Nobody has their finger on the pulse of DC Luxury Condo Sales like Life At The Top
February, 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
Sales activity was robust in February, evidenced by five closings at The Odyssey in Arlington’s Rosslyn neighborhood. The building’s Unit #923 checks off an additional box as the fourth highest list-to-sales ratio for the month. The two-bedroom, one-bath flat listed for $509,900 and sold for $520,000 (101.98 percent). The apartment enjoys glorious views of Arlington and DC from its private balcony, and is also substantially renovated with new hardwood floors throughout plus kitchen and bath upgrades. Union Row in the trendy U Street Corridor continues the streak of strong activity with four sales in February. The complex features two buildings; The Flats and The Warehouses. The four transactions ran the gamut of shapes and sizes. There was a studio with one bath; a one-bedroom with one bath; a two-bedroom with one bath and a two-bedroom with two baths! With square footage ranging from 542 to 1,076 and closing prices from $399,000 to $775,000, this popular address had something for everyone.
There were two buildings with three sales each; City Vista and Madrigal LoftsM, both in the Mount Vernon Triangle. Unit #204 at City Vista with its two bedrooms, two baths and upgrades throughout enjoyed the fifth highest list-to-sales ratio, closing at $650,000 or 100.78 percent of asking. The three sales at Madrigal were modest in size, from 479 to 720 square feet with closing prices from $360,000 to $479,900. But the soaring ceilings, exposed ductwork and loft bedrooms make each a highly attractive purchase. There were no fewer than eight buildings with two sales each! One of the two sales at Somerset House in Friendship Heights also holds the distinction of the highest sales price for the month. Unit #702, an exquisitely appointed three-bedroom, 3.5-bath apartment with 3,399 square feet of living space, listed for $3,195,000 and closed at $3,050,000. Featured in Architectural Digest, the residence has tray ceilings, quarter-sewn wood floors and two private balconies. Of the sales at Northumberland in Dupont Circle, Unit #510 with its original parquet floors could use some TLC. But it was priced to move at $332,500 and closed at $340,000, representing 102.26 percent of asking for the month’s third highest list-to-sales ratio.
Unit #1015 at The Artisan in Penn Quarter was one of two sales at the boutique building, and with two bedrooms and two baths, closed at $777,000, representing 100.78 percent of list. The other buildings with two sales each were 2020 Lofts in the U Street Corridor, Metropole in Logan Circle, Lafayette in Penn Quarter, the iconic Watergate in Foggy Bottom and the in-demand Wooster and Mercer in Rosslyn. Also notable is the sale of Unit #204 at The Beauregard in the U Street Corridor. This was the building’s first sale since April 26, 2019! The three-bedroom, two bath former model unit with its gleaming blonde floors and open gourmet kitchen closed at $870,000.
Highest Sales Prices
For the second month in a row, the highest sales price for a condominium in the DC area goes to Somerset House in Friendship Heights. This time, it’s Unit #702, a three-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence with 3,399 square feet of living space. Featured in Architectural Digest, the home has a series of memorable ceiling patterns including honeycomb beams, and several variations of oval and hexagonal tray shapes. Listed for $3,195,000, the exquisitely appointed apartment closed at $3,050,000. Other features include quarter-sewn wood floors with inlays and two private balconies. Somerset House is part of the exclusive 17-acre gated Parc Somerset community, providing every country club-style amenity imaginable. The second-highest sales price was also in the Friendship Heights neighborhood (often associated with next-door Chevy Chase). Unit #701 at the aptly named Chase Point listed for $1,595,000 and sold for full price. With two bedroom suites, 2.5 baths, a family room, giant windows, hardwood floors and a spacious 1,997 square foot layout, the apartment merges contemporary style with comfort.
