Nobody has their finger on the pulse of DC Luxury Condo Sales like Life At The Top
December, 2021 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
One DC area building stands shoulders above the rest when it comes to the number of closings in December. The Ritz-Carlton West End had five sales while the closest competitors had three or less. The highlights at the West End address (Ritz-Carlton also has locations in Georgetown and Chevy Chase) include Unit #5D with the highest list-to-sales ratio for the month. The gracious two-bedroom, 2.5-bath apartment with 1,785 square feet of living space plus a private terrace, listed for $1,395,000 and sold for $1,450,000 for a very sturdy markup that translates to 103.94 percent of the original price. Additionally, Unit #8D nabbed two monthly honors, with the sixth-highest sales price at $1,720,000 and the sixth-highest price per square foot, at $963.59.
There were four buildings with three sales each: Clara Barton in Penn Quarter, Gaslight Square in Arlington, Watergate in Foggy Bottom, and the Yale Steam Laundry in Mount Vernon Triangle. Each of these addresses enjoy sustained popularity as well as distinct differences. Clara Barton offers hotel-style amenities and a terrific rooftop pool, Gaslight Square features contemporary lofts with an old-school ambience, the Watergate is known for its enduring elegance as well as a legendary political backstory, and the Yale Steam Laundry is a historic adaptive reuse development that once served as laundry facilities for the White House.
There were no fewer than seven buildings with two sales each: 525 Water Street in Georgetown, City Center, City Vista, and The Sonata (all in Mount Vernon Triangle), Lofts 14 in Logan Circle, Turnberry Tower in Rosslyn and Union Row in the U Street Corridor. There are a couple of monthly standouts in this grouping as well. Unit #1807 at Turnberry Tower captured the third-highest list-to-sales ratio at 101.94 percent. The 1,405 square foot apartment with a huge private balcony boasting Potomac River views, listed at $1,030,000 and sold for $1,050,000. Finally, Lofts 14 in Logan Circle had a monthly standout with Unit #522 nabbing the third-highest in the measurement per dollar category. The 932 square ft. loft penthouse with its exposed brick walls and soaring ceilings, closed at $999,000, or $1,071.89 per sq. foot.
Highest Sales Prices
December’s highest priced sale was a fitting close to a very strong year in real estate sales. Unit #PH2A at the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown sold for a whopping $9,500,000 after listing for $9,975,000. The two-story penthouse in Washington’s highly desirable Georgetown waterfront delivers 6,145 square feet of living space, with an additional 3,000 sq. ft. split among multiple private terraces. There are four bedrooms, five full and two half baths, a private access elevator, soaring ceilings, a dramatic custom sweeping staircase, work from home spaces, four garage parking spaces and an incredible rooftop deck with gardens. The views of the Potomac River are simply jaw-dropping. Second place goes to Unit #6D at the legendary Wardman Tower in Woodley Park. The landmark structure was built by Henry Wardman in the 1920s and extensively renovated over a two-year period under the supervision of Deborah Berke Partners. This particular residence offers three private bedroom suites, 3.5 baths, and 3,139 square feet of space. The apartment with its incredible six-inch wide oak herringbone floors and exquisite architectural detailing, listed for $2,650,000 and closed at $2,500,000.
Unit #617 at Shoreham West in Woodley Park was the month’s third-highest sale at $2,300,000. The spacious two-bedroom, 2.5-bath co-op at the mid-century building has a very homey 2,550 sq. ft. layout, with high ceilings, fun hallways, a laundry room and giant walk-in closets, one of which has been cleverly transformed into a home office. Nabbing fourth place is Unit #1209 at Somerset House in Chevy Chase. The 2,442 square foot apartment in the exclusive Somerset gated community sold at full price for $1,799,000. Two bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a den, a white-on-white gourmet kitchen plus marble baths are all part of the picture. A huge balcony overlooks the community’s lush grounds, including swimming pool and tennis courts.
In fifth place is Unit #302 at Cooper Lewis in Logan Circle. The two-bedroom, 2.5-bath apartment with its exposed brick walls and giant floor-to-ceiling windows wrapping around three sides, sold for $1,730,000. The boutique condo community itself is a sought-after adaptive reuse project, in which a modern 18-unit structure was created around the historic Pelz Building (a former hardware store). Unit #8D at the Ritz-Carlton West End picks up the sixth-highest sale at $1,720,000 as well as the sixth-highest price per sq. ft. at $963.59. The elegant apartment features two bedrooms, a library, 2.5 baths and two private balconies.
Highest Sales Price to List Ratio
Topping the list of over-asking sales in December is Unit #5D at The Ritz-Carlton West End. Featuring two bedrooms, 2.5 baths, two balconies and a large and gracious foyer, the 1,785 square foot residence sold for $1,450,000 after listing for $1,395,000. That equals 103.94 percent of asking; a robust $55,000 markup. Second place goes to Unit #7B at The Carthage, a Beaux Arts masterpiece in the Kalorama neighborhood, built in 1921. The completely renovated two-bedroom, 2.5-bath apartment closed at $1,242,000 after listing for $1,215,000, representing 102.22 percent. The 1,623 sq. ft. residence boasts beautiful hardwood floors, a gourmet kitchen that has been opened up, and a large balcony with Washington Monument views.
