Nobody has their finger on the pulse of DC Luxury Condo Sales like Life At The Top
October, 2020 DC Penthouse and Luxury Condo Marketing Activity Report
For the latest in the DC Luxury Condo Market, stay informed with our blog every month.
Most Units Sold
October continued the brisk pace for condo sales in the Washington, DC area. There were six buildings with three sales each, starting with Clara Barton, a full service condominium in Penn Quarter. Units #1001 and #401 are one-bedroom flats, selling for $494,000 and $478,250 respectively, while Unit #307 is an oversized studio that closed at $350,000. The building has a terrific rooftop swimming pool and deck. Lofts 14 at 1401 Church Street is part of Logan Circle’s Auto Row. The former car showroom was converted to trendy condos in 2005. Topping the list of the building’s closings is Unit #516, a 2,005 square foot duplex penthouse that sold for $1,820,000. The super cool loft with massive factory-style windows and industrial finishes also took sixth-place honors in the price per square foot category at $907.73. Madrigal Lofts in Mount Vernon Triangle had three closings including Unit #507, a one-bedroom flat for $482,500, and Units #1203 and #1220 at $639,900 and $649,900 respectively.
The iconic Watergate cooperative in Washington’s Foggy Bottom had an active month with three sales. The address is known for its spacious floorplans. A case in point is Unit #507 with just one bedroom for its 1,381 square-foot layout. You can toss in a massive living area, two marble baths and a private terrace offering point-blank Potomac River views, all for $800,000. The three sales at Turnberry Tower in Rosslyn’s waterfront neighborhood includes Unit #2009, the month’s fifth-highest sales price at $2,400,000. The three-bedroom apartment with 3.5 baths, a private elevator and 2,655 square feet of living space also has a 500 square foot terrace with panoramic river views. Union Row in the U Street Corridor had three sales, topped by Unit #319W at $1,050,000. The trendy three-bedroom loft with 2.5 baths has three levels of living space, plus two private terraces. There were also six addresses with two sales each, including 2101 Connecticut Avenue in affluent Kalorama; the three-building City Vista in Mount Vernon Triangle; the architecturally rich Columbia in the West End; Delancey Lofts in trendy Adams Morgan; the metal-clad Kalorama Lofts in Adams Morgan and the super-modern Metropole in Logan Circle. Of this grouping, Unit #607 at Metropole is a clear stand-out. The 2,150 square foot penthouse with two bedrooms, a den and 2.5 baths sold for $2,400,000. That makes the modernist dwelling the highest price-per-square foot for the month at $1,302.33 and the fourth-highest condo sales figure.
There were also several buildings with one notable sale each. The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown had its first sale this year with Unit #3E. The 3,006 square foot residence with three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a large terrace and picture perfect views of the Potomac River listed for $3,975,000 and sold for $3,695,000, making it the highest sales price of the month. Matrix in Logan Circle had its first sale this year with Unit #401, a roomy one-bedroom, two-bath flat that listed with $649,000 and sold for $630,000. The Willison in Logan Circle had its first closing since March of 2019, with Unit #42. The two-bedroom, two-bath apartment with 1,320 square feet of space sold for $700,000. And finally, Lot 33 in Adams Morgan had its first closing since August of last year. The modern two-bedroom flat with a Juliet Balcony closed at $700,000.
Highest Sales Prices
The highest sales price in the Washington Metro region in October goes to Unit #3E at the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown overlooking Georgetown’s Waterfront Park. The 3,006 square foot apartment with three bedrooms and 3.5 baths listed for $3,975,000 and sold for $3,695,000. It was also the second-highest price per square foot at $1,229.21 per sq. ft., as well as the first sale of the year for the luxury branded full-service address. From a spacious floorplan to spectacular views of the Potomac River, this is pampered living personified. Second place goes to Unit #41 at the modernist Westlight in Washington’s West End neighborhood. The three-bedroom, three-bath flat with 2,684 square feet of living space sold for $3,180,000. It was also the third-highest price per square feet at $1,184.80. The building with its dramatic contours was designed by Enrique Norten, with interiors that espouse sleek minimalism.
