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Interested in buying a loft home in the Raleigh/Durham area?
When you think of lofts, your mind may go to those you’ve seen in movies or TV shows—large open spaces with high ceilings, huge windows, exposed brick walls, and few, if any, interior walls. If this style intrigues you, read on to find out more about lofts and their availability in the Triangle.
What is a loft?
The formal definition of a loft is a living space carved from a structure whose original purpose was something else. The loft image most of us have comes from the industrial-type lofts that originated in New York City’s SoHo district back in the 1960s and 70s. Factories and manufacturers had moved out of the urban center, leaving huge empty warehouses.
Artists and other creative types were drawn to these large spaces as places to work and (sometimes secretly and illegally) live. They were also inexpensive then, although that, unfortunately, is no longer the case!
Lofts are still a popular style of home, even as they have evolved to accommodate more interior dividers and softer finishes. The local inventory is not huge and the price per square foot is comparable to single-family homes, but they certainly do have style!
All lofts in our area are set up as condos so there is an HOA and monthly fees to consider. The HOA takes care of the building maintenance while the owner “owns” the space from the "paint in" and maintains HVAC systems, indoor plumbing, and electrical.
So, whether you’re thinking of a space where you can ride a bicycle from one end to the other, or you’re looking for a more modern look with a spacious feel, Raleigh/Durham has options.
Are lofts in the Raleigh/Durham area converted buildings or new construction?
Both! In Raleigh, there are old buildings that have been converted from mills, such as Caraleigh Mills and The Cotton Mill Condos. In Durham, Bullington Warehouse was created from a historic tobacco storage warehouse.
Downtown Raleigh also features more modern looking lofts such as The Fairweather.
And while most lofts are primarily located near downtown in Raleigh and Durham, there are some lofts for sale in the suburbs and some in smaller towns such as Saxapahaw, about 20 minutes from Chapel Hill. The Saxapahaw Rivermill is another converted cotton mill on the banks of the Haw River.
What type of buyer is attracted to lofts?
One group interested in lofts, especially near downtowns, is retirees and empty nesters who want to live near city centers. Low maintenance housing with access to entertainment and dining make lofts attractive to this group.
The other main buyers we see are young professionals, who appreciate the modern amenities they’ve grown up with but also love the touch of the past in the historic features.
What are the advantages of choosing a loft?
Some loft dwellers creatively divide their space with flex walls, curtains, or other room dividers. Others use furniture placement to make defined areas of the loft.
Many of the revamped lofts offer fitness centers, club rooms, pools, dog parks, and other 21st century amenities. You also don't typically have to worry about maintaining any kind of landscaping, as that is typically covered in the HOA dues.
What are the disadvantages?
In lofts that have been repurposed from older industrial buildings and not completely renovated, huge windows and open space can mean higher utility bills. And while you can certainly replace outdated windows to make the loft more energy efficient, that is an additional cost to consider.
Some folks love the idea of designing the interior space from scratch, but remember, having no defined “rooms” also means no closets, kitchen cabinets, or other storage.
The large open spaces mean that both sound and smells easily travel from one end of the space to the other. There is a lack of privacy, so if you’re a family or looking to share a home with a roommate, this can be a drawback.
And because most lofts are governed by HOAs, getting approval for renovations can be an issue, and there may be building rules that limit entertaining. So just because it’s possible to easily fit 100 people inside your loft, doesn’t mean you can or should!
If you’d like to start looking now for your perfect loft home in the Raleigh/Durham area, check out our complete list of lofts for sale in the area.
Lofts for Sale in the Triangle
Sleek modern condo in highly desirable Davis Park. Soaring ceilings and exposed ductwork give this property an industrial vibe while still feeling warm and inviting.Views...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2543456 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
RARE top floor condo w/loft, vaulted ceiling, AMPLE storage & deck just short walk from the community pool & tennis courts. New roofing in '23, new HVAC in '21, new windo...