Third place goes to Wooster and Mercer in Rosslyn. This popular condo community on Clarendon Boulevard rarely has active listings. Unit #M601 was one of the exceptions, selling for $1,530,000. The loft residence with two bedrooms and two baths has a 1,855 square foot layout and outrageously high ceilings with two stories of giant factory-style windows. The open gourmet kitchen has all the Wooster and Mercer bells and whistles including 140 year-old brick accents in the living area that were repurposed from the old Children’s Museum in DC. A private rooftop terrace tops things off. Fourth place belongs to Unit #1121 at the super modern and luxurious VIO which is perched on top of the marina at District Wharf in the redeveloped Southwest Waterfront. The three-bedroom, two-bath apartment with giant windows and a sublime 1,400 square foot floorplan sold for $1.5 million. It’s also the month’s highest price per square foot sale at $1,071.43. District Wharf is Washington’s new waterfront community and destination place with an incredible array of shops, restaurants, live entertainment and boat slips.
In fifth place is Unit #802 at Lionsgate in Bethesda, Maryland. The apartment with its hardwood floors, oversized kitchen, two bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a den and 1,960 square feet of interior space, was offered at $1,349,900 before selling for $1,300,000. Closing out the highest sales price category is Unit 301 at Hampden Row in Bethesda. The stylish two-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo has dark wood floors, a completely open white-on-white kitchen with panelized stainless steel appliances, a bonus den and a private balcony. The 1,780 square foot residence listed for $1,335,000 and closed at $1,295,000. The building is close to all the great Wisconsin Avenue shops and restaurants.
Highest Sales Price to List Ratio
February 2021 was a good month for above-list condo sales. It starts with Unit #318 at the Yale Laundry in booming Mount Vernon. The one-bedroom, one-bath residence with a den and a 960 square foot loft-style floorplan listed for $499,000 and sold for $520,000. That’s 104.21 percent of asking for a super sleek pad with soaring ceilings and an amazing open kitchen. Coming in second is Unit #615 at Atrium in Arlington’s Rosslyn neighborhood. The two-bedroom, two-bath corner condo with 1,415 square feet of living space, plus east, west and north-facing views, listed for $799,000 and sold for $825,000, translating to 103.25 percent in the list-to-sales ratio. The last time this unit was up for grabs was 25 years ago!
Third place goes to Unit #510 at the grand old Northumberland in Dupont Circle. The two-bedroom, one-bath apartment has character aplenty with thick crown molding, parquet floors and a dated kitchen. But the new owners jumped on the $332,500 asking price and upped the ante to $340,000 or 102.26 percent. With a little love, the apartment will be worth much more. Coming in fourth is Unit #520 at The Odyssey in Rosslyn. The two-bedroom condo had a complete renovation, including new hardwood floors, new quartz counters and new cabinets, before listing for $509,900. It closed at $520,000, or 101.98 percent of asking.
Fifth place goes to Unit #204 at City Vista in Mount Vernon Triangle. The two-bedroom, two-bath apartment has giant windows, beautiful hardwood floors throughout and a fabulous open gourmet kitchen. After listing for $645,000, the 1,056 square foot condo got scooped up for $650,000, a clean 5K over the asking price (100.78 percent). Closing out this list is Unit #1015 at The Artisan in the heart of Penn Quarter. The two-bedroom, two-bath condo has a den, a balcony, walk-in closets, two garage spaces and a storage unit. The final closing price for the 1,349 square foot apartment was $650,000 which translates to 100.78 percent of asking.
Highest Prices Per Square Foot
Unit #1121 at VIO in the Southwest Waterfront claimed top prize in the highest price per square foot category for February, as well as the fourth-highest overall sales price at $1.5 million. The three-bedroom, two-bath apartment has 1,400 square feet of living space, translating to a very sturdy $1,071.43 per sq. ft. The recently constructed building directly overlooks the marina and boat slips, and is an integral part of this new “live, work and play” destination place. The unit itself is the picture of modernity with its open floor plan, giant windows and balcony. Second place goes to Unit #307 at 2501M in the West End neighborhood. The two-bedroom, two-bath condo with 1,181 square feet of space sold for $1,195,000, or $1,011.85 per sq. ft. Giant windows, gorgeous baths and a stunning open kitchen with cream and cocoa tones and recessed appliances, combine to create a memorable ambience.
