An unusual real estate listing in the small town of Hartford, Arkansas, is attracting attention for a surprising reason. A former church that the seller says was converted into a five-unit apartment building is being offered for just $38,999.
With approximately 3,214 square feet of interior space, five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and nearly 0.7 acres of land, this property offers an uncommon combination of size, history, and potential investment possibilities.
However, the low asking price comes with an important catch: the building needs renovation, and buyers must verify whether all five apartments are legally recognized for residential rental use.
A Former Church With an Unexpected Second Life
Located at 28 S Hazel Street in Hartford, Arkansas, the three-story brick building reportedly began its life as a church before being adapted for residential use.
Today, the seller describes it as a five-unit apartment complex.
Unlike a conventional house, the building offers a substantial amount of interior space spread across three stories.
The reported five bedrooms and five bathrooms could make it interesting to investors considering a small multifamily rental property.
But the property’s legal classification deserves attention. Although the seller describes five apartments, the structured listing identifies the property as a single-family residence.
This discrepancy does not prove that the conversion was unauthorized, but it means prospective buyers should confirm zoning, permits, occupancy approvals, and the legal status of each unit before purchasing.
More Than 3,200 Square Feet for Under $39,000
One of the most striking aspects of the listing is the price compared with the building’s reported size.
At $38,999 for approximately 3,214 square feet, the asking price works out to roughly $12 per square foot.
That figure may surprise buyers accustomed to seeing much higher prices for residential properties.
However, the price per square foot alone cannot determine whether the building represents a good investment.
The property is being marketed as a fixer-upper, and the total cost of restoration could be substantial.
Investors would need to consider repairs, safety improvements, building systems, and any modifications required to obtain legal approval for multifamily occupancy.
Five Bedrooms and Five Full Bathrooms
The building reportedly contains five bedrooms and five full bathrooms.
If the property is properly configured and approved as five individual apartments, it could potentially accommodate several separate households.
That possibility is what makes the listing particularly interesting from an investment perspective.
Rather than purchasing a traditional single-family residence, a buyer might envision restoring the building into multiple rental units.
However, the available information does not establish that each apartment has its own functional kitchen, independent entrance, or utility connections.
These details would need to be investigated carefully.
A professional inspection and accurate floor plan could help determine how the existing space is arranged and what improvements would be required.
A Three-Story Brick Building on 0.69 Acres
The property occupies approximately 0.69 acres, providing outdoor space around the large structure.
According to the listing, the grounds include a cleared city lot, partial fencing, and a gravel driveway.
The building features a brick exterior, block-and-slab foundation, fiberglass-shingle roofing, and vinyl windows.
Inside, reported flooring materials include carpet and laminate.
For an investor, the combination of a substantial building and surrounding land may provide flexibility for landscaping, parking, and future improvements, subject to local regulations.
Parking could be especially important if the building is eventually approved for five separate residential units.
The Biggest Catch: Major Renovations Are Needed
Although the asking price is unusually low, this is not a property that buyers should assume is ready for immediate occupancy.
The listing describes the building as a fixer-upper and reports no heating system.
That could represent a significant expense, particularly for a three-story building intended to accommodate multiple households.
Other systems may also require attention.
The electrical service should be evaluated to determine whether it can support multiple residential units, including kitchens, bathrooms, appliances, and heating or cooling equipment.
Plumbing, roofing, structural components, and water-heating arrangements also deserve careful inspection.
Depending on the legal classification and intended use, the building may require additional fire-safety improvements, emergency exits, alarms, or other modifications.
For a property of this size, renovation costs could quickly exceed the initial purchase price.
A $1,000 Price Reduction
Another detail that may interest buyers is the property’s recent price history.
The advertised asking price was reduced by $1,000 on October 1, 2026, bringing it to $38,999.
The reported tax-assessed value is approximately $61,515, while annual property taxes are listed at around $433.
Although the asking price is below the reported assessment, that difference should not automatically be interpreted as instant equity.
Tax assessments do not necessarily reflect current market value, especially when a building requires significant repairs or has unresolved questions about its permitted use.
Near the Ouachita National Forest
The property is located in Hartford, a small community in western Arkansas.
The listing highlights its proximity to the Ouachita National Forest and the surrounding mountain scenery.
For people who enjoy rural landscapes and outdoor recreation, the location could be appealing.
The area’s natural surroundings may offer access to hiking, scenic drives, and other outdoor activities.
However, investors considering long-term rental income should also research the local housing market, employment opportunities, population, and demand for apartments.
A property with five potential units can only become a successful rental investment if there is sufficient demand and the operating expenses make financial sense.
Could This Former Church Become a Profitable Rental Property?
The idea of purchasing a former church with five reported apartment units for less than $39,000 is certainly attention-grabbing.
If the building’s residential conversion is legally established and renovation costs are manageable, a future owner could potentially restore it into a functioning multifamily property.
Five separate rental units could provide multiple income sources, although no actual rental income or occupancy figures have been established.
Expenses such as insurance, maintenance, property management, taxes, vacancies, utilities, and future repairs would all affect profitability.
Financing may also be more complicated than with an ordinary house, particularly if lenders classify the building as a commercial multifamily property.
An Unusual Opportunity With Important Questions
Properties like this do not appear in conventional home searches every day.
A former church, three stories of interior space, five reported bedrooms, five bathrooms, and approximately 0.69 acres create a distinctive real estate opportunity.
The advertised $38,999 price makes the listing even more intriguing.
But the property’s potential depends on its actual condition, legal occupancy status, and the amount of money required to complete a safe renovation.
For experienced investors willing to investigate those issues, this former Arkansas church could be worth a closer look.
Would you take on the challenge of restoring a former church into five apartments for an advertised purchase price of just $38,999?
Listed on Zillow