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2541841 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Location Location Location! Minutes from shopping, restaurants, entertainment and main highways. This unit is tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac surrounded by trees and na...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2540954 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Enjoy summertime at the pool! Brand New Contemporary condos on Lake Raleigh! Right on the Raleigh Greenway! Walk to Hunt Library, ABB, Bandwidth, HQ Raleigh. Short drive ...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2501457 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Investors Welcome! The Opal is Tessera's Large 1 bedroom modern, amenity-rich condominium featuring 2 separate balconies to enjoy views of Mosaic! Interior finishes inclu...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2349804 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Move in TODAY! Lakeside living, peaceful environment. Quartz counters, hardwoods, stainless appliances, elevator building, parking, modern feel right on Lake Raleigh. Uni...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2368705 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Swimming Pool! Lakeside living, peaceful environment, Fabulous Location, and Brand New construction, what more could you need! Contemporary condos right on the Greenway o...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2438314 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome to a piece of history nestled in the heart of Raleigh! This charming 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath condo invites you to step back in time while enjoying modern comforts. Th...
- 1 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2541465 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Move in ready! Nestled in the prestigious Cottages at Brier Creek Community, this exquisite 3-bed, 3.5-bath home is the epitome of modern elegance and convenience. As you...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2534572 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Exclusive Paramount Condo on ninth floor facing west to enjoy sunsets and panoramic views. Stainless kitchen appliances, granite counter tops and copper toned mirrored t...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2496490 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
MUST SEE!!! Move in TODAY! Lakeside VIEW, peaceful environment. New construction, contemporary condos right on the Greenway on Centennial Campus! Walk to Hunt Library, AB...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2422550 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Move in Ready! Lake View Condo, Contemporary condos right on the Greenway on Centennial Campus! Walk to Hunt Library, ABB, Bandwidth, HQ Raleigh. Short drive to Downtown ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2437192 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Urban Luxury Living at its Finest Nestled in the Heart of DTR! This South Facing Condo Boasts an Array of Custom Features & Modern Amenities! The Open Concept Floor Plan ...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2539062 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome to luxury urban living & supreme location in Downtown Raleigh! The Fairweather condominiums rival others with its majestic & tasteful design. This coveted exquisi...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2530809 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Enjoy all that downtown has to offer in the hot Hudson building! Enter to soaring 10ft ceilings, LVP flooring, updated lighting & custom shades. This huge open floor plan...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2515292 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Move in TODAY! Lakeside living, peaceful environment. New construction, contemporary condos right on the Greenway on Centennial Campus! Walk to Hunt Library, ABB, Bandwid...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2437826 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Morning coffee with a view!! Penthouse Corner Flat! LAKE VIEW & 10 foot ceilings!! 8 foot doors! Expansive balconies! Brand new construction just 5 minutes from Downtown ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2336592 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Experience upscale condo living in this spectacular 3-bedroom home in The Cottages at Brier Creek. Featuring a private elevator, gourmet kitchen and rooftop terrace, this...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2539423 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Located at 101 Enterprise St, The Lansing will be mere steps from the shops/restaurants in Raleigh’s iconic Village District, a stone’s throw from NCSU, and an easy walk ...
- 1 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2514308 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Now offering up to a $4,750 Seller-paid credit towards rate buy down/closing costs. Caraleigh Mills is a historic property that qualifies for a 50% tax discount in a gate...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2511997 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Located at 101 Enterprise Street. The Lansing will be steps from the shops/restaurants in Raleigh's iconic VILLAGE DISTRICT. A stone's throw from NCSU, and an easy walk t...
- 1 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2537561 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Ever seen a UNICORN up close? Here’s your chance. This beautiful Downtown Durham Condo is a rarity with 3 Bedrooms AND 3 FULL Bathrooms!! Walk in to Huge windows exposing...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2541654 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
The Quorum Center is a discreet gem nestled between Downtown Raleigh's Warehouse District & Glenwood South. With southwest exposure, this condo grants you the ability to ...
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2534328 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Located at 101 Enterprise St, The Lansing will be mere steps from the shops/restaurants in Raleigh’s iconic Village District, a stone’s throw from NCSU, and an easy walk ...
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2516082 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
New construction duet by LTB Construction! Modern & functional floor plan by Dynamic Design Group & selections by Verity Design Studio. Optional upgrades include future ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2540777 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Located at 101 Enterprise St, The Lansing will be mere steps from the shops/restaurants in Raleigh’s iconic Village District, a stone’s throw from NCSU, and an easy walk ...
- 2 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2517637 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Rare opportunity for modernist 2/2 at The Bartlett. The only condominium directly in between Duke East Campus and Downtown Durham. Unbelievable expansive views and the be...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2537331 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Are you ready for the excitement of living in a luxury Condo in the heart of Raleigh. The Fairweather Condos may just be the place for you. This massive sprawling condomi...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2541990 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2023 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .