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May, 2021 DC Penthouse and Luxury Condo Marketing Activity Report
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Most Units Sold
May saw a continued trend for strong condominium sales in the Washington, DC area, with two buildings each having four sales. The first is 2020 Lofts in the U Street Corridor, with Unit #T10 checking off two additional boxes. The hip one-bedroom loft-inspired condo makes the most of its 648 square feet of space, selling for $442,000 which equates to $885.34 per sq. foot; the sixth-highest for the month. It was also the second highest list-to-sales ratio at 102.89 percent of asking. The Columbia in the West End neighborhood also had four sales. The former hospital for women with its stunning Italianate architecture offers tons of amenities to its residents, including an on-site Trader Joe’s! Among the closings was Unit #442, a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment with a long and linear open space living area that sold for $930,000.
There were also two buildings with three sales each; the exclusive Somerset House in Friendship Heights, and Adams Row in perennially hip Adams Morgan. Somerset House which is set within the gated Parc Somerset community with its country club amenities, is home to Unit #207, the fourth-highest closing for the month at $2,150,000. The 2,856 square foot apartment has numerous custom designer touches, including rustic overhead beams and a slate wall sectional with a fire feature on one side and an inset media center on the other. Adams Row is known for its chic loft-style dwellings and a prime location, with tons of great restaurants within easy strolling distance.
There were eight buildings with two sales each. That’s quite a long list, featuring Clara Barton in Penn Quarter, Lionsgate in Bethesda, Lofts 14 in Logan Circle, Metropole in Logan Circle, the Ritz-Carlton West End, and no fewer than three entries in the ever popular Mount Vernon Triangle; Ten Ten Mass, Madrigal Lofts and CityCenterDC. Of those eight popular addresses, the luxury branded Ritz-Carlton West End had the highest sales price for the month. Unit #PH3E is an absolute show-stopper, selling for $5,350,000. Aptly described as a “sanctuary in the sky,” the two-level luxe penthouse has three bedrooms, 5.5 baths, two offices, a family room and a 4,000 square foot multilevel private roof terrace. That outdoor space is larger than many single-family homes! Also notable is Unit #1103 at CityCenterDC. The two-bedroom, 2.5-bath penthouse sold for $2,750,000, making it the second-highest closing for the month. The spacious 1,720 square foot layout also earns top honors in the price per square foot category at $1,598.84 per square foot. Bonus points for the amazing 1,010 square foot private sky terrace, featuring multiple levels, wooden flooring and memorable landscaping.
Highest Sales Prices
The highest priced closings for May were topped by a “sanctuary in the sky” at the luxury branded Ritz-Carlton West End. Unit #PH3E is a 5,112 square foot, two-level penthouse that sold for $5,350,000. The luxe residence comes with three bedrooms, a Chef’s kitchen, dining room, a living room, family room, wood-burning fireplace, two offices, a fitness room, 5.5 baths, and a drinks room with wet bar. The icing on the cake is a 4,000 square foot private terrace that spans both levels of the home. This stunning home in the city was also the third-highest per square foot for the month at $1,046.56 per sq. foot. Unit #1103 at CityCenterDC in Mount Vernon Triangle was the second-highest sale of the month at $2,750,000. The 1,720 square foot penthouse also captured the top price per size honors at $1,598.84 per square foot. Adding significantly to the space of the flat is multilevel 1,010 square foot private terrace with extensive landscaping.
The legendary Wardman Tower in Woodley Park nabs third place with Unit #3C. The 3,139 square foot apartment listed in April for $2,245,000 and quickly went under contract, selling above the list price at $2,280,000. That makes it the sixth-highest list-to-sales ratio as well as the third-highest closing. The meticulously renovated residence in the 1928 landmark building has two bedroom suites, 2.5 baths, and enormous walk-in closets. The oak herringbone floors are breathtaking, as is a showcase Chef’s kitchen with custom Henrybuilt cabinetry, Pentalquartz coastal gray counters, a Danby Royal marble backsplash and Thermador appliances. There’s also a delightful semi-circle balcony overlooking the city. Next up is Unit #207 at Somerset House in Friendship Heights (also associated with next-door Chevy Chase). The luxurious apartment is set inside the exclusive gated Parc Somerset community with its 17 lushly landscaped acres, plus every amenity imaginable. The 2,856 square foot apartment with two bedrooms and 2.5 baths has a unique look for Somerset House, with large exposed ceiling beams and a custom slate wall sectional featuring a fire feature on one side and media on the other. Renovated from the studs out over a two year period, the residence sold for $2,150,000.
