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San Diego Development Opportunity

5502 University Avenue San Diego, CA 92105

5502 University Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92105
$2,795,000
For Sale
Claim this Listing
$2,795,000

Multifamily property with development potential in central San Diego.

Property Size5,875 SF
Price / SF$475.74
AddedNov 26, 2025
Days on Market231
Last RefreshMay 9 at 3:26 am

Property Features for 5502 University Avenue

General Information

Standard status
Active
Size
5,875 SF
Property subtype
Multifamily

Building Details

Year Built
1950

Listing office Lee & Associates San Diego - Carlsbad

Listing date Nov 26, 2025

Source Lee-associates

Displayed information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.

All listing content including descriptions, pricing, images are the copyrighted material of Lee & Associates San Diego - Carlsbad


Investment Insights

Based on property information with market context.

Located in central San Diego, this property offers a high cash on cash return with assumable financing. The property is situated on a lot with an area of approximately 21,344 square feet, with a building size of approximately 5,875 rentable square feet, allowing for residential development. It benefits from Complete Communities Tier 3 zoning, with a 6.5 FAR and no height limit. The assumable loan has a fixed rate of 3.34% through 2027. The property also generates income from a billboard. Development plans are in place for 20 additional units. The location provides strong walkability and close access to Interstates 8 and 15, offering convenient connectivity to Downtown San Diego, the beach, major employment centers, and the U.S.-Mexico border. The neighborhood is experiencing ongoing revitalization, driven by infill housing demand, infrastructure investment, and city-led smart growth initiatives.

Key Highlights

  • Assumable Loan at 3.34% Fixed Through 2027
  • High Cash on Cash Return
  • Residential Development Potential with 6.5 FAR and No Height Limit

Local Financial Insights For Apartment 5plus

Simulate Cap Rate and NOI

NOI Build-Up
Vacancy
income lost from leasable area expected to sit empty during the year — subtracted from gross rent.
EGI (Effective Gross Income)
gross rent minus vacancy losses — the realistic income before paying operating costs.
OpEx (Operating Expenses)
recurring costs to operate the property (property tax, insurance, utilities, maintenance, management) — excludes financing and capital improvements.
NOI (Net Operating Income)
income a property generates after operating costs but before financing and taxes.

Component $ $/SF
Gross rent $211.5k $36.00
− Vacancy −$11.6k −$1.98
EGI $199.9k $34.02
− OpEx −$89.9k −$15.31
NOI $109.9k $18.71
5,875 SF · lease $36.00/SF/yr · vacancy 5.50% · expense 45.00%

Alternative Uses

Best Use
Apartment 5plus
$1.57M
$1.37M – $1.83M (±1% cap)
NOI $109,927 @ 7.0% cap · market cap 3.93%
Second Best
—
—
no second resolved use
Theoretical Best
Specialty Retail
$2.32M
$2.03M – $2.71M (±1% cap)
NOI $162,432 @ 7.0% cap · market cap 5.81%
Zoning and permitted uses should be independently verified with local authorities.

Property Analytics

Property Profile Location Intelligence

Current Use by Public Records

Apartment buildings

Suggested Use

Real Estate Agency Law Firm Parking Lot & Garage Accounting Firm Garden Center HVAC Service (Bike/Boat/Book/etc) Store Tech Support Center Locksmith Skin Care Clinic

Zoning and permitted uses should be independently verified with local authorities.

FAQs

What type of property is this?
Apartment building - Multifamily property with development potential in central San Diego.
Where is this apartment building located?
The property is located at 5502 University Avenue San Diego, CA.
What is the asking price?
The asking price for this property is $2,795,000.
What are key features of this property?
This property features: Assumable Loan at 3.34% Fixed Through 2027; High Cash on Cash Return; Residential Development Potential with **6.5 FAR and No Height Limit**
Contact an agent
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