Costa Mesa Multifamily Properties for Sale

Strategic Investment Opportunities in a High-Demand Rental Market

The House Hacking Advantage in Costa Mesa

As a Mesa Verde resident and local broker, I have watched Costa Mesa become the gold standard for residential income property in Orange County. Owner-occupied investors can use FHA financing on properties up to 4 units, allowing low down payment acquisition of high-density assets on the Westside and throughout the city. FHA loan limits for 4-unit properties in Orange County are updated annually. Contact us for the current figure before running your numbers.

Costa Mesa 4-plex residential income property for sale

Residential income property in the Costa Mesa market

Costa Mesa's rental market is anchored by Orange Coast College, Vanguard University, the 17th Street corridor, and South Coast Plaza area employment, ensuring low vacancy rates and consistent demand. Whether you are executing a 1031 Exchange or sourcing a value-add duplex with ADU potential, understanding local zoning and California rent law nuances is where our expertise becomes your competitive advantage.

Want to discuss cap rates, zoning, or off-market opportunities in Costa Mesa? Call or text me directly: 949-430-7500

Build Your Costa Mesa Portfolio

Multifamily inventory in Costa Mesa is often sold via pocket listings before ever hitting the MLS. Off-market access is the difference between finding a deal and watching someone else close it.

Costa Mesa Multifamily Investment FAQ

Is Costa Mesa a good market for multifamily investment?

Yes. Costa Mesa has structural rental demand drivers that make it one of the most reliable multifamily markets in Orange County. Orange Coast College, Vanguard University, the 17th Street corridor, and proximity to Newport Beach employers keep vacancy rates low and rental demand consistent. The Westside has a high concentration of older multifamily stock that attracts value-add investors, while the Eastside commands premium rents due to Newport Beach proximity and school district access.

What is house hacking and how does it work in Costa Mesa?

House hacking is the strategy of purchasing a multifamily property, living in one unit, and renting the others to offset your mortgage. In Costa Mesa, fourplexes are the most common house hacking vehicle because they qualify for owner-occupied FHA financing, which allows lower down payments than conventional investment loans. The rental income from the other three units can significantly reduce or eliminate the owner's housing cost. FHA loan limits for 4-unit properties in Orange County are updated annually. Contact us for the current figure before running your numbers.

Does Costa Mesa have rent control?

Costa Mesa does not have local rent control, but California's AB 1482 statewide rent cap applies to most multifamily properties that are more than 15 years old and not single-family homes or condos. AB 1482 limits annual rent increases to 5% plus local CPI, with a maximum of 10%. Properties built within the last 15 years are exempt. Buyers should review current AB 1482 applicability for any specific property with a real estate attorney before closing, as the rules have nuance around exemptions and just cause eviction requirements.

Are Costa Mesa multifamily properties good for a 1031 exchange?

Yes, particularly for investors exchanging out of properties in higher-appreciation markets who want to redeploy into stable cash-flowing assets. Costa Mesa multifamily offers a combination of strong rental demand, below-replacement-cost pricing on older stock, and ADU upside that makes it an attractive 1031 destination. The key is identifying properties with genuine value-add potential rather than paying a premium for cap rate compression that has already occurred. Working with an agent who has off-market access is essential in this segment, as the best opportunities rarely hit the public MLS.

Costa Mesa Investment Property

$1,650,000
OC26159419 MLS Active Status
Exceptional Costa Mesa Triplex Investment Opportunity Rarely does a property like this become available in one of Costa Mesa's most desirable rental neighborhoods. Situated on a prime corner lot at 3045 Coolidge Avenue, this well-positioned triplex offers an outstanding investment opportunity featuring three spacious 2-bedroom, 1 and 2 bath units, each with generously sized floor plans that consistently appeal to long-term tenants. The property's corner location provides an attractive residential setting, bordered by established single-family homes on one side and multifamily residences on the other—creating the perfect balance of neighborhood charm and strong rental demand. The building offers excellent curb appeal, abundant natural light, and a layout that tenants love. Location is everything, and this property delivers. Residents enjoy walking distance to Paularino Elementary School, nearby parks, neighborhood shopping, restaurants, and everyday conveniences. The property is just minutes from South Coast Plaza, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Orange Coast College, John Wayne Airport, and the world-famous beaches of Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. Easy access to the 55, 405, and 73 Freeways makes commuting throughout Orange County exceptionally convenient. Costa Mesa continues to be one of Orange County's strongest rental markets, driven by its central location, vibrant employment base, highly desirable coastal lifestyle, and proximity to major business centers. The city boasts more than 80,000 jobs, a thriving economy, outstanding dining and entertainment, and one of Southern California's most sought-after lifestyles—making quality rental housing consistently attractive to tenants. -Three large 2-bedroom units -Prime corner location -Excellent tenant appeal -Walking distance to schools -Strong rental demand -Close to beaches, shopping, employment centers, and freeways -Located in one of Orange County's most desirable investment markets Investment opportunities in this location are increasingly difficult to find. This is your chance to own a quality income-producing asset in the heart of Costa Mesa—where strong fundamentals, exceptional location, and long-term appreciation potential come together to create an outstanding real estate investment. A true turnkey addition to any investment portfolio .

