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.

Historic DTLA Loft Living at its Best - Eastern Columbia and The Rowan

Lofts for sale at the two of the most desirable Art Deco and Beaux-Arts buildings in DTLA. Both are Mills Act buildings (prop tax savings!) and have front desk security and are located in the most walkable areas of downtown.

Eastern Columbia loft with a balcony! West facing loft, concrete floors, stainless steel appliances, Italian cabinetry, Kelly Wearstler designed bathroom, 1 parking space. Building has a rooftop pool, gym, courtyard. 1080 sf, $749k. Unit 909.

Rowan Loft with hardwood floors, original double hung windows, exposed brick, Italian kitchen cabinetry. Parking spaces available for a fee. 820sf, 649k. Unit 909.

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