Downtown Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota: condos, the bayfront and Main Street
Most of what we lease and sell downtown is condos, from mid-rise buildings off Main Street to towers on the bay. Every building writes its own rules and sets its own fees, and the view out the window moves the number more than most owners expect.
Or call Richard at 941-800-8891 or Patrice at 941-993-0823.
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Living and owning here
What's around you downtown
Sarasota Bay is the front yard. Main Street runs down to Bayfront Park and the boats at Marina Jack, and The Bay park stretches along the water north of downtown, around the Van Wezel. Selby Gardens is on the bayfront at the south edge of downtown.
Most buildings are a short walk from Main Street, Palm Avenue, Five Points or the Rosemary District, where the restaurants, galleries and shops are. On Saturday mornings the farmers market sets up on Lemon Avenue.
St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach are across the Ringling Bridge, usually 10 to 15 minutes by car. The airport is roughly 15 to 20 minutes north. Just outside the core, Laurel Park, Gillespie Park and Burns Court have older bungalows, cottages and townhomes.
Renting out a home here
Renting out a downtown condo
Downtown works as an annual rental and as a seasonal one. Unfurnished annual leases stay steady all year. Furnished units are busiest January through April, and the next winter often books the spring before.
Here the building's documents decide more than the market does. Associations commonly set a minimum lease length, cap how many times a unit can be leased in a year, or require board approval of each tenant before move-in. Some bar leasing in a new owner's first year. We read them before we price or list a unit.
Downtown renters want to know about assigned and guest parking, pet rules, the gym and pool, and how far the walk is to Main Street or the bayfront. A bay view and a redone kitchen usually cut the time a unit sits empty.
Selling here
What sets the price downtown
Two units in the same building can sell far apart. Floor height, which way the unit faces, and whether you look at the bay, the skyline or the building next door all move the price. So do updates, parking and the monthly fee.
Buyers ask early about the milestone inspection and structural integrity reserve study that Florida's condo safety laws now require of most buildings three stories and up, and about any special assessment on the way. Having those answers ready keeps a deal together.
Low-rise buildings close to the water also get flood and insurance questions. We pull recent sales in your building and the ones around it and write up a pricing opinion, not an automated estimate.
Buying here
Buying downtown
Downtown is mostly high-rise and mid-rise condos, with some townhomes, and single-family homes in the neighborhoods at the edges. Newer towers usually mean more amenities and higher fees. Older buildings can cost less per square foot, so read their reserve and inspection history closely.
If you might rent the unit out, even for part of the year, read the leasing rules before you make an offer. Ask for the budget, the reserve study, recent board minutes and any planned assessments. Many associations also approve buyers before closing.
Photos
Around downtown Sarasota
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Downtown Sarasota towers with the bay beyond -
Sarasota Bay and the Ringling Bridge -
A downtown condo rooftop terrace -
Balcony view over the bay and city -
A downtown condo lobby -
An updated downtown condo kitchen
Questions
Downtown Sarasota questions
Can I rent out my downtown Sarasota condo?
Usually yes, but every building sets its own rules. Many have a minimum lease length, a cap on leases per year and a tenant approval process. We read your condo documents before we recommend a rent or a rental plan.
Is a downtown condo better as an annual or seasonal rental?
It depends on the building rules, how often you want to use it, and whether it's furnished. Seasonal rentals bring in more per month from January through April but take more work. We can run both numbers for your unit.
How much does the view affect the price of a downtown condo?
A lot. Bay views, higher floors and open sightlines usually sell for more than city or partial views in the same building. We compare sales of similar units in your building first, then nearby buildings.
What do buyers ask about older downtown buildings?
The milestone inspection, the reserve study, any special assessments, insurance costs and the age of the roof, elevators and windows. Gathering that before you list saves time once you're under contract.
Do downtown condos need flood insurance?
It depends on the building's flood zone and your lender. Ask for the building's elevation details and get an insurance quote early, before you're far into a purchase.
Own a condo downtown?
Find out what it would lease for this year, or what it would sell for now. We'll start with your building's rules and recent sales.
Looking to buy? Search all homes for sale or see the other areas we cover.