Want to know how to buy one of the few authentic Seattle lofts? In this blog we are going to chat about where you can find a loft in Seattle, what they typically cost, and give you a few pointers on what it means to own an older loft home.
Many people don’t even realize we have cool loft homes in Seattle. Well, we do! However, they rarely come on the market. So when Seattle lofts do pop up, we love to go check them out as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn more about buying a Seattle loft and take a tour of one of our Diva Dwelling lofts.
Want to Know More About Loft Homes in Seattle?
- You can find true Seattle lofts in Capitol Hill, Belltown, Pioneer Square, and Pike Place Market.
- On average, the majority of Seattle lofts sell for around $600,000. These lofts are around 1,000 square feet. A studio loft will cost around $425,000, and a 1-bedroom loft will cost around $665,000. Those larger “made for the movies” lofts will cost well over $1 million.
- There are a few important things to keep in mind when buying a loft. Lofts are often in older buildings which require more maintenance, and therefore higher HOA dues. The unique layouts can mean unconventional bedrooms. And most neighborhoods with lofts are not super car friendly.
Let’s dive in below for more detail.
Want to Know More About Loft Homes in Seattle?
Lofts can take many shapes and sizes. And in this blog, we’re sharing where you can find lofts in Seattle. We’re sharing how much money they generally cost. We are also going to share some things you should keep in mind when buying a loft condo. And finally, we will tour a beautiful loft listing on Capitol Hill at one of Team Diva’s favorite buildings: The Trace Lofts. You’ll have a real-life example and you’ll be able to see why they are so special!
Where Can You Find Lofts in Seattle?
The truly authentic lofts are homes that have multiple living levels open to one greater space. Sure, there are some “loft” style condos found throughout the city. But is it a true loft or a vaulted ceiling? In Team Diva’s opinion, true lofts are only found in a handful of neighborhoods around town. Here are the neighborhoods where you can find a true Seattle loft:
- Capitol Hill
- Belltown
- Pioneer Square
- Pike Place Market
Speaking of Pike Place Market, we listed another awesome loft a couple of years ago. This one ended up selling off-market. It is one of the coolest lofts out there and an all-time favorite. It ended up selling off-market but it is still one of the coolest and an all-time favorite.
How Much Does a Loft Home Cost in Seattle?
Seattle lofts are more expensive than typical condos. This is due to the fact that the good ones rarely come on the market! This relative scarcity helps them retain their value. Here’s how much this type of home typically costs in Seattle:
- Studios run about $425,000
- 1 Bedroom Lofts will cost around $665,000
- Larger “made for movies” lofts are well over $1 million dollars
The majority of the lofts in Seattle sell in the $600,000s and are pushing 1000 square feet or so.
What You Should Keep In Mind When Buying a Loft?
Some Seattle lofts were purpose-built as homes. Then there are others that get their shape because they were originally built as warehouses and automotive factories. The Trace Lofts is an example of the latter. The Trace Lofts was originally built in 1919 as a sewing factory. In 2007, The Trace Lofts were converted to condos. And remember Kim’s listing on 19th from earlier this year? That was a perfect example of a purpose-built loft condo designed as lofts from scratch in 2004.
This may seem like common sense, but buying a loft condo is just like buying a regular condo. Kim has a great video “How to Buy a Condo” about the condo-buying process. You can also read our blog “How to Buy a Condo in Seattle” for all of the in-depth details!
How Are Lofts Different From Owning a Typical Condo?
There are a few nuances that you should keep in mind when buying a loft.
- Most Seattle loft buildings are older and need additional care. Plan on spending a bit more on your HOA dues.
- When your loft bedroom is the loft, you may have quite a bit less headroom than a traditional condo. Think creatively about your sleeping space.
- Most of these homes are in the oldest parts of the city. So walkability will be great, but it’s not for buyers looking for the car culture of the suburbs.
Just understand you are buying a historic home in an urban area. They need love!
More Details About the Seattle Loft at the Trace Lofts
Let’s check out a real-life Seattle loft! Team Diva loves loft condos and The Trace Lofts is one of our favorite buildings. This particular Diva Dwelling is one of the rare penthouse units. This building was converted from a 1919 warehouse, so you’ll find true old-growth original beams. There is a lofted sleeping nook in addition to a real bedroom. And there are huge windows overlooking Capitol Hill! There is even a balcony and access to a rooftop deck.
Something to consider with buying a loft like this one is whether or not the systems are up to snuff. This loft checks all of the boxes—there’s updated plumbing, electrical, insulation, underground parking, and air conditioning. Thank goodness!
All the Details About the Condo
- MLS #1947527
- Address: 1408 12th Avenue #506
- Listing Brokers: Roy Powell and Kim Colaprete
- Square Footage: 787
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: 1
- Secure Garage Parking: 1
More details on the listing page >
Thanks For Joining Us to Learn More Loft Style Homes and Condos in Seattle
Want to know how to buy one of the few authentic Seattle lofts? First, you need to know where to look! You’ll find true Seattle lofts in Capitol Hill, Belltown, Pioneer Square, and at Pike Place Market. Most lofts in Seattle sell for about $600,000 and are around 1,000 square feet in size. Typically, studio lofts are around $420,000, and 1-bedroom lofts cost about $665,000. Want one of those huge, fancy “made for the movies” lofts? These can be well over $1 million. While buying a loft condo is pretty much the same as buying a Seattle condo, there are a few unique considerations. Many loft buildings are older, requiring more HOA dues for maintenance. Your loft bedroom may be a bit unconventional. And most Seattle lofts are in neighborhoods that are not very car friendly.
Want to Know More About Loft Homes in Seattle?
- You can find true Seattle lofts in Capitol Hill, Belltown, Pioneer Square, and at Pike Place Market.
- On average, the majority of Seattle lofts sell for around $600,000. These lofts are around 1,000 square feet. A studio loft will cost around $425,000, and a 1-bedroom loft will cost around $665,000. Those larger “made for the movies” lofts will cost well over $1 million.
- There are a few important things to keep in mind when buying a Seattle loft. Lofts are often in older buildings which require more maintenance, and therefore higher HOA dues. The unique layouts can mean unconventional bedrooms. And most neighborhoods with lofts are not super car friendly.
Here Are a Few of Our Favorite Seattle Lofts that We Have Listed Over the Years
- Monique Lofts on Capitol Hill
- Pioneer Square Loft
- Loft Style Condo on Queen Anne
- 19th Avenue Lofts on Capitol Hill
- Trace Lofts Unit 202 on Capitol Hill
- Pike Place Market Loft
- The Bridge Lofts in Tacoma
- Pike Lofts on Capitol Hill
Bonus: Check out how our super rad artist Diva Dwellers live in their Pioneer Square Loft.
By now, you can probably see why Team Diva loves Seattle loft homes and condos. They are unique, grandiose, and rare. If you are interested in buying a Seattle loft condo, we’d love to show you one in person.
We are here to help. Our team understands that this process can take a year or two. And we are more than willing to give you a personalized plan to get the ball rolling. Feel free to contact us directly at thediva@teamedivarealestate.com or call/text 206-271-0264.
