Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

Condominiums in Philadelphia take on many shapes, sizes, styles, and forms. In this blog entry, I would like to focus on the low-rise condominiums and lofts found around Center City.

I use the terms low-rise condo and brownstone-styled condos frequently, and to me, they are the same thing here in our urban area of town. From Rittenhouse to Society Hill, from Old City to Fitler Square, this type of condo and loft are fairly common. As a Philadelphia REALTOR®, I have been selling low-rise condos for 19 years.

A Center City low-rise condominium is generally a converted brownstone building that was once (when first erected) a single family rowhouse. Usually large (originally being up to 8000 sq ft each), some of these buildings make fabulous condominium buildings. And the rise of the popularity, sale price, and luxury of such brownstone condominiums in Philadelphia doesn’t seem to be “on the mend”.

Why? For a number of reasons….

First would be the character that such buildings possess. Being a fairly old stock of housing, you never know what you are going to find.  Be it a 12’ pocket, carved mahogany door, or ornate ceiling plaster detail, these “Pre-War” condominiums often retain a high degree of original detail and character which is always inviting and attractive to someone looking to pick up some Philadelphia real estate.

I would also suggest that the intimacy of a small condominium association might be appealing to a number of, say, Center City loft buyers. Additionally, gardens, more readily accessible and available parking, tax abatements on newer rehabs, are all additional reasons why low-rise condos, especially in the Rittenhouse Square area are gaining in popularity and acceptance amongst the set looking to buy a Center City condominium.

But one of the main reasons why low-rise units are doing so well is sometimes the strength in the location in which such condos exist. You certainly can’t build a high rise skyscraper building at 17th and Spruce Street in the 19103 ZIP code, but you certainly can find some gorgeously new rehabbed Pre-War condominiums on the block in low-rise converted brownstone buildings!

Whether you’re looking for a Center City loft, a low-rise Rittenhouse Square condominium or some other type of Philadelphia condominium or loft, I can help.  Give me a call today at 215-521-1523 or drop me an email at mark@centercitycondos.com.

Mark Wade
www.CenterCityCondos.com
Prudential Fox and Roach REALTORS®
530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106