Fifth place goes to Unit #216 at Shoreham West in Woodley Park. The two-bedroom, 2.5-bath sun-filled co-op closed for $1,800,000. With 2,450 square feet of living space, the apartment merges original 1965 touches such as parquet floors, with upgrades like the gourmet kitchen. There’s also a den/family room and a southeast-facing balcony. Closing out the list is Unit #3BW at St. Nicholas in the Kalorama neighborhood. Built in 1917, the elegant building is split into east and west portions, connected by a lovely shared lobby. The completely renovated 1,933 square foot apartment has an elongated layout with three bedrooms and three baths, and sold for $1,600,000. Original architectural charm and modern touches come together beautifully in this timeless classic.
Highest Sales Price to List Ratio
The demand for luxury apartments continues at a torrid place in the DC Metro area with bidding wars bumping prices up noticeably in the month of May. Topping the list in this category is Unit #23 at Jefferson Row in Dupont Circle. The impeccably crafted townhouse offers a delightful blend of traditional and modern architecture with gleaming hardwood floors, giant floor-to-ceiling windows, and soaring ceilings. The three-bedroom, 2.5-bath duplex with 1,765 square feet of space listed at $995,000 before selling for $1,075,000. That’s an $80,000 markup (108.04 percent) for the well-located condo with a fireplace, a wraparound terrace and assigned parking. Second place honors go to Unit #T10 at 2020 Lofts in the U Street Corridor. This one is a case of big things in small packages, with the 648 square foot one-bedroom condo bringing in a winning $442,000 offer (102.89 percent) after listing for $430,000. The hip, loft-inspired dwelling with its exposed overhead ductwork and hardwood floors was also the sixth-highest price per square foot at $885.34.
In third place is Unit #203 at 555 Mass in Mount Vernon Triangle. With two bedrooms and one bath, the bright and airy condo has an open floor plan, a gourmet kitchen and walk-in closets. Located inside a building known for its amenities, this 877 square foot unit listed at $540,000 and sold for $555,000, representing 102.78 percent of asking. Next on the list is Unit #418 at The Whitman, also in Mount Vernon Triangle. Offering one bedroom, a large den and two full baths, the 1,070 square foot residence closed at $729,000 or 102.68 percent of the original list price. The popular building has a 24/7 concierge, fitness center, community room and an amazing rooftop swimming pool.
The final two buildings in our list-to-sales category date back to the same iconic developer, Harry Wardman. Unit #201 at Woodley-Wardman in Woodley Park sold for $635,000 (101.60 percent of the $625,000 asking price). The two-bedroom, two-bath unit is part of a complex that merges the original row houses with an adjoining new seven-story tower. Closing out the list is Unit #3C at Wardman Tower, also in Woodley Park. The 3,139 square foot apartment is one of only 32 units in the classic 1928 landmark tower, which has been meticulously renovated by Deborah Berke Partners. With two bedroom suites, 2.5 baths and impossibly large living spaces, this superb residence was the third-highest overall closing for the month, listing for $2,245,000 and selling for $2,280,000, or 101.54 percent.
Highest Prices Per Square Foot
Unit #1103 at CityCenterDC in Mount Vernon Triangle captures the highest price per square foot honors in May at $1,598.84 as well as the second-highest closing figure at $2,750,000. The 1,720 square foot modern penthouse is certainly roomy with giant window walls allowing in lots of natural light. But step out to the multilevel 1,010 square foot private sky terrace with its lovely landscaping and you’ve added another spacious dimension! The two bedroom suites are at opposite ends for added privacy, with a long and open living, dining and cooking area in-between. The result is a very stylish abode, with custom textured walls, pale northern oak flooring and recessed upscale appliances. Coming in second is Unit #1120 at VIO, a sleek tower that’s ideally located at The Wharf; Washington’s new waterfront destination place. The two-bedroom, two-bath modern flat with an open 1,200 square foot layout sold for $1,320,000, equaling $1,100.00 per square foot. Giant window walls provide cityscape views, including the Capitol dome. Step outside and you’ll be right on the Promenade with new shops, restaurants and entertainment in every direction.
