226 S 5th St, Reading, PA, 19602
About This Home
Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a grand historic residence in the desirable Callowhill Historic District, built circa 1875. Offering over 4,500 square feet of living space and filled with period charm, this expansive home blends timeless architectural detail with modern versatility. Currently configured as a single-family home, the layout allows for a simple conversion back into a two-unit property—ideal for owner-occupants seeking additional rental income or investors looking to maximize value. Inside, you’ll find original hardwood floors, natural woodwork, elegant pocket doors, and a dramatic grand staircase that speaks to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. With 12 spacious rooms, the home features a large media room perfect for entertaining, a second kitchen for added flexibility, and an expansive backyard—rare in the city—offering outdoor space for gardening, relaxation, or gatherings. Whether you're looking to live in and restore a piece of history or create a smart investment opportunity, this property offers both charm and potential in one of Reading's most historic neighborhoods. Come and discover all the possibilities this exceptional home has to offer.
Getting Around
Very Walkable
Very Limited Transit
BikeableSchools
Construction
Condition
- Property condition: Very Good
- Year built: 1875
Materials
- Foundation: Other
- Roof: Rubber
- Construction materials: Brick
Type & Style
- Home type: Townhouse
- Architectural style: Victorian
- Property subType: Townhouse
Interior
Appliances
- Appliances included: Dryer,Microwave,Oven/Range - Electric,Washer,Electric Water Heater
- Laundry features: Main Level,Laundry Room
Basement
- Has basement: Yes
- Basement: Full,Interior Entry
Bedroom2
- Level: Upper
- Area: 238
- Dimensions: 17 X 14
Bedroom3
- Level: Upper
- Area: 144
- Dimensions: 12 X 12
Bedroom4
- Level: Upper
- Area: 360
- Dimensions: 12 X 30
Bedroom5
- Level: Upper
- Area: 252
- Dimensions: 18 X 14
Bedroom6
- Level: Upper
- Area: 192
- Dimensions: 16 X 12
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 7
- Bathrooms: 3
- Full bathrooms: 3
- Main level bathrooms: 1
Dining Room
- Level: Main
- Area: 252
- Dimensions: 14 X 18
Family Room
- Level: Main
- Area: 180
- Dimensions: 12 X 15
Features
- 2nd Kitchen,Attic,Breakfast Area,Built-in Features,Ceiling Fan(s),Eat-in Kitchen,9'+ Ceilings
- Window features: Replacement
- Flooring: Carpet,Hardwood,Tile/Brick,Wood
- Number of fireplaces: 2
- Fireplace features: Decorative
- Fireplace: Yes
- Finished area below ground: 0
- Finished area above ground: 4,570
Heating & Cooling
- Heating features: Hot Water,Natural Gas
- Cooling features: Ceiling Fan(s),Window Unit(s),Electric
Interior Area
- Total structure area: 4,570
- Total interior livable area: 4,570 sqft
Kitchen
- Level: Main
- Area: 144
- Dimensions: 12 X 12
Kitchen
- Level: Upper
- Area: 168
- Dimensions: 12 X 14
Laundry
- Level: Main
- Area: 48
- Dimensions: 8 X 6
Living Room
- Level: Main
- Area: 396
- Dimensions: 12 X 33
Other
- Level: Upper
- Area: 108
- Dimensions: 18 X 6
Other
- Level: Upper
- Area: 91
- Dimensions: 13 X 7
Other
- Level: Main
- Area: 63
- Dimensions: 9 X 7
Other
- Features: Attic - Finished
- Level: Upper
Other
- Level: Upper
- Area: 78
- Dimensions: 13 X 6
Primary Bedroom
- Level: Upper
- Area: 252
- Dimensions: 14 X 18
Property
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: None
Details
- Parcel number: 04530627786786
- Zoning: R-3
- Special condition: Standard
Features
- Levels: Four
- Stories: 4
- Pool features: None
- Exterior features: Sidewalks,Street Lights,Balcony
Lot
- Lot size: 5,227 sqft
- Features: Rear Yard
- Lot size dimensions: 0.00 x 0.00
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Off Street,On Street
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Climate Risk is Financial Risk
Every home has a financial story beyond the listing price. Below, you’ll see the climate risks that could affect this property — and in Bills & Affordability, how those risks may influence repairs, insurance, utilities, and long-term value.
Biggest Threats for This Home
- Inland Flooding
- Strong Wind
- Winter Weather
- Cold Wave
- Earthquake
- Hurricane
- Heat Wave
- Lightning
- Tornado
How This Home’s Risks Compare
FEMA Declared Disasters Across Pennsylvania Counties
Understanding the Costs
Financial advisors generally recommend spending no more than 30% of your gross household income on housing costs. In practice, many households stretch to 35% or beyond — especially in high-cost markets.
Estimated Costs Today
| Monthly | Annual | |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | $1,769 | $21,228 |
| Home Insurance * | $123 | $1,476 |
| Property Taxes | $466 | $5,592 |
| Electricity | $501 | $6,016 |
| Total | $2,859 | $34,308 |
Income You'd Need if You Spent...
Pennsylvania FAIR Plan Programs
Insurance Placement Facility of Pennsylvania/FAIR Plan
Wildfire
HailWindHow Costs Could Change Over Time
Climate risk is quickly impacting all of the major home ownership costs. Adjust the growth rates and percentage of income spent on housing below to see how your housing costs could change over the next 10 years — and what income you'd need to keep up.
Comparing Against the Market
Price Per Sq Ft
vs Other Active Listings
Avg $/sqft
vs Homes Sold Last Month
Median $/sqft
Current Market Trends
Median Price Per Square Foot
The median price per square foot of homes sold in this area each month. Compare this to this listing's price per square foot to gauge whether the home is priced in line with recent sales.
Historicals for This Listing
Zestimate History ($/sqft)
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-09 | Price change | $365,000 |
| 2025-08-07 | Listed for sale | $395,000 |
| 2025-07-01 | Pending sale | $395,000 |
| 2025-05-20 | Listed for sale | $395,000 |
| 2022-02-13 | Listing removed | $249,900 |
| 2021-08-19 | Listing removed | -- |
| 2021-07-15 | Listed for sale | $249,900 |
| 2018-07-18 | Sold | $105,000 |
| 2018-02-26 | Listed for sale | $119,900 |
| 2014-11-07 | Sold | $60,000 |
| 2014-09-23 | Listed for sale | $70,000 |
| 2014-01-13 | Sold | $15,700 |
| 2008-05-23 | Sold | $75,000 |
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