Third place honors go to Unit #905 at Somerset House in Friendship Heights. The supersized 4,500 square foot residence is the result of combining two apartments into one. The result is four bedrooms, a library, formal and casual dining areas, 4.5 baths and two balconies, all for the closing price of $2,995,000. The exclusive Parc Somerset gated community abutting Chevy Chase is known for its park-like setting along with a staggering number of resort-style amenities. In fourth place is Unit #607 at Metropole in Logan Circle. This stunning duplex penthouse with 2,150 square feet of living space has a modern look throughout reminiscent of Scandinavian design, with blonde built-ins, cabinets and spiral stairs that match the floors, along with an incredibly stylish kitchen and a large private terrace. The sales price of $2,800,000 also translates to the highest per square foot equation for the month, at $1,302.33.
Fifth place goes to Unit #2009 at Turnberry Tower, the tallest residential building in DC Metro and perfectly located in the Rosslyn waterfront. The three-bedroom apartment with 3.5 baths, private elevator and a 2,655 square foot layout sold for $2,400,000. Among the many features is a 500 square foot balcony with picture perfect view of the Potomac River and Georgetown. What a great place to be for the annual July 4 fireworks display! Closing out our highest priced sales list for October is Unit #6A at the Ritz-Carlton West End in the West End neighborhood. The 2,776 square foot apartment has three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a library and two private outdoor terraces. Brazilian Cherry herringbone floors gleam under natural light from a massive wall of windows. After listing for $2,375,000, the spacious residence sold for $2,150,000.
Highest Sales Price to List Ratio
Topping the list-to-sales ratio in October is Unit #405 at Delancey Lofts in Adams Morgan. The top floor corner unit has two bedrooms, two baths, a large private terrace and soaring 12-foot ceilings. The 1,079 square foot residence with its diagonally-paid hardwood floors and exposed ductwork listed for $649,000 and sold for $672,500. That markup equates to 103.62 percent of asking. Coming in a very close second is Unit #305 at The Lofts at Adams Morgan, located, naturally, in Adams Morgan. Hipster industrial finishes abound, courtesy of a redo from the Four Brothers Design and Build team. With two bedrooms, two baths and 940 square feet of space, the chic unit was offered at $699,900 before closing at $725,000, or 103.59 percent of the original list price.
Third place goes to Unit #405 at Solo Piazza in Logan Circle. The spacious two-bedroom, two-bath apartment with a large den and 1,260 square feet of space listed for $950,000 and sold for $975,000, equaling 102.63 percent of list. Lovely hardwood floors run throughout the flat, while a curved balcony overlooks the central courtyard. In fourth place is Unit #2B-E at the historic St. Nicholas building in Kalorama. This large and elongated residence with its incredible architectural details includes three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a solarium, a landscaped patio, an additional balcony and 2,580 square feet of space. Listed at $1,565,000, the memorable apartment with its wood-burning fireplace sold for $1,600,000, translating to 102.24 percent.
Fifth place goes to Unit #202 at 555 Mass in DC’s downtown Mount Vernon Triangle. This charming little studio with a 463 square foot layout packs plenty of punch, with an incredible custom built-in Murphy bed that allows maximum space usage. The galley kitchen has been nicely updated with black upscale appliances and black granite counters. After listing for $299,000, the apartment sold for $305,000, or 102.01 percent of the asking amount. Closing out our top six list-to-sales ratios is Unit #203 at The Odyssey in Arlington’s Rosslyn neighborhood. The one-bedroom, one-bath flat with 695 square feet of living space, was offered at $455,000 before selling for $460,000, equaling 101.10 percent of list. A bright and attractive layout, an open gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a cute balcony overlooking the courtyard, add to the appeal.
Highest Prices Per Square Foot
Topping the highest price per square foot in October is Unit #607 at the stylish Metropole in Logan Circle. The two bedroom penthouse has 2,150 square feet of living space spread over two levels, with an amazing kitchen, blonde hardwood floors that match modern built-ins and cabinetry, a den, 2.5 baths and a large private terrace. The sales price of $2,800,000 (fourth-highest of the month) translates to $1,302.33 per square foot. Second place goes to Unit #3E at the luxury-branded Ritz-Carlton Georgetown in the prestigious Georgetown waterfront. The three-bedroom, 3.5 bath residence with its Brazilian Cherry herringbone floors, has a 3,006 square foot layout and sold for $3,695,000, equaling $1,229.21 per sq. ft. The residence also has a splendid terrace with incredible views of the Potomac River. This was the building’s first sale this year.