In third place is Unit #503 at 1745N in Dupont Circle. The condo community is the result of renovating six row houses along Historic Row, and building modern flats in a new building directly behind the existing structures. This particular flat has one bedroom, one bath and a 531 square foot floorplan. While not large in size, the unit is still impressive with an open and airy feel, blonde hardwood floors and a stylish open gourmet kitchen tucked unobtrusively into one corner. The $480,000 sales price equals $903.95 per square foot. Unit #702 at Somerset House inside the exclusive Parc Somerset gated community in Friendship Heights was the highest sale in February at $3,050,000 as well as the fourth-highest price per square foot at $897.32. The three-bedroom, 3.5-bath home with its 3,399 square foot layout has been featured in Architectural Digest. From quarter-sewn hardwood floors with inlays to exquisite ceiling designs, this residence is truly special. Parc Somerset is a 17-acre country club-style development with swimming pools, tennis, a clubhouse, sports complex and more.
Our final entry is Unit #636 at The Columbia in the West End neighborhood. The two-bedroom, two-bath apartment overlooking 24th Street sold for $1,115,000. The 1,267 square foot payout equals $880.03 per square foot. From the open chef’s kitchen to beautiful architectural details, this apartment at the historic former Columbia Hospital for Women is attractive indeed. Bonus points for the rooftop pool, billiards, Fitness center and an on-site Trader Joe’s!
February, 2021 Highest Price New Listings
The second month of 2021 saw continued vigor in the Washington DC Metro real estate marketplace, including some spectacular new listings. Topping the month’s highest priced category is Unit #PH-3 at the legendary Wardman Tower in Woodley Park. Listed at $6,995,000, the penthouse offers an elite level of living with 4,532 square feet of impeccably renovated living space. There are three private bedroom quarters, each with a luxurious en-suite bath. A powder room adds extra convenience. With six-inch wide oak floors, an exquisite kitchen, a library and a den (each with a fireplace) and and stairs leading to a private rooftop deck with incredible skyline views, this home is a perfect example of Life at the Top. Coming in a strong second is Unit #PH3E at Ritz-Carlton West End in DC’s West End neighborhood. Described as a “sanctuary in the sky,” the 5,112 square foot two-story penthouse is offered at $5,999,000. A few of the particulars include three bedrooms, 5.5 baths, a living room with wood-burning fireplace, dining room, family room, library, gym, office and a 4,000 square foot private multilevel roof deck!
It’s back to Wardman Tower with Unit #7B in third place. Listed at $4,995,000, the three-bedroom, 3.5-bath home has a spacious 4,506 square foot layout with oak herringbone floors, a huge and airy living area, a library and additional den, marvelous bathrooms and a picture perfect eat-in kitchen with Henrybuilt cabinetry, Thermador appliances, gray quartz counters and a Danby Royal marble backsplash. Fourth place goes to Unit #8G at 22 West in the West End community. Offered at $4,300,000, the bright and sunny flat has nearly 4,000 square feet of space, with three bedrooms and three baths. A modern white-on-white design includes towering windows, two private balconies and an open gourmet kitchen with panelized appliances.
In fifth place is an immaculately redesigned condo that is already pending. Listed at $2,799,999, Unit #1 at Wormley School in Georgetown has two bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,700 square feet of living space and a giant wraparound brick patio with its own lush green grassy dog run! Closing out our highest-priced new listings is Unit #715 at CityCenterDC in the Mount Vernon Triangle. Listed at $2,749,999, the stylish Foster + Partners-designed apartment has two bedrooms, two baths and a 1,584 square foot layout. Giant window walls, pale floors and a modern open kitchen add to the airy feel. There’s also a long balcony bridging the bedrooms as well as a 576 square foot multilevel wooden walk-out terrace with landscaping!
