Stay current on what's going on with Chicago's robust rental and apartment market. For information about luxury apartments for rent in Chicago, or to learn more about what a certain apartment building or location has to offer, contact the Chicago Condo Finder team, or start searching rentals and apartments now!

Chicago Airbnb Buildings: Investor's Navigation Guide

Succeeding with short-term rental investments in Chicago requires understanding which buildings actually allow Airbnb and how building-level policies impact your returns. Here's what matters in 2026:

  • Building policy trumps city regulations: Chicago allows STR with proper licensing, but individual condo associations can and do prohibit short-term rentals through their governing documents. Only 15-20% of downtown buildings explicitly permit STR operations.

  • Condo-hotel properties offer turnkey operations: Trump Tower, St. Regis Chicago, and similar condo-hotel buildings facilitate STR through established programs, providing professional support while commanding premium purchase…

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Attainable Luxury in Chicago: What Buyers Need to Know

Luxury Chicago condos under $750K are real, and in 2026 they represent one of the most compelling segments of the market. Buildings with doorman service, indoor pools, fitness centers, and premium finishes are available in the $500K-$750K range — concentrated in South Loop, Lakeshore East, and West Loop — if you know what to look for and where to look.

Building types that deliver: Established luxury buildings with strong reserves, buildings that have recently completed major capital improvements, and select construction from 2000-2015 where developer timelines and market positioning created this price point. Buildings like The Grant and Marina Towers consistently deliver genuine luxury amenities…

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Quick Answer: What Makes a Great Remote Work Condo in Chicago?

The best Chicago condos for remote work combine dedicated office space (ideally a separate room with a door), verified high-speed internet (100+ Mbps minimum, fiber preferred), concrete construction for noise isolation, and a neighborhood with walkable amenities so you're not trapped when you need a break. South Loop and Lakeshore East consistently rank as top neighborhoods for remote workers — newer buildings, strong internet infrastructure, quieter than downtown, and genuine walkability. Two-bedroom units (900–1,200+ sq ft) provide the space most remote workers need without overpaying. Budget for 10–15% down plus closing costs, verify internet providers directly with building management…

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Chicago Condo Investment: What Investors Need to Know

Investing in Chicago condos isn't just about finding a property-it's about understanding the market dynamics that drive returns. Here's what matters in 2026:

  • Neighborhood selection drives returns: South Loop and West Loop offer 5-7% appreciation with emerging rental demand, while Downtown Chicago provides stability and liquidity. Emerging areas like Logan Square present higher-risk, higher-reward opportunities.
  • Investment strategy determines success: Short-term rental properties in Airbnb-friendly buildings can generate 6-10% returns, traditional buy-and-hold strategies deliver 4-6% through rental income and appreciation, and foreclosure opportunities offer 15-20%+ returns for experienced…

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The Best Logan Square Apartment Buildings

Logan Square offers a diverse range of apartment buildings that cater to different tastes and lifestyles. Whether you prefer the historic charm of The Field’s Lofts, the modern amenities of MiCa, or the elegance of The Grand Logan Lodge, there's something for every home buyer in this vibrant neighborhood.

The Grand Logan Lodge

The Grand Logan Lodge is indeed grand - not just in size, but opulence. None of the 946 to 1970 square feet of space inside each home goes to waste with open floor plans and smart storage throughout. Large windows invite in plenty of natural light to make the atmosphere even more inviting. Having been completed in 2021, these suites are equipped with still-very-new stainless steel appliances, quartz counters, Grohe…

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First-Time Condo Buying in Chicago: What You Need to Know

Buying your first condo in Chicago involves more complexity than renting an apartment and different considerations than buying a single-family home. After helping hundreds of first-time buyers navigate Chicago's condo market over 20+ years, I've learned that success comes from understanding what makes condos unique, and avoiding the common mistakes that create buyer's remorse.

Here's what matters most:

Total cash is typically 12-20% of purchase price. Down payment (10-15% for most first-timers in quality buildings), closing costs (2-4% of purchase price), and post-closing emergency reserves all add up. On a $400K condo, plan for $48K-$80K total cash needed. First-time buyers consistently…

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Luxury Condos and Apartments Sold and Rented in Chicago

Low inventory and increasing mortgage rates have made much of 2023 both an interesting and challenging year for Chicago’s real estate market. But despite these difficult conditions, the last 6 months have yielded some pretty high-profile deals, both on the rental and the sales sides of the market

Most Expensive Homes/Apartments Rented in Chicago

(May-October '23)

Despite many of the most expensive apartments for rent being in newer construction buildings, a 12th floor unit in The Ambassador was the highest-priced apartment rented in Chicago over the last 6 months. The Row Fulton Market and One Bennett Park also continue to be among the city's most popular buildings for luxury rentals and are the only two buildings to have multiple units…

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The new owner of a heavily discounted site on Lake Shore Drive is planning to build new apartments on the property. JAB Real Estate recently purchased the site at 3726 N Lake Shore for just over $4 million.

That’s a steep discount from the $8.75 million the previous owner paid for the exact same site in 2016. It’s expected that work on the new 36-unit apartment building could begin sometime later this spring.

Current renderings show a red brick building with street-facing balconies. The building is reportedly being built to blend in with some of the neighborhood’s more historic architecture.

Future renters can also expect to find some ground-level parking. The new apartment building replaces an existing three-flat on the site. 

Previously…

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727 W. Madison ChicagoA spectacular new apartment tower now rises up in the West Loop. With rentals ranging from studios to three-bedroom floor plans, 727 W. Madison offers the apartment design renters are searching for. 

Along with all of its private amenities, residents of the building are additionally treated to an array of shared delights. Options range from the tower’s secure parking and bike storage to its private rooftop sky lounge with some outstanding city views.

In addition, the tower offers up access to a fitness center, yoga studio and a pet spa. Along with all of this, the property also provides space for an outdoor swimming pool and spa, a dog park, and it allows for grilling. 

This appealing new apartment building sits at the corner of Madison and…

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Lathrop Apartments ChicagoBrand new, modern apartments accent Chicago’s Lathrop apartment complex. While the apartments themselves are certainly impressive, the amenities of this North Side property truly put it over the top.

Made up of a full eleven acres of open space and green space, the property includes on-site residential parking and the convenience of a children’s playground. It also provides outdoor recreational possibilities including a boat house and direct Chicago River access via the kayak and boat launch.

This is on top of a nearby nature trail, a riverfront dog park, landscaped gardens and a great lawn. In addition, residents of Lathrop are offered the option of available on-site storage and bicycle storage. 

With easy river access, residents of Lathrop are…

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