Condos and Lofts Selling Nicely in DTLA, Rentals Softening a Tad

According to The Real Deal, "As Los Angeles grapples with a severe affordable housing crisis, a new study shows condo and loft sales remain strong...Prices in DTLA continued to increase, rising almost 4.5 percent year-over-year to $697 per square foot. That’s a more modest jump than last year, which saw prices rise up by 11 percent."

Rentals, however, are showing a softening, but still not a dip in prices. Competition is fueling this. 

Landlords in DTLA - Rental Market is Evolving

A while back I had "predicted" that the rental market in downtown will see a softening. This is true. It just took a little observation to come to this conclusion. Tons of new rental-only buildings coming on the market in downtown. So it's only natural that the those of us with rental units are going to have competition. And yes, this is causing the units to sit longer and in some cases, cut prices.

The gist is this: If you are a condo owner in a newer building (meaning not a historic building), then chances are you're going to have to do better to get your place rented. Do some light remodeling and updating. Put in a kitchen island. Freshly paint the walls. Put in nice window treatments. Do something, because the new stock on the market such as Oakwood, 8th and Grand, Windsor, Atelier, G12, etc, are newer and flashier. I know for a fact that just a little tweaking and your condo is just as marketable as any of the new stuff.

Rentals in historic condo buildings (e.g. Rowan, Eastern Columbia, Barker Block, Biscuit Lofts, Toy Factory) are steady, simply because there are so few historic rental buildings in general. What exists is what exists, unless we get some more conversions.

DTLA Pocket Rental Alert: Gorgeous Loft w/ Concrete Floors at Eastern Columbia

Gorgeous 900sf loft for lease at the famed Eastern Columbia building on 9th & Broadway. Beautifully maintained with stainless steel appliances and a Kelly Wearstler designed bathroom. Open plan layout with views to the south. Concrete Floors, 11 foot ceilings, and comes with 1 parking space. Within 3 blocks to Ace Hotel, Whole Foods, Terroni, Peking Tavern, Pattern Bar, Freehand, The Exchange, Cos, CVS, Loit, Verve, IL Cafe, Om Nom, Ralphs, Wood Spoon, New Moon, Tuck, Wild Living and more.

Asking $2800/mo. Available Oct 1, 2017. Call for a details. 310-869-2655

An Impressive Eastern Columbia Penthouse Coming on the Market Soon

Johnny Depp may have had 5 penthouse units at the marvelous Eastern Columbia, but there's another coming on the market that is larger, has better views, and more outdoor space. The 4-story Penthouse is over 3000sf, making it the largest one at Eastern Columbia.

Beautifully maintained and situated on the Northwest corner of the building, with its own skylight, it is the best Penthouse ever to hit the market in a historic Mills Act building! Will be asking 3.9MM.

What to Look Out for in a High Market in DTLA

Gone are the days of just snatching up lofts because they were there for the taking.  The prices are going up and the inventory is still very low, keeping prices even higher. So many downtown homeowners are here to stay--with so much now at their doorstep, it's become one of the most exciting places to visit and live. The dilemma for most buyers is inventory is low, prices are high, and it's a risk to wait in case the market goes up.

In these times, you need to look out for the following if you're in the market to buy. If you can get 2 or more of the following ticked off, then you're doing well;

1. Units that have upside potential. Rather than buy a completely remodeled place, look for one that needs some rehab. New kitchen or new flooring perhaps. Or bathroom remodels. Even something as minor as new lighting. By you adding 10k-20k, you can add 50k in value.

2. Look for buildings with great amenities. There are a lot of new lease-only buildings on the market with top notch amenities. That is your competition. A building with amenities is going always have some value.

3. Buy in a building that offers parking. Enough said.

4. Buy a unit that has something unique and special, like a great city view, or overlooking the park. Or one that has an extra bedroom nook. Or that has a balcony. It's hard to get it all without spending over 1M, but if you can get into a unit that has one or two special features that other units don't have, it's going to add value.

5. Buy in a building that has good development around it. Meaning retail, office space, grocery stores, parks, hospitals, Metro access, etc.

Downtown Area Highlight: Arts District

Downtown really is its own world. While prices have gone up around the country in most cities (5.1% from 2015!), DTLA is in my opinion one of the most exciting and resilient places. Even after the crash of 2008, prices have been steadily rebounding and are now well past the 2007 height. More residents are living in the area. New businesses have arrived. And each week seems to bring about another exciting development.

