Residential Income In Isla Vista

6531 Del Playa Drive offers an investor generous cash-flow on the oceanfront of Isla Vista, in an A+ location nearly adjacent to the campus of the University of California at Santa Barbara, and benefiting from the more favorable blufftop geology in this part of Del Playa. Consider for a pure investor or for a UC Santa Barbara parent looking for a favorable cap rate for balance in a diversified real estate portfolio. With a captive student housing tenant pool willing to pay the very highest rents for the chance to enjoy the oceanfront lifestyle, and with voluntary student tenant turnover in Isla Vista, a new owner would have the ability to realize substantial returns into the future. The est. cap rate based on new 2026-2027 school year rents is ~6.64% (using a Buyer’s new property taxes), with adjustment to market rents the following school year estimated to increase the cap rate above 7%.

Four of the apartments face the ocean directly for top rents, the 5th unit faces the street and is smaller and rents for a little less per bed. Generous rooms sizes (see Floor Plan page) provide potential for additional income beyond the capturing of market rents in the next tenant cycle. A 6th unit studio shown in the marketing is a former storage area with permit status as a studio unknown, the space has been historically rented this way for decades. Further upside may be realized by recent expanded ADU legislation for multi-family properties, with a natural ADU location available in the covered parking area. Consult a land-use planner to verify ADU potential. A new roof was added in 2024.

The property is located in a relatively favorable geological portion of Del Playa Drive, with a seawall protecting much of the width of the property, and with structural caissons installed in the 1990’s. These capital improvements, soil conditions, blufftop condition and blufftop retreat rates are described in a 2025 geologic report, to allow a Buyer to confirm viability for the property’s cash-flow into the future.

View the unbranded Offering Memorandum under Documents for more information including unit floorplan layouts, site plan and financials.