Unit #1807 at Turnberry Tower in Rosslyn takes third place with 101.94 percent. The 1,405 square foot apartment has one bedroom, a large den, giant windows, an impressive gourmet kitchen with glossy Snaidero cabinetry, and a sweeping private balcony boasting Potomac River views. It sold for $1,050,000 after being offered at $1,030,000. Next up is Unit #500 at 1661 Crescent Place, a magnificent cooperative in Adams Morgan that was built in 1926 and designed by notable architect Joseph Younger. The 908 square foot apartment is loaded with classic details, and features one bedroom, a den that serve as a second bedroom, lovely hardwood floors and an updated kitchen. It sold for $560,000 after listing for $549,000 (101.83 percent).
Fifth place goes to Unit #709 at Atrium in Arlington. The one-bedroom, one-bath flat makes the most of its 765 square feet with a contemporary open layout. Bonuses include a private balcony and two parking spaces. The unit sold for $450,000, or 100.22 percent of the asking price. Our final honoree is Unit #4D at 3303 Water Street in Georgetown. The two-bedroom, two-bath apartment with a bonus den, sold for full price at $1,650,000. The 1,400 sq. ft. condo with its massive window walls and stunning gourmet kitchen, also took second place in the price-per-measurement category, at $1,178.57 per square foot. Wide-plank hardwood floors, beautiful modern baths and a private balcony add to the allure, along with the superb waterfront locale and numerous building amenities.
Highest Prices Per Square Foot
December’s highest price per square foot winner goes to Unit #PH2A at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown. The two-story penthouse with 6,145 sq. ft. of interior space sold for $9,500,000, equaling an eye-popping $1,545.97 per square foot. The four-bedroom residence was also the highest-priced sale for the month. In addition to the sublime living spaces, the Georgetown residence has multiple private terraces combining for an additional 3,000 square feet. The views of the Potomac River are stunning. Capturing second place is another Georgetown condo. Unit #4D at 3303 Water Street has two bedrooms, two baths, a den and 1,400 square feet of living space. It sold for the full asking price of $1,650,000, translating to $1,178.57 per square foot. The handsome residence with its wide-plank floors, massive windows and private balcony, was also the sixth-highest in the sales-to-list contest at 100 percent.
Unit #522 at Lofts 14 in Logan Circle with its 923 sq. ft. layout, closed at $999,000, or $1,071.89 per square foot. The chic penthouse has exposed brick walls, gleaming hardwood floors, overhead ductwork and floating spiral stairs. An entertainment space with wet bar at the top level opens out to an 800 square foot private roof deck. Fourth place goes to Unit #705 at VIO in the DC’s evolving Southwest Waterfront. The 840 sq. ft. flat with one bedroom, a den and one bath, sold for $900,000 or $1,071.43 per square foot. Giant window walls plus a private balcony gaze out over Washington Channel. VIO is perched by the water and promenade at The Wharf, with all of its shops, restaurants and entertainment.
Unit #5L at 22 West in the West End neighborhood takes fifth place at $995.02 per square foot. The 1,407 sq. ft. residence with two bedrooms and two baths, is a vision of modernity with pale blonde floors, full height windows and an open floorplan, including a white-on-white gourmet kitchen. Last but certainly not least is Unit #8D at the Ritz-Carlton West End, with both the sixth-highest sales price and price per square foot. The elegant two-bedroom, 2.5-bath apartment with 1,785 square feet of space sold for $1,720,000, equaling $963.59 per sq. ft.
December, 2021 Highest Price New Listings
December closed out 2021 with some very luxurious new condo listings, a number of which were at recently completed buildings. Unit #1601 is a fabulous penthouse at the brand new Monarch, located in the quickly expanding Tysons neighborhood, next-door to McLean. Offered at $4,100,000, the three-bedroom, 2.5-bath new construction apartment has 4,058 square feet of living space and a huge terrace overlooking the region. The second-highest priced listing, Unit #2601 at Pierce Condominiums in Arlington’s Rosslyn neighborhood, is one of three at this new upscale tower. The two-level penthouse with two bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2,400 sq. ft. of living space closed at the full asking price of $3,920,000 on the same day that it hit the market!
Third place goes to Unit #501, an immaculate three-residence at Somerset House in Chevy Chase. Listed at $3,600,000, the 3,623 sq. ft. apartment with its combination of marble and hardwood floors, is already pending. It’s back to Pierce Condominiums in the Rosslyn waterfront for the next two entries. Unit #2501 initially went under contract earlier in the year as a new construction presale, but officially listed on MLS is December. It was offered at $3,138,000 and closed at the same price. Features include two bedrooms, three full baths and a modern 2,900 square foot floorplan.
Unit #2001 at Pierce is another presale, closing at $2,788,000, with two bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2,289 sq. ft. of space. The 27-story glittering high-rise is rich with amenities, including a resort-style pool and a two-story fitness center. Pierce is part of a larger new mixed-use community known as The Highlands. Closing out this section is a fabulous new Life at the Top offering at 1906 N. Vermont Avenue in Washington’s vibrant Shaw neighborhood. Unit #B is a recently built three-bedroom penthouse townhome, listed at $1,799,500. The many luxury features include an open gourmet kitchen with the full Viking package, a built-in Sonos speaker system throughout the residence, an attached private parking garage, and a stunning 1,000+ square foot private roof deck with an outdoor kitchen and views of the Washington Monument.