One of the most thriving areas is the Arts District. I highlight the area because it has seen some serious value gains because of the exciting development and the lack of inventory. There are only FIVE loft/condo buildings in the Arts District, which is keeping demand high. In addition, some of the most exciting developments and destinations are happening in the area: SOHO House, Hauser Wirth Schimmel, At Mateo, Oficine  Brera, Bestia, The Row DTLA, and The Garey Lofts, Church & State, Shinola, Grow, Everson Royce Bar, La Kretz Innovator.

Ridiculously High Rents in DTLA

People are really starting to balk at the ever increasing rents in DTLA. Seriously, we are in the $3-$4.50/sf range. What's justifying the high rents is the fact that people keep renting! Why is this happening? A few reasons:

1. DTLA has gotten so popular as a livable, walkable area, people are willing to spend a larger portion of their income on rents.

2. A growing number of residents have high income as evidenced by the demand for luxury rentals and condos in the area.

3. Housing prices have increased so much so that priced-out buyers have no choice but to rent for longer, keeping rental demand high.

This means that it's a great time to invest in DTLA if you plan on renting the place out. If you're planning on buying, then expect to have to hold on to the property before seeing significant gains, since price increases are expected to slow down.

Want Over 1300sf of Space? There are Currently A Few Gems Available.

I keep reiterating that things are getting smaller in DTLA. It's a fact that nearly all the new residential development will have studios and "1-bedrooms" starting around 550sf. That sounds small--because it is. Even the converted historic spaces are getting smaller as land and construction costs are going up, so developers are chopping up the units. Their bottom line is to get as many livable units onto a floor as building codes will allow.

That said, things that are close to 1000sf will become more desirable. An 800sf 1-bedroom is being considered ample now. And anything over 1200+sf is considered spacious. Currently available "oversized" lofts in unique buildings:

Douglas Penthouse #MN

Corner unit, Skylight, rare 2 parking spaces, Mills Act

2100sf, Asking $2.1MM

Little Tokyo Loft #106

End unit, Skylight, 2 parking spaces, Private Outdoor Space, 2 Levels

1800sf, Asking $1.058MM 

Tomahawk Loft #6

Entire Floor Unit (Street to Street), Private Elevator Stop

1640sf, Asking $1.049MM 

Barker Block #443

City Views, Original Rafter Ceilings

1510sf, Asking $995k

Flower Street Lofts #118

2 Levels, 2 Parking Spaces

1420sf, Asking $699k

940 E. 2nd #8

3 Levels, Private Rooftop Deck, Skylight

1330sf, Asking $879k

Game Changing Development For Southpark

First it was L.A. live. Then came Evo, Luma, and Elleven that changed the area.  The next significant condo developments to change the area in the next few years and increase values for the surroundings:

1. METROPOLIS - 18-story hotel, 38 story condo, 40 - story condo,  56-story condo with luxury retail space.

2. FIG CENTRAL - 53-story and 38-story towers with luxury condos and the Roberto Cavalli  Hotel.

3. CIRCA - Two 35-story towers with approx 650 luxury apartments for lease.

4. 1020 S. FIGUEROA - 42-story,  650 unit condos and 32-story W Hotel.

5. TEN 50 - 25-stories, 121 boutique style condos.

DTLA is one of L.A.'s Prime Markets

2015 has been a good year for real estate, and very good for downtown.  Check out the numbers for Q3 on condos:

[Neighborhood]  [Avg Sale Price]  [Avg Price Per SF]

DTLA.                         $807,808.                $642!!!
Beverly Hills.            $1,342,739.             $697
Brentwood.               $832,412.                $541
Hollywood.               $1,087,838.             $658
Malibu.                      $939,607.                $595
Mid Wilshire.           $628,684.                $422
Pacific Palisades.     $1,058,011.             $598
Santa Monica.          $1,242,651.             $887
Silverlake.                 $716,657.                $529
Sunset Strip.             $787,375.                $574
Venice.                       $1,468,500.             $739
West Hollywood.     $876,579.                 $629
West L.A.                   $774,557.                $503

Why DTLA is So Hot

The real estate situation in downtown these days can be summed up in two ways: Homeowners are thrilled at the rising prices and buyers are frustrated at the rising prices. Many are wondering when the prices will go down. In my opinion, prices won't go down because prices are similar to the prices in 2007. The same condo bought in 2007 is still around the same price now, if not a bit higher. It's as if prices have stood still for nearly a decade. Now, if you bought in the golden window of 2010-2012 like I advised most of my buyer clients to do (as well as myself), and you still own that property (myself included), then you killed it.

