Greater Cleveland Condo FAQ
Straight answers to the questions Greater Cleveland condo buyers and sellers ask us most, from the My Cleveland Condo team at The EZ Sales Team, Keller Williams Citywide. Market figures come from MLS Now closed condo sales in the 25 Greater Cleveland cities our community pages cover (12 months ending October 2026). Questions about a specific building? Call (216) 916-7778.
Buying a Condo in Greater Cleveland
How much does a condo cost in Greater Cleveland?
Across the 25 cities we track, 1,500 condos sold through MLS Now in the 12 months ending October 2026, at a median price of $200,750, up from $195,000 the year before. Prices vary widely by city: the median was about $137,000 in Lakewood, $175,000 in Rocky River, $218,000 in Westlake, $229,000 in Cleveland and $338,000 in Avon Lake. Each community page on this site lists recent sale prices for that building.
Which areas have the most condos for sale?
In the last 12 months the most condo sales were in the City of Cleveland (Downtown, Ohio City, Detroit Shoreway, Tremont and nearby neighborhoods), Westlake, Lakewood, Rocky River and North Royalton. Lakewood’s Gold Coast high-rises, King James and Bay Landing in Westlake, and Sunrise Cove and Harbour Light in North Royalton are among the most active communities. Browse condo communities by area.
What is the difference between a condo, a townhome and a cluster home?
“Condominium” describes how a home is owned, not what it looks like. With a condo you own your unit and share ownership of the common elements, such as the roof, grounds and amenities, through an association. Many townhomes and cluster homes in Greater Cleveland are owned as condominiums, while others are owned as fee-simple homes with an HOA. The ownership type affects your fees, insurance and financing, so we confirm it on every listing.
What should I review before buying a condo?
Ask for the declaration, bylaws, rules, current budget, reserve information, recent board minutes, the master insurance policy and any pending or planned special assessments. These documents show how well the building is run, what the fee covers and whether rental, pet or parking rules fit your plans. Our team requests and reviews these documents with every condo buyer.
How can I hear about new condo listings first?
Tell us your budget, areas and must-haves in our free Condo Finder, and we’ll send matching condos and townhomes as they list, including buildings that rarely have units for sale.
Condo Fees and Associations
How much are condo fees in the Cleveland area?
Across 1,492 Greater Cleveland condo sales in the last 12 months that reported a fee, the median monthly condo fee was about $347. Fees run from roughly $100 a month at some townhome and cluster communities to more than $2,000 a month in full-service high-rises such as Pointe East in Beachwood and Moreland Courts in Cleveland, where the fee typically covers far more. Each community page shows its reported fee range.
What do condo fees usually cover?
It depends on the association. Fees commonly cover exterior maintenance, landscaping, snow removal, insurance on the building and common areas, reserves for future repairs and amenities like pools or fitness rooms. In many high-rises the fee also includes heat, water, a doorman or parking. Always compare what’s included, not just the dollar amount.
What is a special assessment?
A special assessment is a one-time charge the association levies on owners to pay for a major project, such as a roof, balcony or elevator repair, when reserves aren’t enough. Before you buy, ask whether any assessments are approved or under discussion and who pays them at closing. Well-funded reserves make surprise assessments less likely.
Can I rent out my condo or have pets?
Rental and pet rules are set by each association’s declaration and rules, and they vary a lot. Some buildings limit or prohibit rentals, set minimum lease terms or cap the number of rented units, and pet rules range from no pets to size or number limits. We check these rules before you write an offer.
Condo Financing and Closing
Can I use an FHA or VA loan to buy a condo?
Often, yes, but the building matters. FHA and VA loans generally require the condo project to be approved by HUD or the VA, and FHA also allows single-unit approvals in some projects that aren’t on the approved list. Our Condo Financing Specialist, Matt Sheffey, can check a building’s status before you make an offer.
What is a “warrantable” condo?
A warrantable condo is in a project that meets Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines, which lenders review for things like owner-occupancy, reserves, insurance, commercial space and pending litigation. Non-warrantable condos can still be financed, usually with a different loan program and a larger down payment. Knowing this early avoids surprises after you’re under contract.
Who do you recommend for condo financing?
Our team’s Condo Financing Specialist is Matt Sheffey, VP of Sales at Keller Home Loans (NMLS #197990), who has been in mortgage lending since 2006 and knows Greater Cleveland condo projects. Call Matt at (440) 668-2942 to get pre-approved and have him review the building’s financing requirements, or estimate your payment with our condo mortgage calculator. You are always free to choose any lender.
Who handles title and closing?
We recommend Trilogy Title Agency, with offices on Crocker Road in Westlake and Rockside Road in Independence, for title search, title insurance, condo fee prorations and closing. Your main contact is Jennifer Schultz, Client Relations, at 440-371-4043; purchase agreements go to orders@trilogytitleagency.com. You are always free to choose your own title company.
Do I need my own insurance on a condo?
Yes. The association’s master policy covers the building and common areas, but you’ll need a condo (HO-6) policy for your belongings, liability and, depending on the master policy, interior finishes and improvements. Your lender will also require it. Ask for the master policy so your agent can match coverage to it.
Property Taxes and Tax Abatement
What is Cleveland’s residential tax abatement?
The City of Cleveland abates part of the property taxes on the added value from qualifying new construction and major renovation. Under the updated program that took effect January 1, 2024, abatements generally range from 85% to 100% of the increased assessed taxes, with value caps, and some new single-family homes that meet age-in-place standards can receive a 15-year abatement. Projects approved under the older program keep their original terms. See the City of Cleveland’s tax abatement page for current details.
Does a tax abatement transfer when I buy a condo?
An abatement is attached to the property, not the owner, so a buyer typically keeps whatever years remain. Many Cleveland condos and lofts built or converted in the 2000s and 2010s received 15-year abatements that are now ending or have expired, so check the years left and estimate the full tax bill before you buy. Learn more on our Cleveland tax abatement condos page.
How can I check a condo’s property taxes or abatement?
Look up the parcel on the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Officer’s property search, which shows taxes and any abatement on the property. We pull this for every condo our buyers consider, so you know what taxes will look like after any abatement ends.
Selling a Condo
How long does it take to sell a condo in Greater Cleveland?
Across 673 condo sales in the last 12 months in Cleveland, Lakewood, Rocky River, Westlake and nearby suburbs where MLS Now reported days on market, the median was 36 days. Well-priced condos in active buildings often sell faster, while unique or higher-priced units can take longer.
What documents do I need to sell my condo?
Gather your declaration, bylaws, rules, the association’s contact information and current fee, any special assessment details and recent utility costs. Buyers and their lenders will ask for association documents and a questionnaire, so having them ready keeps your sale on schedule. Our condo prep guide has more tips.
Why sell your condo with My Cleveland Condo?
My Cleveland Condo is the condo specialist team of The EZ Sales Team at Keller Williams Citywide. Ohio REALTORS® named The EZ Sales Team a top team in its President’s Sales Club rankings in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025, and RealTrends ranks the team’s network #1 in Ohio by volume and transactions. Request a free condo valuation or call (216) 916-7778.
Sources: MLS Now closed condo sales (Oct 2016–Oct 2026, pulled October 30, 2026); City of Cleveland Department of Community Development; Ohio REALTORS®; RealTrends. Market figures are refreshed quarterly. This page is general information, not legal, tax or lending advice.
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