A once-in-a-generation opportunity has arrived in the North Berkeley Hills. Offered for the first time since it was built nearly 90 years ago, this beloved 1936 single-family home has been cherished by one family for its entire life — and now awaits its next fortunate steward. Set on a rare useable lot, the property features a coveted two-car driveway and attached two-car garage — an extraordinary find in the hills — along with a large, gently terraced backyard that invites gardening, entertaining, or simply soaking in the surroundings. Step directly onto the adjacent Berkeley Hills walking path and find yourself immersed in nature within seconds of your own back door. The official 1,470 square feet* across 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms only tells part of the story. Below the main level, a large bonus third bedroom, a generous laundry room, and an even more expansive workshop (almost 1200 SF) offer space and flexibility that most hillside homes can only dream of — none of it counted in the official square footage. Whether you envision a home studio, hobby space, or room for extended family, the possibilities are exceptional.** A low pest report offers buyers added confidence and peace of mind, while sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay serve as a daily reminder—morning and evening—of why so many people fall in love with this neighborhood. Home Energy Score of 5. Bed/ bath count do not match county records* Easy access to Tilden Regional Park, UC Berkeley, and the shops and restaurants of North Berkeley make this a rare hillside retreat that stays connected to everything the East Bay has to offer. Homes like this — with this history, this lot, and these features — simply do not come along twice. *Buyer to investigate
Single-familyProperty Type
1936Year Built
5,555 sq ftLot Size
$830Price/Sq.Ft.
2 car garageParking
Listed by Eric Gellerman•DRE #02198966• Red Oak Realty
Listed by Ann Arriola Plant•DRE #00613099• Red Oak Realty
Bought with Emma Dolgin•DRE #02113494• The GRUBB Company
Est. $4,645 per month, based on comparable rentals
Sale and tax history for 98 Fairlawn Dr
Sale History
Tax History
Date
Event
Price
bridgeMLS, Bay East AOR, or Contra Costa AOR #41138070
Jul 13, 2026
Sold
$1,220,000
$830/sq ft
Jun 28, 2026
Pending
—
Jun 11, 2026
Listed
$995,000
$677/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$6,941 (+19.3%)
$64,771 + $40,263
$105,034
2024
$5,818 (+3.8%)
$63,501 + $39,473
$102,974
2023
$5,606 (+0.5%)
$62,256 + $38,699
$100,955
2022
$5,579 (+0.8%)
$59,839 + $37,197
$97,036
2021
$5,535 (+8.4%)
$59,839 + $37,197
$97,036
2020
$5,104 (+7.8%)
$58,665 + $36,467
$95,132
2019
$4,735 (+3.4%)
$58,064 + $36,094
$94,158
2018
$4,581 (+4.3%)
$56,926 + $35,386
$92,312
2017
$4,391 (+7.1%)
$54,715 + $34,012
$88,727
2016
$4,100 (+2.3%)
$54,715 + $34,012
$88,727
2015
$4,007 (+4.0%)
$53,643 + $33,345
$86,988
2014
$3,854 (+5.6%)
$51,802 + $32,201
$84,003
2013
$3,649 (+3.0%)
$51,802 + $32,201
$84,003
2012
$3,541 (+3.6%)
$51,568 + $32,056
$83,624
2011
$3,419 (+0.7%)
$50,557 + $31,427
$81,984
2010
$3,395 (+0.7%)
$49,566 + $30,811
$80,377
2009
$3,371 (+10.9%)
$49,195 + $30,581
$79,776
2008
$3,039
$49,312 + $30,653
$79,965
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Beds
2
Baths
2
Stories
1
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
5,555 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
1936
Sq. Ft.
1,470
Year built
1936
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Alameda County
APN
060 248500900
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Sep 16, 2026.
