Des Moines Fixer With 2-Car Garage Returns to Market for Just $85,000
A century-old fixer-upper in Des Moines, Iowa, has returned to the market for $85,000, offering two bedrooms, a two-car detached garage and a large backyard with plenty of renovation potential.
Located at 2240 Elizabeth Avenue, the single-story home was built in 1917 and provides approximately 826 square feet of finished living space.
The property includes two bedrooms and one full bathroom and sits on an approximately 6,300-square-foot lot measuring roughly 45 by 140 feet.
At the current $85,000 asking price, the home works out to approximately $103 per finished square foot.
The seller makes it clear that this property is aimed at buyers willing to put in some work.
The home is being sold as-is and is specifically marketed as a renovation opportunity where updates could potentially help a future owner build equity.
Both bedrooms and the full bathroom are located on the main level, creating a simple single-story layout.
Below the main living area is an unfinished basement that provides additional storage and utility space.
Heating is supplied through a natural-gas forced-air system, while central air conditioning handles cooling.
Public water and public sewer serve the property.
Outside, the large backyard is one of the listing’s strongest features.
The seller specifically highlights the amount of space behind the house and suggests several potential uses, including gardening, outdoor entertaining or creating additional workshop or garage space, subject to local requirements.
The property already comes with a detached two-car garage, providing covered parking and valuable storage or workspace.
For buyers interested in repairing cars, completing home projects or simply having more room for equipment, the garage could be a particularly useful feature.
The exterior of the home has wood siding, while the roof is finished with asphalt shingles.
There is no homeowners association, meaning there are no regular HOA dues listed with the property.
The home’s recent market history is also interesting.
It was briefly listed for $85,000 in late July 2026 before that listing was removed only a few days later.
The property returned to the active Des Moines market on October 14, 2026, once again carrying an $85,000 asking price.
Public records show the home previously sold for $107,000 in January 2020.
That means the new asking price is $22,000 below its last recorded sale price.
Current records list annual 2026 property taxes at approximately $1,964, with an assessed value of $100,800.
The combination of condition and pricing means this will not be the right property for someone seeking a completely renovated, move-in-ready home.
But for an investor, potential landlord, fix-and-flip buyer or owner-occupant comfortable with renovation work, the home presents an affordable entry point into the Des Moines market.
With two bedrooms, an unfinished basement, central air, a two-car detached garage and a sizeable backyard, 2240 Elizabeth Avenue offers plenty of possibilities for its next owner—and it is currently listed for just $85,000.
Listed on Zillow