Hi! I live in a VHCOL city and have been in the market for a few months now. Single guy, early 30s, good job and have a decent amount saved due to a previous companies stock. I’ve been renting for the last 8 years and looking to start to build equity as well as find a primary place to ride out the next few years before hopefully settling down with a future partner (don’t have, but want!)

I had been looking at 2b1b condos but even with my decent salary and savings, the price is just a bit too high given what I have seen. I have now started eyeing lofts. I want to have a decent amount of space, and I enjoy the high ceilings and low maintenance (ideally). I also am pretty sensitive to noise and most condos in other areas are built in early 1900s and that can be an issue. They seem to sit on the market for longer and on a PPSF basis they seem more affordable. Some have cautioned me that they don’t appreciate as well (which is true looking at some of the historical prices). The areas aren’t always the best and they might not resell easily since the buyer pool are mostly people who are single. HOAs are also reasonably high, although the lack of having to deal with older buildings maintenance and potentially low reserves might make up for this.

I am curious if I am not being prudent by focusing more on actual condos in more desirable parts of the city. Does anyone have any thoughts? Thanks in advance.