Third place goes to Unit #PH3E at the Ritz-Carlton West End. Not only is the price per square foot impressive at $1,046.56, it’s also the highest overall sales figure for a condo in May at $5,350,000. There’s loads of room with 5,112 square feet of living space spread out over two levels. Add in the 4,000 square foot private terrace and you’ve got a Washington showcase that’s perfect for hosting. The many extras include a fitness room, two offices, a wet bar and a wood-burning fireplace. In fourth place is Unit #2G at 22 West in the West End neighborhood. The 1,255 square foot apartment is bright and airy with two bedrooms and two baths. With a sales price of $1,275,000 and a per-foot ratio of $1,015.94, this contemporary residence also has one of the largest balconies in the building.
Next up is Unit #507 at 1745N in Dupont Circle. This recently completed development partners Historic Row townhouses with new Modern Flats. This one-bedroom condo with a den and one bath measures out at 775 square feet and includes a private balcony with views of St. Matthew’s dome. Pale wide-plank floors, high ceilings, huge windows and an open living, cooking and dining area add to the feeling of space. The closing price of $710,000 translates to $916.13 per square foot. Our sixth and final entry is Unit #317 at Lofts 14 in Logan Circle. The building is a former car showroom that was converted to industrial chic condos in 2005. Once known as Auto Row, this section of Church Street has become a haven for super hip redevelopment projects. The one-bedroom, one-bath unit with a bonus den has 689 square feet of living space, soaring concrete ceilings, exposed ductwork and an open corner kitchen. It sold for $610,000, or $885.34 per square foot.
May, 2021 Highest Price New Listings
Washington Metro’s red-hot real estate market continued to impress in May with some very pricy new condominium listings. Topping the tally is Unit #PH 8H at sought-after 3303 Water Street in Georgetown. The 2,900 square foot penthouse is offered at $7 million. That places the three-bedroom, three-bath apartment in the same rarified territory as some of the region’s most lavish estates. Among the features are a library/den, a double-sided fireplace and white marble bathrooms. But it’s the 1,400 square foot private terrace that really tops the cake, with unsurpassed point-blank views down the Potomac River and across to Virginia. You’ll even get your own three-hole putting green! Coming in second is another very impressive Georgetown residence. Unit #3-W at 1055 High is priced at $4,695,000 and comes with three bedrooms, a den, 3.5 baths and a 3,538 square foot layout that spans half the building’s third floor. Massive triple-pane windows on three sides face north, west and south. The modern Boffi kitchen could easily grace the cover of a magazine and the supersized balcony is the perfect place to dine al fresco.
In third place is Unit #2001 at Turnberry Tower in Arlington’s Rosslyn waterfront. Listed at $3.5 million, the super spacious 4,447 square foot flat is already in Active Under Contract status, meaning it’s pending with contingencies. Step out from the direct access elevator and into a contemporary showcase with two bedrooms, an office/den, 4.5 baths, two wraparound balconies and walls of giant floor-to-ceiling windows. Next up is Unit #2507 at The Verse, a new luxury building in Tysons Corner. Listed at $2,950,000, the stunning contemporary penthouse has two bedrooms, a large den, 2.5 baths and a 900-foot private deck in the sky, overlooking the Virginia vista. The open Euro-style kitchen has upscale appliances recessed into custom wood grain cabinetry that matches built-ins in the den.
In fifth place is Unit #605 at The Carleton of Chevy Chase. Completely renovated with 3,657 square feet of superbly finished living space, the apartment is priced at $2,649,000 and has four bedrooms, including two master suites, and 4.5 baths. A modern showcase kitchen is completely open to the living and dining areas, and features panelized appliances and a waterfall island. Cook while your friends watch and converse, and then take the food creations out to the balcony! Our final highest-priced new listing for May is Unit #810 at CityCenterDC in the fabulous Mount Vernon Triangle. The 1,389 square foot corner penthouse is available for $2,500,000 and has two bedrooms, 2.5 baths and massive floor-to-ceiling window walls wrapping around the perimeter. A stylish Foster + Partners open kitchen has appliances inset into Molteni/Dada Italian cabinetry. But the true icing on the cake is the 1,009 square foot multilevel private terrace with wooden floors and extensive landscaping.