R-1H
H
Single Family Residential District - Hillside Overlay Zone
The purpose of the Single-Family Residential (R-1) district is to: Recognize and protect the existing pattern of development in the low-density, single-family residential areas of the city consistent with the General Plan; Make housing available for persons who desire detached housing and a relatively large amount of usable open space; Protect adjacent properties from unreasonable obstruction of light and air; and Permit community facilities such as religious assembly uses, schools, parks, and libraries which serve the local population and are not detrimental to the immediate neighborhood.; The purpose of the Hillside (H) overlay zone is to: implement General Plan policies for hillside development; protect the safety and health of residents where steep topography, unusual street conditions and proximity to the wildland-urban interface create severe risk from wildfire; protect the character of Berkeley's hillside areas and their immediate environs; give reasonable protection to views yet allow appropriate development of all property; and allow modifications in standard setback and height requirements when justified because of steep topography, irregular lot pattern, unusual street conditions, or other special aspects of the hillside areas.
Zone overlays
Hillside Overlay Zone
Property details
Parking
Parking Information
Garage Spaces: 2
Covered Spaces: 2
Parking Features: Covered, Detached, Garage, Off Street, Parking Spaces, Enclosed, Private, Garage Door Opener
Interior
Bathroom Information
# of Bathrooms Total: 2
# of Bathrooms Full: 1
# of Bathrooms Partial: 1
Interior Features
Interior Features: Utility Room, Workshop
Appliances: Double Oven, Electric Range, Refrigerator, Dryer, Washer
Room Type: Basement, Bonus Room, Utility Room, Workshop, Kitchen, Laundry, Living Room, Master Bathroom, Master Bedroom, Possible Guest
Fireplace Features: Decorative
Exterior
Building Information
Construction Materials: Wood Siding
Building Area Total: 1,470
Exterior Features
Patio And Porch Features: Deck, Patio, Covered, Front Porch
Exterior Features: Garden, Back Yard, Front Yard, Garden/Play, Terraced Back, Terraced Down, Entry Gate, Landscape Back, Low Maintenance, Private Entrance
Fencing: Fenced, Front Yard, Full
Property Information
Living Area: 1470
Living Area Units: Square Feet
Property Type: Residential
Property Sub Type: Single Family Residence
Year Built: 1936
Direction Faces: West
Lot Information
Lot Size Square Feet: 5555
Lot Size Area: 0.13
Lot Size Units: Acres
Lot Size Acres: 0.13
Lot Features: Back Yard, Front Yard, Landscaped, Private
Utilities
Utility Information
Water Source: Public
Sewer: Public Sewer
Utilities: Individual Electric Meter, Individual Gas Meter
Heating & Cooling
Has Heating
Heating: Natural Gas, Central
Cooling: Ceiling Fan(s), No Air Conditioning
Public facts
Beds: 2
Baths: 2.0
Sq. Ft.: 1,470
Stories: 1.0
Lot Size: 5,555 square feet
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 1936
Year Renovated: 1936
County: Alameda County
APN: 060 248500900
Home facts updated by county records on Sep 16, 2026
Around this home
Schools
Cragmont Elementary School
Public K-5 • Assigned • 1.0mi
9/10
Willard Middle School
Public 6-8 • Assigned • 1.8mi
10/10
Berkeley High School
Public 9-12 • Assigned • 1.7mi
9/10
Provided by GreatSchools
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
3/10 Fire Factor
0.15% chance of being in a wildfire in next 30 years
2/10 Heat Factor
3 days above 86° expected this year, 7 days in 30 years
1/10 Wind Factor
Minimal risk of severe winds over next 30 years
9/10 Air Factor
16 unhealthy days expected this year, 16 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Berkeley, CA • 94708
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
58
45
59
46
66
49
63
48
67
51
67
51
68
54
72
55
72
58
71
55
60
48
56
46
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
84/ 100
Very good sunlight
Sunscore
This home ranks in the top 21% for direct sun exposure in Berkeley. There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
9.1 hrs
5 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Estimated sale price
$1.34M – $1.63M
Reach more buyers when you sell with Redfin. Plus, you'll save $14,139 in fees.
Property information provided by bridgeMLS, Bay East AOR, or Contra Costa AOR when last listed in 2026. This data may not match public records. Learn more.