I toured the units at Cubix Yerba Buena over on Harrison at 4th Street several months ago. Though very small, all the studio condos were nicely designed and efficient, with list prices in the $200,000-$400,000 range. I was kind of into the very walkable location, and thought the building would be great for first-time home buyers or empty nesters looking for a pied-a-terre in San Francisco.
Now the folks at Cubix are offering a rent-to-own deal on the “penthouse” units–you can start out renting at only $995 per month, with the goal of owning your unit, which is priced at $225,000. Though that doesn’t include parking, you’re very near public transportation, and there’s a City Car Share pod in the garage. Not a bad way to get a leg up on your first home in the city–or your second home, for that matter.