Rochester — Top 5 Renovation Picks (Aug 12, 2025)

49 Santee St, Rochester, NY 14606 — $99,900

  • Beds/Baths/Sqft: 4 bd / 2 ba / 1,453 sqft
  • Price per SqFt: $69
  • Lot size: 4,950 sqft
  • Year Built / Type: 1915 / Single Family Residential
  • Parking: No Garage
  • Status / Last Sale: Listed (Active) / $99,900 Aug 11, 2025
  • Summary: This updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath home showcases modern finishes in a revitalizing neighborhood, making it ideal for first-time buyers or investors.
  • Renovation rationale:
    • Low price per sqft at $69, providing significant upside potential.
    • Older home built in 1915, typically offering more character and renovation opportunities.
    • Ample space with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, suitable for flexible layouts.
  • Why these metrics matter for renovation:
    • The low price per sqft allows for a larger renovation budget without overspending, while the extra bedrooms can cater to a variety of tenant needs, enhancing rental income potential.
  • Recommended renovation ideas: Focus on updating the kitchen and bathrooms for modern appeal, while also enhancing curb appeal with landscaping.
  • View on Redfin

1357-1359 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14609 — $324,900

  • Beds/Baths/Sqft: 5 bd / 3 ba / 2,803 sqft
  • Price per SqFt: $116
  • Year Built / Type: 1925 / Multi-Family (2-4 Unit)
  • Parking: Common, Garage
  • Status / Last Sale: Listed (Active) / $324,900 Aug 12, 2025
  • Summary: This triplex offers a unique investment opportunity with two income-generating units in a desirable neighborhood.
  • Renovation rationale:
    • Low price per sqft at $116, allowing for significant improvements while maintaining profitability.
    • Multi-family layout provides multiple income streams, enhancing investment viability.
  • Why these metrics matter for renovation:
    • The large size and multi-family structure can accommodate diverse tenant needs, maximizing rental income and reducing vacancy risks.
  • Recommended renovation ideas: Update interiors to attract higher-paying tenants, and consider adding amenities like laundry facilities to increase appeal.
  • View on Redfin

73 Campus Dr, Henrietta, NY 14623 — $189,000

  • Beds/Baths/Sqft: 3 bd / 1 ba / 1,050 sqft
  • Price per SqFt: $180
  • Lot size: 10,890 sqft
  • Year Built / Type: 1964 / Single Family Residential
  • Parking: Attached, Garage
  • Status / Last Sale: Listed (Active) / $189,000 Aug 12, 2025
  • Summary: A charming ranch-style home with modern updates, including a newer kitchen and a partially finished basement for additional space.
  • Renovation rationale:
    • Usable lot size of 10,890 sqft offers potential for outdoor enhancements or expansions.
    • Ranch style provides single-level living, appealing to a wide range of buyers.
  • Why these metrics matter for renovation:
    • The modern updates combined with a larger lot allow for both immediate comfort and future expansion, increasing property value.
  • Recommended renovation ideas: Enhance the outdoor space with landscaping and consider finishing the basement for added living area.
  • View on Redfin

127 Belknap St, Rochester, NY 14606 — $149,900

  • Beds/Baths/Sqft: 5 bd / 2 ba / 1,946 sqft
  • Price per SqFt: $77
  • Lot size: 7,831 sqft
  • Year Built / Type: 1953 / Multi-Family (2-4 Unit)
  • Parking: Detached, Garage
  • Status / Last Sale: Listed (Active) / $149,900 Aug 11, 2025
  • Summary: This spacious multi-family home features ample living space and has been well-maintained, offering flexible living arrangements.
  • Renovation rationale:
    • Very low price per sqft at $77, allowing for extensive renovations without exceeding budget.
    • Five bedrooms provide flexibility for family living or rental opportunities.
  • Why these metrics matter for renovation:
    • The low acquisition cost combined with a large living area can lead to high returns on investment through strategic renovations and potential rental income.
  • Recommended renovation ideas: Update kitchens and bathrooms, and consider creating separate entrances for more privacy for tenants.
  • View on Redfin

49 Tartarian Cir, Rochester, NY 14612 — $92,000

  • Beds/Baths/Sqft: 6 bd / 4.5 ba / 2,915 sqft
  • Price per SqFt: $31
  • Year Built / Type: 1930 / Multi-Family (2-4 Unit)
  • Parking: Garage
  • Status / Last Sale: Listed (Active) / $92,000 Aug 11, 2025
  • Summary: A unique stone building that requires total rehab, presenting an opportunity for a complete transformation.
  • Renovation rationale:
    • Extremely low price per sqft at $31, providing an exceptional entry point for extensive renovations.
    • Large size of 2,915 sqft allows for creative renovations and potentially high rental income after improvements.
  • Why these metrics matter for renovation:
    • The low cost and large footprint can lead to significant equity growth post-renovation, making it an attractive project for investors.
  • Recommended renovation ideas: Focus on structural repairs, modernizing interiors, and enhancing curb appeal to attract tenants or buyers post-renovation.
  • View on Redfin

It’s cheap and I really like the 3rd house