of street.
Subdivision Des Moines West
Standard status Active
APN 03005116000000
Size 2,214 SF
Lot size 0.15 Acres

Taxes and HOA fees

Tax Description LOT 5 T M WALKERS ELM GROVE ADD
Tax Annual Amount 2580
Legal Description LOT 5 T M WALKERS ELM GROVE ADD

Utilities

Sewer type Public Sewer
Heating system Natural Gas, Forced Air
Water source Public

Building Details

Year built 1891
Flooring type Carpet, Vinyl, Laminate
Building materials Asbestos
Roof type Shingle, Asphalt
Architectural style Other
Listing Agency: Iowa Realty Mills Crossing
Listed By: INGRID L. ROOSE
Added: Aug 5 Changed: Sep 12 Last Checked: Oct 7 at 8:06AM
MLS# 746739

Copyright © 2026 Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS®, Inc. All rights reserved. All information provided by the listing agent/broker is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.

Investment Insights

Based on property information with market context.

This 2,214-square-foot duplex was built in 1891 and contains two two-bedroom, one-bath units arranged in a top-and-bottom configuration. The upper unit includes a finished 294-square-foot attic area currently used as a third bedroom. Interior features include carpet, vinyl, and laminate flooring, along with refrigerators and stoves. The property also includes a basement, forced-air natural-gas heating, an asphalt shingle roof, and asbestos construction materials.

Both units are occupied by long-term tenants. Gas and electric service are separately metered, while the owner pays water, trash, taxes, insurance, and miscellaneous expenses. A new water service line was installed from the street to the interior main in May 2026. The rental certificate remains current through October 2028. The property is zoned RES and is offered as-is on a 0.149-acre lot in Des Moines.

Key Highlights

  • Two‑unit duplex with both residences occupied by long‑term tenants
  • 2,214 square feet on a 0.149‑acre lot; built in 1891
  • Upper unit includes a finished 294‑square‑foot attic used as a third bedroom

Property Analytics

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Current Use

Duplexes

Suggested Use

Top Pick Real Estate Agency HVAC Service Building Supply Big Box & Wholesale Store Kitchen & Bath Showroom Furniture & Home Goods

Score = modeled unmet demand for each use within ~1 mi (higher = bigger opportunity). Zoning and permitted uses should be independently verified with local authorities.

Lease Details

2
Residential units
100%
Occupancy
Multi-tenant
Tenancy
Yes
Utilities to site

Location Intelligence

Trade Area within ½ mile

613
Businesses Nearby

Demographics for 50311, IA

14,782
Population
7,180
Households
2.1
Avg Household Size
30
Median Age
41%
College-Educated
94%
High-School Grad
2.6 sq mi
ZIP Area
5,685
Density / Sq Mi
$63,233
Median Household Income
$35,086
Median Earnings
$1,019
Median Rent
$228,000
Median Home Value
Check the figures for this property Cap Rate, Value Estimation, Potential NOI and more
View Realmo Analytics

Market

Vacancy Rate% for Multifamily in Midwest region

6.5% 2022
7.5% 2023
7.8% 2024
8% 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of property is this?
Duplex - Both units have long-term occupants, separate utility meters, and public water and sewer service.
Where is this duplex located?
The property is located at 1161 21st Street Des Moines, IA.
What is the asking price?
The asking price for this property is $164,900.
What are key features of this property?
This property features: Two‑unit duplex with both residences occupied by long‑term tenants; 2,214 square feet on a 0.149‑acre lot; built in 1891; Upper unit includes a finished 294‑square‑foot attic used as a third bedroom
More about this property
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