GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY IN DOWNTOWN BREA! Welcome to this Brea Historical Landmark! This charming 1926 Craftsman Bungalow is located on a lovely tree lined street in a highly sought after area of downtown Brea. AND, this property is perfectly situated and already confirmed by City Planning Department for the addition of an ADU! The house has been fully restored to pristine condition, with newly refinished original hardwood flooring and new custom paint inside and outside. The living room is graced with a unique and beautifully ornate fireplace and mantle. The quaint kitchen features a functional granite counter, deep single sink, and custom made hutch and convenient island on wheels to add extra working space, as well as a cozy breakfast nook with built in bench seating and table. inside laundry is just around the corner and has a door that opens to the back yard. A welcoming back patio with lattice cover and roll down custom shades is perfect for summer gatherings and barbeques. A beautiful fig tree in the huge back yard ads charm, shade, and delicious fruit. This wonderful Craftsman home sits on a very large lot with FULL BACK ALLEY ACCESS, just waiting for the savvy buyer to build a second structure for extended family or rental income for life. The alley behind the property dead-ends at the south end of this property, so there will never be traffic driving by in the alley. See photos. Also, the property immediately to the north is the Saint Angela Merici Catholic Church, so you'll always have respectful neighbors! This property has the absolute BEST combination of features. .. wonderful historic home, located in thriving downtown Brea, and ADU potential which has already been approved by the city. Original garage can either be demolished for the addition of the ADU, or restored and incorporated into the plans. See supplements to view Brea City Planners sketches of different ADU possibilities. Located in award winning Brea-Olinda Unified School District, one of the highest rated school districts in Orange County. The district includes Arovista Elementary School that has dual language immersion program, Brea Junior High School, and Brea Olinda High School. es.
Single-familyProperty Type
1924Year Built
6,125 sq ftLot Size
$989Est. Price/Sq.Ft.
1 car garageParking
Listed by Gail Anderson•DRE #01255505• Inet Realty
Bought with Marc Largent•DRE #01802104• Marc Largent, Broker
Cute Bungalow home walking distance to Downtown Brea. Home has original built-in cabinets and hardwood floors. Kitchen also has built-in dining area. Large lot has garden area that could be converted to RV parking. Homes in this area rarely come on the market. This last sold in 1999 so come get it before its gone. Convenient walking distance to Promenade and City Hall Park. Brea Olinda School District! Easy access to FWY & shopping.
CRMLS #P154000
Nov 19, 1999
Sold
$174,000
$207/sq ft
Sep 9, 1999
Listed
$179,900
$214/sq ft
Cute 2 Bedroom Bungalow In Nice Area Of Brea. Hardwood Floors. Original Built-in Cabinets. Very Large Lot With Rv Access. Inside Laundry. Just Painted Exterior. Home Shows Very Well. Oversized 1 Gar Garage. Hurry, This Home This Last. Buyer May Check With City About Adding A Possible 2nd Unit. Seller Is Licensed Real Estate Agent.
Public Records
Jan 17, 1990
Sold
$130,000
$155/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$8,806 (+5.2%)
$726,688 + $31,013
$757,701
2024
$8,374 (+2.8%)
$712,440 + $30,405
$742,845
2023
$8,144 (+0.9%)
$698,471 + $29,809
$728,280
2022
$8,070 (+25.8%)
$684,775 + $29,225
$714,000
2021
$6,413 (+0.7%)
$671,348 + $28,652
$700,000
2020
$6,370 (+2.8%)
$529,367 + $27,139
$556,506
2019
$6,198 (+110.7%)
$523,939 + $26,861
$550,800
2018
$2,941 (+4.7%)
$513,665 + $26,335
$540,000
2017
$2,810 (+2.0%)
$207,836 + $22,587
$230,423
2016
$2,754 (+1.5%)
$207,836 + $22,587
$230,423
2015
$2,714 (+3.0%)
$203,760 + $22,145
$225,905
2014
$2,636 (+0.8%)
$196,768 + $21,386
$218,154
2013
$2,616 (+2.3%)
$196,768 + $21,386
$218,154
2012
$2,558 (+3.0%)
$195,879 + $21,290
$217,169
2011
$2,483 (+1.6%)
$192,038 + $20,873
$212,911
2010
$2,444 (+0.9%)
$188,273 + $20,464
$208,737
2009
$2,423 (+2.9%)
$186,865 + $20,312
$207,177
2008
$2,355
$187,309 + $20,361
$207,670
Tax history for 553 S Walnut Ave
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$8,806 (+5.2%)
$726,688 + $31,013
$757,701
2024
$8,374 (+2.8%)
$712,440 + $30,405
$742,845
2023
$8,144 (+0.9%)
$698,471 + $29,809
$728,280
2022
$8,070 (+25.8%)
$684,775 + $29,225
$714,000
2021
$6,413 (+0.7%)
$671,348 + $28,652
$700,000
2020
$6,370 (+2.8%)
$529,367 + $27,139
$556,506
2019
$6,198 (+110.7%)
$523,939 + $26,861
$550,800
2018
$2,941 (+4.7%)
$513,665 + $26,335
$540,000
2017
$2,810 (+2.0%)
$207,836 + $22,587
$230,423
2016
$2,754 (+1.5%)
$207,836 + $22,587
$230,423
2015
$2,714 (+3.0%)
$203,760 + $22,145
$225,905
2014
$2,636 (+0.8%)
$196,768 + $21,386
$218,154
2013
$2,616 (+2.3%)
$196,768 + $21,386
$218,154
2012
$2,558 (+3.0%)
$195,879 + $21,290
$217,169
2011
$2,483 (+1.6%)
$192,038 + $20,873
$212,911
2010
$2,444 (+0.9%)
$188,273 + $20,464
$208,737
2009
$2,423 (+2.9%)
$186,865 + $20,312
$207,177
2008
$2,355
$187,309 + $20,361
$207,670
*Taxable value of land and structures on it ("additions") is determined regularly by local assessors and does not affect market price.
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
2
Baths
1
Stories
—
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
6,125 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
1924
Sq. Ft.
840
Year built
1924
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Orange County
APN
28426307
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Oct 28, 2026.
R-1
Single Family Residential Zone
The R-1 Single Family Residential Zone is established to provide an environment conducive to the development of single family homes with no mixed or incompatible uses.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Agriculture
Housing-Single unit
Housing-Multiple units
Housing-Senior
Housing-Other
Office
Park & open space
Jan 29, 2026 • Active
Accessory dwelling unit
Construct a new single-story detached accessory dwelling unit at the rear of the property.
ADU
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Property details
Parking
Parking / Garage Information
# of Garage Spaces: 1
# of Parking Spaces: 1
Interior
Laundry Information
Has Laundry
Gas Dryer Hookup, Individual Room, Washer Hookup
Kitchen Information
Appliances: Free Standing Range, Gas Water Heater, Microwave, Water Heater Unit
Brea sits between Fullerton value and Yorba Linda prestige, and right now the sharp pricers are winning. Sellers launching at 2022 numbers are sitting 60-90 days; the ones priced to sell go fast. If you're buying in North OC, give Brea a serious look...