Stay current on new construction real estate around Chicago. From updates on upcoming projects and developments to our thoughts on new construction condo and apartment buildings being planned, the Chicago Condo Finder blog is one of the city's best resources for new development news and info.

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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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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Tribune Tower East CondosSoon to be Chicago’s second tallest building, Tribune Tower East is making some big promises for the future. Here are just a few reasons why luxury condo buyers in Chicago will want to strongly consider buying at the extravagant new Tribune Tower East building.

The amenities

The mixed-use building will eventually house condos, apartments, added amenities and even a hotel. The addition of ground level retail space, a parking garage and some office space will only add to the property’s appeal and convenience. 

The views

The views will surely be spectacular. Nearly three times as tall as Tribune Tower, Tribune Tower East is scheduled to stand more than 1,400 feet high. At 102-stories, it’s sure to deliver some pretty amazing views overlooking…

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Webster Square CondosIf you’re thinking about buying a condo in Chicago in 2021, we found three good reasons to buy at Webster Square.

The Location 

The first has to do with its location. The new property sits right in Lincoln Park, which puts residents within walking distance of the zoo, the Conservatory and the lakefront. The property is also close to shopping, dining and entertainment options.

The Amenities

 Another reason has to do with its amenities. Condo owners at Webster Square will enjoy a fitness center, catering kitchen and a rooftop sundeck with sweeping views. In addition, the pet-friendly building offers bicycle storage, a children’s room and a large private courtyard.  

The Floorplans

 Finally, you’re sure to enjoy the distinctive floor…

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The Belgravia Group recently launched sales for their much anticipated, CA6 property containing 72 total units. As originally designed, the building was to have 67 condo units that were under 2400 sq. ft. and 5 units being 3150 sq. ft. The larger condos were priced from $1.63 million, while the smaller ones started at just under $826,000.

The first weekend the condos were offered for sale, all 5 of the larger units went under contract and according to the developer, there were at least a dozen other buyers interested in purchasing one. The demand prompted architects, Sullivan Goulette & Wilson, to immediately redesign the top of the building turning 7 of the smaller units into larger, more expensive duplexes. The total amount of units, 72 remained the…

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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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