So why is DTLA showing signs of bigger increases than other parts of LA? A few reasons:

1. DTLA is still way more affordable than the Westside. $2500 per month in downtown will get you a highrise condo with a pool, spa, front desk security, parking, and dog run. In the Westside, the same price will get you a 3-story late 60s walkup with carpets and a 90s kitchen.

2. DTLA condos have character. You get a lot more character in a historic former bank building that is designated with the Mills Act than with a 70s aluminum-windowed box. Where else in L.A. can you find such a high concentration of historic buildings?

3. DTLA walkability & transportation. With markets (including Whole Foods), bars, restaurants and shopping centers springing up all around, it's getting easier and taking less time to stroll over to run errands and just enjoy nightlife without thinking of the drive home. Uber and Lyft is highly concentrated in DTLA, and costs about $6 to get from any point within downtown. Plus the Metro will take you straight to Santa Monica soon--it already goes to Culver City and Hollywood!

4. DTLA is just beginning. You know when investors from New York and San Francisco start to snatch things up, things are happening. Savvy investors have seen areas like SoHo, Brooklyn, SoMa go from blight to some of the most expensive real estate in the world. And they are buying up trophy buildings and attracting a new type of retail and commercial clientele. The Ace Hotel is a prime example. Soon after you had Acne, APC, Oak, Aesop and Tanner Goods follow.

5. DTLA and rent control. Investors, this is for you. The fact that so many people spend their hard earned money on a duplex that generates what's essentially 1980s income is beyond me. Because nearly all residential property in DTLA was developed into residential housing well after 1978, rent control rules don't apply. This makes downtown a very nice place to invest.

Split Level Penthouse Warehouse Loft - Barker Block #525

Hard to expect much more from this loft. Great views, privacy, and top floor location, skylight, lofted bedroom, super tall ceilings, 2 bathrooms, parking, etc. Plus it a live/work loft in the Barker Block building, the darling of the Arts District. Developed by The KOR Group, the building boasts a lovely rooftop pool and gym--both with views for miles, courtyard areas and an art exhibition tunnel. Plus it's directly across the street from Urth Cafe, perfect for that morning coffee run. Walk to Black Top Coffee, Zinc Cafe, Bestia, Church & State, Bread Lounge, Stumptown Coffee, Wurstkuche and more. The stunning loft features original wood beams, beautiful wood floors and sleek kitchen. Includes one assigned parking space. 1230sf. Listed at $999k. 

Get an Art Deco Pied a Terre Before The May Co. Building is Completed - Eastern Columbia #202

The jewel of downtown, Eastern Columbia, has a new unit available for sale. #202 offers concrete floors, stainless steel kitchen appliances, bathroom designed by Kelly Wearstler. The building features a rooftop pool, front desk security, courtyard, gym. Price have been consistently rising with the recent addition of the Ace Hotel, Acne, Tanner Goods, Oak, Aesop, Om Nom Organics, Il Cafe, Urban Outfitters, APC, and soon to arrive just steps away is the revamped May Company Building (to be creative office space, retail, etc.), Clifton's, Big Gay Ice Cream, Case Hotel,  Empire Hotel, and more. 1150sf, 1 parking space. Faces historic Broadway. Asking $790k.

Two-story Penthouse with Private Rooftop Deck - Higgins Lofts #1004

Rare penthouse pad in DTLA. The top floor loft in the historic Higgins building has a mezzanine that is perfect for an office, guest bedroom or master bedroom as it leads straight up to a private rooftop deck with views of the downtown skyline. There is a skylight that lets in amazing light and 22' tall ceilings. Features 980sf of indoor space, and approx 200sf of outdoor space. Has 1 bathroom. The Higgins Building holds the Mills Act distinction which helps reduce property taxes.

