Search Results for: spring condos

Downtown Austin Open Houses

Jude Galligan | October 2, 2009 |

The great thing about downtown Austin open houses is that you can generally walk from building to building. Take a stroll downtown now that summer is over and the temperature is cooler. On this weekend’s calendar you’ll find the Austin City Lofts and Cambridge Tower. Also, a good reason to head downtown this weekend is the opening of West Elm furniture at 5th and Lamar (which happens to be across the street from the Spring Condos sales center)

Saturday
1) 800 W. 5th Street #908, 2bd, 2ba, $995,000, 1-3pm [TateProperty]

Sunday
1) 800 W. 5th Street #908, 2bd, 2ba, $995,000, 1-3pm [TateProperty]
2) 1801 Lavaca Street #13A, 1bd, 2ba, $369,000, 2-4pm [UptownCondos]
3) 1801 Lavaca Street #7E, 2bd, 2ba, $365,000, 2-4pm [UptownCondos]
4) 1801 Lavaca Street #7D, 1bd, 1ba, $325,000, 2-4pm [UptownCondos]

By The Numbers: Downtown’s Shrinking Inventory

Jude Galligan | June 9, 2013 |

The data supports what we all see – demand exceeds supply for downtown condos, especially dwellings priced under $500,000. May was the first month ever that both the average and median price per foot for a downtown resale was over $400/ft.

At the extremes, asking prices for new construction high-luxury condos are approaching $1000 per foot, and there are several recently recorded transactions between $700-$800 per square foot.

Downtown condo inventory as of 6/7/2013

1) total resales available = 49
2) total new construction available = 77 est.

As of this post, there are only 13 units for sale under $500,000, and built within the past 15 years, in all of downtown Austin. This leaves us with just over one month of inventory available for the largest segment of condo buyers in downtown’s core.

The lack of new product in the market is putting significant upward pricing pressure on resales. With no new condo development planned in downtown, as interest rates remain low, resale prices will continue to rise to meet the demand.

You’ll recall that back in January, for the first time, the average sales price of a new construction downtown condo exceeded, $1,000,000. There were 14 closings in May for new construction condos: the Austonian, W Hotel, and Four Seasons Residences. Spring is sold out. [UPDATE: The Four Seasons is sold out, with contracts pending.] The W ~~and Four Seasons~~ could officially be sold out after another couple months of sales and pending contracts close. The Austonian has a pretty good inventory remaining, but soon lacking any competition sales could accelerate quickly.

May 2013 Resale Statistics

- Total sales volume (resales only) =  $12,717,900
- # of resale transactions = 22
- avg price per foot = $453
- median price per foot = $424
- avg sales price = $578,086
- avg sales price to list price (SP/LP) = 97%
- avg condo size = 1275 sq. ft.
- avg price per bedroom = $343,727
- avg days on market (DOM) = 43 days

May 2013 New Construction Statistics

- # of new construction transactions = 14
- avg price per foot = $700-$800/ft est.
- Total new construction sales volume =  not reported

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Downtown Austin: Census Data In Perspective

Chris Bradford | April 12, 2011 |

Anyone who knows what a construction crane looks like knows that downtown Austin experienced phenomenal growth between 2000 and 2010. The 2010 Census confirms what we could see: Census tract 11 (which includes the CBD and Rainey Street) more than doubled in population, from 2,386 to 5,512. And that excludes dense developments that most would consider part of “downtown,” including Gables Park Plaza, the Monarch, Spring and Nokonah, all within Census tract 12. Add these and Downtown’s growth was even more impressive. [Read more…] about Downtown Austin: Census Data In Perspective

Downtown Austin Condo Prices Drop in November

Jude Galligan | December 6, 2010 |

Judging by the average numbers, November was a rough month for resales of downtown Austin condos. Conversely, luxury condos continue to post strong numbers for the second month in a row. Back in October, I was surprised by the large number of closings we observed in the downtown Austin’s top-tier condo buildings. The ABJ followed up with a story saying “Verdict’s in: Austin condos did work.”

Top-tier (new buildings)
While the high-end market continues to show good numbers, it’s not clear to me how many of these closings are from original reservations, rather than new purchase contracts (within the past 120 days).

-Four Seasons shows 49 closed units, six closed in November.

–Austonian shows 32 closed units, two closed in November.

-Spring shows ~165-170 closed units closed, nine closed in November. It should be noted that these were, in fact, all new contracts.

Resales
Using data available on Nov 30th, 11 downtown austin condos closed at an average $252 per square foot. That’s the lowest average price since August of 2009, and is 19.5% lower than the average resale price compared to November of last year. Compared to downtown condo sales in October, prices were down 14%. Also interesting, average days-on-market (DOM) was 118 days – not surprising to see closing prices averaging 12% less than original asking prices.

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DAB STATS: July Transaction Summary

Jude Galligan | August 5, 2010 |

In July of 2007 we recorded 14 transactions at an average of $353psf.

In July of 2008 we recorded 11 transactions at an average of $289psf.

In July of 2009 we recorded 13 transactions at an average of $267psf.

In July of 2010, we recorded 12 transactions at an average of $314psf!!

What insights can we glean from four years of July transaction data? Based on my experience this year, I would say those numbers show that [in aggregate for downtown] a bottom had been reached, and we’re returning to normal where average prices hover around $300psf.

If developers reported sales (they don’t, but if they did), July’s closed Sabine units would nullify the effect of the higher priced closings at the Austonian, Spring, and Four Seasons. Also, at least two of July’s transactions were deeply discounted transactions at Milago and yet the average numbers are still strong.

The market continues to place a premium west of Congress Avenue, as transactions at Austin City Lofts and 360 condos exceed $400psf. Feedback from my clients indicate this premium is a reflection of these buildings’ proximity to a mix of retail uses and to Whole Foods. As inventories of new construction continue to dwindle, the average buyers’ expectations are beginning to come back inline with a healthy resale market.

An example of a great buy in July: Milago #423. A 2bd/2ba corner unit at tree level with city views for $300,000. The seller took a hit on this one and originally paid $382,500. Also, I’m bullish on the Rainey Street District, future improvements to Waller Creek, and the desirability of living near the trail for couples/families.

What does the buyer who prioritizes value do now? Be prepared. Get pre-qualified for a mortgage. Be ready to pounce on the random short sale or bank owned property. I seem to find 1-2 each month. Forget about foreclosure auctions in downtown – they simply do not happen with any regularity, and 99% of the time the bank takes back the property and lists it on the MLS market where they can get closer to market rates. Of course, you can go to the courthouse to see for yourself. Or, you can just contact me.

Registered members of DAB can download a complete statistical and transaction report here.

-Jude