In third place is Unit #41 at the Westlight in the West End neighborhood. The building with its unique staggered façade is also home to the new West End Library. This particular apartment has three bedrooms, three baths and an open, modern look. The sales price of $3,180,000 (second-highest of the month) and the 2,684 square foot floorplan combine for a robust $1,184.80 per square foot. Fourth place is awarded to Unit #225 at 525 Water Street in Georgetown. The one-bedroom, one-bath flat has all kinds of trendy touches, including a completely open kitchen and sliding barn-style doors opening into a bedroom with exposed wood walls. The closing amount of $505,000 and the 540 square foot floorplan equals $918.18 per square ft.
In fifth place is Unit #601 at CityCenterDC in Mount Vernon Triangle. The one-bedroom, one-bath modern flat with a 922 sq. ft. layout sold for $840,000. From that, we deduce a healthy $911.06 per square foot for the open-plan pad with its pale Northern Oak floors, custom wall finishes and giant windows. Closing out this category is Unit #516 at Lofts 14 in Logan Circle’s Auto Row. The building is a restored and reimagined former car showroom, while this particular residence is an impressive two-story penthouse that sold for $1,820,000. With a 2,005-foot layout, the trendy loft with its industrial finishes wound up with a $907.73 per square foot price point.
October, 2020 Highest Price New Listings
The highest priced new condominium listing in the Washington DC area in October is Unit #3D at the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown. The luxury building is integrated into the well-known hotel brand in the prestigious Georgetown neighborhood. Priced at $5,950,000, this 4,400 square foot residence boasts exceptional views of the Potomac River and Georgetown Waterfront Park. With four bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a huge open kitchen, marble baths, a library and expansive open spaces, this apartment is perfect for both living and entertaining. Coming in a close second is Unit #1403 at Somerset House in Friendship Heights. With an asking price of $5,100,000, the 5,086 square foot Parc Somerset apartment exudes charm and distinction, with extraordinary millwork, wood paneling, marble and a lovely fireplace. There’s three bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a gallery, family room, library, formal dining room, two private terraces and a wonderful country-style kitchen with white-on-white upscale ambiance. The gated country club setting is also key, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, gyms and lush green spaces.
Third place goes to Unit #PH101 at the contemporary and stylish Westlight in Washington’s West End neighborhood. Offered at $3,975,000, the three-bedroom penthouse has three full baths and a 2,684 square foot layout. Sunny living spaces are augmented by pale blonde hardwood floors and giant windows. The overall feel is one of clean modernity, including a white-on-white open kitchen with upscale panelized appliances. Occupying both fourth and fifth place in the highest-priced new listings category is one of Capitol Hill’s most unique and historic buildings. Downing House with its brick and rock facades, was originally a church rectory, circa the late 1800s. It has now been converted to just two spacious luxury residences. Unit #2 is listed at $2,695,000, with four bedrooms, 4.5 baths and 4,100 square feet of living space, spread out over four levels. Included is a large hardscaped private patio. Unit #1 at Downing House is priced at $2,595,000, just $100,000 less than its immediate neighbor. This residence has four bedrooms, 4.5 baths and 3,900 square feet of space. Each of the two units combine original architectural details with new luxury finishes, resulting in a pair of exquisite offerings. Among the distinctive touches are flawless millwork, coffered ceilings, solid oak hardwood floors and extravagant modern farmhouse-style kitchens.
Closing out the list is Unit #617 at the Shoreham West cooperative in Woodley Park. With a $2,525,000 asking price, the 2,550 square foot apartment has two bedrooms and 2.5 marble baths, along with a covered balcony and 12-foot wide picture windows boasting panoramic views. With a modern stainless steel kitchen and wood floors, this spacious co-op is in one of Washington’s Best Addresses. The building is known for its full-service amenities.
