The South Loop in Chicago was once filled with excess inventory. In 2011 there was roughly a three year supply of inventory. In 2012 there was over an 18 month supply of inventory. Now, there is only a few month supply of inventory, especially under 250k.

Why am I specifically talking about $250,000? If you are familiar with the South Loop market you will know that many new construction buildings had built small 1 Bedroom units. 1720 S. Michigan and 1620 S. Michigan are the most popular and had the most foreclosures. Some small 1 Bedroom units sold for only $105,000 to $115,000 just over a year ago. Those same units are now selling for $150,000. It is amazing how things have changed in the past year. 1529 S. State also had a handful of units on the market in the past but even that building is rebounding nicely.

Rent prices have also remained high in the South Loop with most 1 Bedrooms renting above $1,500 without parking. This has spurred many renters to become homeowners but also has created a great demand for investors especially as most South Loop buildings do not have any rental restrictions.

What buildings are the hottest in the South Loop?

1201 S. Prairie – Recently taken over by Related Midwest, 1201 S. Prairie, part of the Museum Park development is doing extremely well and is definitely the “most modern” of any South Loop development. 1305 S. Michigan continues to be red hot. While some short sales are transacting at low prices, these units do have very poor views. They are selling fast and above list price. Most units, however, are selling at “market rate” with most 2 Bedrooms selling in the low $300s.

1400 S. Michigan and 1250 S. Michigan continue to see very low inventory. Only two 1 Bedroom units are currently on the market in 1400 S. Michigan. You may remember several years ago an auction was held for the remaining units in this building. 1250 S. Michigan currently only has 1 unit available (several others are under contract). The unit currently available for sale is a 3 Bedroom condo priced at $750,000.

Museum Park: All Museum Park buildings continue to be in demand. Specifically One Bedrooms which once flooded the market are now hard to come by.

Paul Blackburn is an Illinois licensed Realtor and Broker with @ Properties in Chicago. He can always be reached via e-mail at Paul@PKBlackburn.com