Rare Phoenix Basement Home on an Acre in Glendale’s Saddleback Foothills — STR-Friendly With High Revenue Potential

by Eric Ravenscroft, CRS

Aerial view of Saddleback Foothills neighborhood in Glendale AZ showing foothill desert landscape, acre-lot homes, and proximity to North Phoenix and TSMC corridor

Basement homes are among the rarest property types in the Phoenix Metro, representing only a tiny percentage of available housing each year. When they do become available—especially on acre lots, in foothill communities, and near major job corridors—they attract attention from buyers, investors, and STR operators alike.

Today, we’re highlighting a new basement home in the Saddleback Foothills community of Glendale, AZ. Situated on nearly an acre with a full basement, separate guest suite, no HOA, and exceptional short-term rental revenue projections, this home is one of the most unique opportunities hitting the market in North Phoenix/Glendale.

This guide explores:

  • Why basement homes are so scarce in Phoenix

  • Why Saddleback Foothills is a top Glendale location

  • The impact of TSMC on local home demand

  • The appeal of acre-lot properties

  • A full STR/vacation rental revenue breakdown

  • FAQ on basement homes in Greater Phoenix

Whether you’re a local buyer, relocating from out of state, or exploring revenue-driven real estate opportunities, this overview breaks down everything you need to know.


Why Basement Homes Are So Rare in the Phoenix Metro

Finished basement living area in Saddleback Foothills Glendale AZ featuring open layout, fireplace, seating area, and private access ideal for multigenerational living or short-term rental use

Basement homes make up less than 3% of all housing in the Phoenix area due to:

• Soil and Engineering Conditions

Certain parts of the Valley require costly excavation, engineering, and reinforcement.

• Higher Construction Cost

Builders rarely include basements because they reduce margins and slow build cycles.

• Demand Historically Focused on Single-Level Living

Arizona buyers historically favored ranch-style layouts and outdoor living—not below-grade space.

• Limited Supply → Consistent Demand

This scarcity drives resale demand and appreciation for basement properties.

Families seeking flexible space, multigenerational living, home offices, bonus rooms, or STR layouts recognize basement homes as an exceptional find.


Featured Home: Basement Home on Nearly One Acre in Saddleback Foothills

Front exterior of Saddleback Foothills home in Glendale AZ featuring single-level design, desert landscaping, tile roof, and large lot with no HOA

This property is now live and offered at $1,725,000.

👉 View full listing details here.

This property offers features that are nearly impossible to find in this part of Glendale:

  • Full finished basement

  • Almost one acre of land

  • Guest suite with private living arrangement

  • Over 4,000 sq ft of interior space

  • Flexible multigenerational layout

  • Foothill desert setting with privacy and views

Basement + land + guest suite + no HOA = ultra-rare Phoenix real estate.

Floorplan Overview
This floorplan highlights the home’s main-level living, full basement, and flexible guest suite layout.

Floorplan of Saddleback Foothills basement home in Glendale AZ showing main level, full basement, guest suite, and flexible multigenerational layout


Why Glendale’s Saddleback Foothills Is So Desirable

Glendale AZ foothills home exterior with desert landscaping, tile roof, and broad frontage on rare large lot near North Phoenix

Saddleback Foothills is one of North Glendale’s most prestigious foothill communities, known for:

  • Elevated desert scenery and mountain views

  • Expansive lots with excellent privacy

  • Minimal traffic and natural quiet

  • Access to I-17, Loop 101, and the Deer Valley corridor

  • Proximity to Thunderbird Conservation Park

  • Quick access to North Phoenix and Peoria job hubs

This pocket of Glendale appeals to buyers seeking space, peace, and a desert foothill feel without sacrificing convenience.


TSMC’s Impact on North Phoenix & Glendale Housing Demand

Glendale AZ basement home on acre lot near TSMC Phoenix campus — STR-friendly, no HOA

TSMC’s rapidly expanding semiconductor campus is transforming North Phoenix and the Northwestern Valley.

TSMC contributes:

  • 6,000+ direct jobs

  • Thousands of contractor, engineer, and specialist positions

  • High-income employee relocations

  • Strong demand for large, high-quality homes

  • A ripple effect boosting nearby Glendale, North Phoenix, Peoria, and Anthem

Homes close to TSMC—with land, views, space, and flexible layouts—are already benefiting from the area’s economic surge.

This Saddleback Foothills basement home is positioned ideally for long-term appreciation and corporate housing demand.


Acre-Lot Homes in Phoenix: Why Buyers Want Them

Aerial rendering of large-lot home in Saddleback Foothills Glendale AZ illustrating potential backyard amenities including pool, sport court, pickleball court, putting green, and outdoor entertainment spaces

Most modern Phoenix subdivisions offer lots ranging from 4,000–7,000 sq ft.

