Why Are Condos Such a Tough Sell in LA?

As a number of luxury high-rise condo buildings struggle to sell their units, Alexei Barrionuevo looks at the difficulty of selling a high-density lifestyle in a city "where the seriously wealthy overwhelmingly prefer living in extravagant estates."

1 minute read

May 7, 2012, 6:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

"While the idea of living in a condo in a sprawling city like Los Angeles is still tough to imagine for many who prefer more space, the area's growing congestion is slowly shifting tastes, said Paul Habibi, a lecturer in real estate at the Anderson Graduate School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles."

Barrionuevo chronicles the psychological struggle that many estate owners, who would like to downsize their homes, go through in committing to the reality. "I don't think that a lot of Angelenos have bought into high-rise living as being a substitute for owning your own lot and having your own home on that lot," Mr. Habibi said.

FULL STORY: Condo Dreams in a Mansion Town

Thursday, May 3, 2012 in The New York Times

Housing California Condos Los Angeles High-Rise Luxury View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.