DTLA is in the Top 5 Most Expensive Places to Rent in Los Angeles County

According to Zumper, DTLA has among the highest median rent prices for 1 bedrooms, even topping Beverly Hills and Bel Air. From highest average prices:

1. Santa Monica -$3160
2. Ocean Park - $2700
3. Venice - $2560
4. Marina de Rey - $2520
5. DTLA - $2410

Those looking into investment properties should be looking into DTLA. And did I mention no rent control as well?

Historic Mills Act Pied a Terre in the $300s

It's still possible to get a historic loft in a wonderful walkable neighborhood in the 300s, in a Mills Act Building. This loft in the lovely Rowan building faces the Spring Street Park and features large double hung windows, exposed brick, Scavolini kitchen, Bosch washer/dryer in the unit, and an open plan layout. The Rowan has a doorman, BBQ patio, hot tubs, and a resident lounge. Walk to  the Farmers Market, Buzz Wine, Bar Ama, Orsa and Winston, Spring for Coffee, The Continental, Spring Street Arcade, Ace Hotel, Terroni, Nickel Diner, Verve Coffee and more. 460sf, 1 parking space with option to lease another. Asking $378k.

Currently Available Industrial Lofts in DTLA

Simply put, there are usually two kinds of lofts--industrial and architectural. The architectural ones are generally the conversions from former bank buildings, offices (think Rowan Lofts, Douglas Lofts, Eastern Columbia Lofts) that have a lot of beautiful character intact, both inside and out. The industrial ones are often conversions too, but have generally been adapted from factories, warehouses or showrooms (think Biscuit Company Lofts, Toy Factory, Barker Block, Textile Lofts).

Below are industrial lofts currently available for sale in these unique buildings:

FLOWER STREET LOFTS IN SOUTH PARK (Formerly a UPS Shipping Hub)

Penthouse Loft #416 - 1648sf - $800k

Loft #215 - 1260sf - $750k

Loft #117 - 1483sf - $683k

BARKER BLOCK LOFTS IN THE ARTS DISTRICT (Formerly the Barker Brothers Furniture Factory & Warehouse)

Loft #424 - 1070sf - $849k

Can You Believe, Prices Haven't Risen in 8 Years?

Here's the reality: prices have risen since 2010. A lot. Then why are so many people clamoring to buy homes, often overbidding?

Because we're barely starting to match 2007 prices. So, look at it this way: prices have not gone up in about 8 years. The price people paid in 2007 is actually more than what people are paying now, which is why some people are still holding on until prices rise even more.

Two Side by Side Units for Sale in the Financial District - 655 Hope #1004 & #1005

It's so rare to have two units come on the market that are side by side, especially in a boutique-style building with only 80 units. Combine the units into one super loft. One of the units is a corner unit with southward views down Hope Street and to the east. Each unit features two full bathrooms with luxury finishes, sleek dark hardwood floors, walk in closet, tall ceilings laundry inside, storage unit, 1 covered garage parking space. Building has a front desk security guard, rooftop deck with BBQ, gym, conference room, and is conveniently accessible to the Metro Red Line. Walk to Bottega Louie, The Bloc, Seven Grand, Fig & 7th, The Standard Hotel, Jewelry District and more. Each unit is nearly 1200sf, and each is asking $799k.

 Courtesy of Jin Lee, Stanford Raffles Realty

DTLA Properties Over 1400SF

Large condos are few and far between in downtown. Developers are chopping up units into smaller and smaller spaces to get the most money for their investment. When you're starting to see 700sf studios going for $400-%500k, suddenly 900sf is considered spacious for a 1 bedroom. With size becoming a premium in the area, properties that are over 1400sf are becoming more rare and will hold value in the future.

Some available "oversized" properties:

Flower Street Lofts #108 - 1424sf - $710k

Courtesy of Christiano Sampaio, Loftway

Market Lofts #312 - 1460sf - $800k

Courtesy of Edward Park, Stanford Raffles

Sky Lofts #1204 - 1640sf - $969k

Courtesy of Ivan Pan

EVO #1703 - 2070sf - $1,390,000

Courtesy of Yumiko Cato Lee, The Real Estate Group

Elleven #1018 - 2070sf - $1,450,000

Courtesy of Kerry Marsico, Coldwell Banker