3045 Coolidge, Costa Mesa

$3,495,000
OC26134197 MLS Active Status
Exceptional investment opportunity in the heart of Costa Mesa. Located in the beautiful Westside area, 681 Victoria offers a diamond in the rough 7 unit, multifamily property with great possibilities and convenient access to beaches, shopping, dining, and major transportation routes. The property features a variety of unit types, functional layouts, and some private outdoor space, providing long-term appeal for both tenants and investors. Situated on a generous lot in an established residential neighborhood, this asset presents the possibility for stable cash flow with potential for future upside. Residents enjoy close proximity to Newport Beach, 17th Street, Triangle Square, Pacific Coast Highway, and the 55 Freeway. Whether expanding an investment portfolio or acquiring a quality income-producing property in a high-demand coastal market, this property represents a compelling opportunity in one of Orange County’s most sought-after rental locations. Four two story units with 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, one upstairs unit with 1 bedroom and 1 bath, 1 single level unit with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath and one single level unit with 3 bedrooms (per appraiser) and 1 bath. There is laundry hook-up for each unit and lots of parking. There are also two single garages. Financial information provided upon request. Any and all information on the MLS is deemed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. Buyer to satisfy self with due diligence and appropriate inspections.

681 Victoria, Costa Mesa

$3,900,000
NP26128800 MLS Active Status
Exceptional opportunity to acquire two adjacent fourplexes (136 & 132 E. Bay St.) being offered together as one premier 8-unit multifamily investment in the highly sought-after Eastside Costa Mesa market. Properties of this size and quality rarely become available in one of Orange County's most desirable rental locations. Together, the properties feature eight well-designed units consisting of four 2-bedroom, 1-bath residences and four comfortable 1-bedroom, 1-bath residences, offering an ideal mix that appeals to a broad tenant base. Each property provides a garage space, additional uncovered parking to be allocated, on-site laundry, the lower units feature outdoor living areas, creating a desirable living environment for residents while minimizing vacancy. The buildings are up to code and have verified SB721 inspection reports for the stairs and patios. Ideally located just minutes from Newport Beach, Triangle Square, the Back Bay, the 55 Freeway, John Wayne Airport, and the area's premier shopping, dining, and entertainment, the properties enjoy strong rental demand driven by their exceptional coastal location. Whether you're seeking stable cash flow with long-term appreciation potential or an opportunity to enhance value through strategic renovations, rental increases and possible ADU additions above the garages this offering delivers exceptional flexibility. The combined eight-unit configuration provides operational efficiencies while maintaining the appeal of smaller residential properties.

136 E Bay, Costa Mesa

$3,490,000
OC26116869 MLS Active Status
Rare pride-of-ownership 5-unit investment opportunity located in highly desirable Eastside Costa Mesa. Offered for sale for the first time in approximately 27 years, this well-maintained asset occupies an expansive approximately 15,746 square foot lot and features a unique low-density cottage-style layout with lots of attractive features and benefits. Improvements include a freestanding 2-bedroom, 1-bath residence positioned at the front of the property, along with four additional units located within two separate residential buildings at the rear. Unit mix consists of two 1-bedroom units and two 2-bedroom units. A defining characteristic of the offering is its abundance of private outdoor space. The front residence enjoys a large enclosed front yard with white picket vinyl fence and private rear yard, while each remaining unit benefits from its own yard, patio, or outdoor living area. This residential environment has contributed to strong tenant retention and consistent rental demand over many years. Residents enjoy amenities seldom found in comparable investment properties, including six enclosed garages, five equipped with automatic openers, in-unit washer and dryer hookups, and off-street parking for approximately eight vehicles. One garage is currently leased separately, generating additional monthly income. Generous parking, private outdoor areas, and thoughtful site design further enhance long-term resident appeal. From an operational standpoint, ownership benefits from a favorable utility structure. Gas and electricity are separately metered with no house gas or electric meters, helping reduce operating costs. Each residence is equipped with its own water heater, with residents responsible for individual gas consumption. Operating expenses remain straightforward and consist primarily of water, trash service, property taxes, insurance, landscaping, and professional management. Eastside Costa Mesa continues to rank among Orange County's most desirable rental markets, driven by its proximity to Newport Beach, major employment centers, premier shopping, dining, and coastal recreation. Convenient access to Newport Boulevard and the 55 Freeway further strengthens location appeal. This offering presents a rare opportunity to acquire a quality multifamily investment in one of Southern California's most sought-after rental submarkets.

131 E 21st Street, Costa Mesa

$2,195,000
OC26045159 MLS Active Status
The Victoria Street Apartments presents a rare opportunity to acquire a well-located, four-unit multifamily investment in the highly desirable, supply-constrained submarket of Costa Mesa within Greater Orange County. Constructed in 1961, the property features a low-density and highly attractive unit mix consisting of (2) spacious, single-story three-bedroom/two-bath units and (2) studios totaling approximately 3,449 square feet. The asset sits on an expansive 13,047 square foot lot, offering strong intrinsic land value and future operational flexibility, including potential ADU opportunities. The property provides a compelling resident experience with desirable amenities, such as ample on-site parking with covered carports, private patios, and balconies - features that enhance tenant appeal and support strong occupancy fundamentals. Select units have undergone recent upgrades and renovations, further strengthening the asset’s competitive positioning. Strategically located near Costa Mesa’s premier retail, dining, and entertainment corridors - and just minutes from Huntington Beach - the property benefits from close proximity to The Triangle Square, the OC Fair & Event Center, the 17th Street Promenade, and Talbert Regional Park. This prime location, combined with the asset’s favorable unit composition and land-to-building ratio, positions the Victoria Street Apartments as a high-quality investment opportunity offering durable demand drivers, rental upside, and meaningful long-term appreciation potential.

1124 Victoria, Costa Mesa

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Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of . This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.