A lot close to one acre is exceptionally valuable for:

  • Outdoor living enhancements

  • Pools, pickleball courts, and entertainment areas

  • Guest casitas / additional structures

  • Privacy + quiet

  • RV, boat, or toy parking

  • High-value STR amenities

  • Stronger long-term land appreciation

In fast-developing areas like North Glendale and North Phoenix, large lots are increasingly scarce—adding to this property’s unique appeal.


STR / Vacation Rental Opportunity (No HOA + Massive Revenue Potential)

One of this home’s strongest benefits is its STR-friendly status due to no HOA and an ideal layout for group stays, corporate retreats, or large-family travel.

Projected Annual Revenue: $228,942

Backed by Airbtics and BNBCalc:

  • $1,011/night average nightly rate

  • 62% occupancy rate

  • Projected $228,942 annual revenue

  • $100,072 annual profit (cash flow)

  • 14.6% cap rate

  • 32.46% cash-on-cash return

These numbers place the property in the upper tier of 7-bedroom STRs in the Phoenix Metro.


Why This Home Performs at a High STR Level

✔ 7 bedrooms = large group bookings

Big groups drive Phoenix’s strongest STR revenues.

✔ Full basement = additional private space

Perfect for recreation, bunk rooms, movie rooms, or multi-family stays.

✔ Guest suite = premium rental flexibility

Ideal for weddings, reunions, corporate travel, and TSMC housing.

✔ Nearly one acre = room for high-value STR amenities

Including:

  • Pickleball

  • Sport court

  • Pool/hot tub

  • Firepit zones

  • Outdoor dining

  • Games + backyard experiences

✔ No HOA = full STR operational freedom

No rental minimums.
No approval needed.
No guest restrictions.

✔ Glendale’s STR market is strong

Close to:

  • State Farm Stadium

  • Desert Diamond Arena

  • Spring Training

  • Hiking & golf

  • TSMC

  • Arrowhead, Norterra & Anthem attractions


⭐ STR Comparable Analysis

The investment analysis file lists dozens of STR comps showing revenues between:

  • $134,000 → $529,000+ annually

Many luxury 7BR homes with similar amenities achieve:

  • Upper 60%–90% occupancy

  • Nightly rates of $1,000–$2,300+

  • Annual revenues exceeding $400K

With amenity upgrades, this Saddleback Foothills home could easily move into a higher revenue tier.


Tax Benefits for STR Owners

  • $174,097 first-year tax deduction

  • Bonus depreciation applied in year one

  • $347,059 total depreciation + interest deduction

High-income buyers using STR strategies to offset taxes may find this property extremely favorable.


Phoenix Basement Home Market Snapshot

Key market insights:

  • Less than 3% of Phoenix homes include a basement

  • Basement homes often sell 15–25% faster

  • Glendale & North Phoenix have some of the Valley’s highest basement-home demand

  • Acre-lot basement homes are considered ultra-rare inventory

This home sits at the intersection of rare architecture, rare lot size, rare location, and rare STR freedom.


FAQs About Phoenix Basement Homes

Are basement homes common in Phoenix?

No. They’re extremely rare due to soil, engineering, and construction costs.

Are basement homes good for STR or multi-gen living?

Yes—basements naturally create separation and privacy.

Does Glendale allow short-term rentals?

Yes. And with no HOA, this home gives full operational freedom.

Do basement homes cost more?

Generally yes, due to scarcity and higher construction cost.


Final Thoughts

Basement homes are rare in the Phoenix Metro.
Basement homes on nearly one-acre lots are even rarer.
A basement home on an acre lot, with no HOA, a private guest suite, and meaningful short-term rental potential near TSMC?
That combination is exceptionally uncommon.

This Saddleback Foothills property sits at the intersection of architectural rarity, land value, location, and long-term demand—making it one of the most distinctive homeownership and investment opportunities currently available in the North Phoenix and Glendale corridor.

Interested in learning more or scheduling a private showing?
View full listing details, photos, and availability here:
👉 https://theravenscroftgroup.com/listing-detail/1175281451/5608-W-Soft-Wind-Drive-Glendale-AZ

The listing page includes an option to schedule a private tour directly.

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Eric Ravenscroft, CRS

About the Author

 

Eric Ravenscroft is a Top 1% REALTOR® across North America and one of Arizona’s most trusted real estate strategists. With 15 years of experience spanning real estate, wealth management, and investment planning, he helps clients make smarter, financially grounded decisions, from new construction and relocations to STR investments, 1031 exchanges, and long-term portfolio strategy.

 

Eric’s expertise has earned him industry recognition, Elite status with Real Broker, and features in major publications including the Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch, MSN, and Morningstar. Clients across the Greater Phoenix Metro rely on his clarity, strategic insight, and results-driven guidance.

 

Ready to make a confident real estate move? Call or text Eric today.

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