1200 California St Unit 5C
This unit is asking far less than comparable sales — so much less that the gap is more likely something we cannot see from the listing than equity you would own: a deed restriction, a TIC or shared-ownership form, a leasehold, or a unit that is not really comparable to the homes it was measured against. A discount that large is usually a reason, not a bargain. We would rather tell you we cannot verify it than sell you a number.
💵What this unit actually costs per month
38% of that payment is not the mortgage. The HOA fee alone is $223,020 over five years — money that buys you no equity. A calculator that defaulted the fee to zero would have quoted you $10,613.
Not FHA-approved. No 3.5%-down FHA financing on this unit, so the realistic floor is a 5%-down conventional loan ($79,750). Common for small associations and not a defect on its own, but it does remove FHA buyers from your resale pool.
Minimum realistic down payment here: 5% · verify on HUD's lookup
Rate is the Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year average for the week of 2026-10-08 — a national survey figure, not a quote. Tax, insurance and closing costs are estimates; your own Loan Estimate is the real number.
This building's HOA fees
We haven't reconstructed a multi-year fee history for this building yet. We have one recorded fee on file ($3,961 in 2026), not enough for a trend yet. The listing shows $3,717/mo today. Upload its HOA docs and we'll build the full reserve & special-assessment report — free.
🏢 Get this building's free HOA report →✅ Positives
- 20% below model fair value
⚠️ Cons
- HOA $3717/mo
- Older building (1962)
- Ground floor
🚩 Red flags
- Very high HOA $3717/mo (full-service high-rise)
Photos
Price history (this unit)
- Sep 28, 2026 — Listed $1,595,000
- Nov 4, 2003 — Sold (MLS) $965,000
- Nov 4, 2002 — Listed $995,000
- Jul 9, 1996 — Sold (MLS) $660,000
- Mar 26, 1996 — Listed $695,000
Description
Welcome to 1200 California, one of San Francisco's most prestigious mid-century high-rise buildings. Ideally positioned on the building's sunny southeast corner, Residence #5C is a spacious approximately 2,300-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bath apartment, with every room enjoying views of iconic Grace Cathedral. The comprehensive monthly HOA dues include a 24-hour door person, on-site management, an outside management firm, maintenance personnel, a fully equipped health club, electricity, water, garbage, premium cable television, Internet, exterior window washing, complimentary use of washers and dryers located on the third floor, one-car parking, and a large additional storage room.…