Why East Bay Homebuyers Shouldn't Overlook Condos in 2026

Everyone wants a single-family home. I get it.

But with home prices where they are today, I think buyers need to be open-minded about what makes the most financial sense.

A condominium could be a great place to start.

In Alameda County, the median sale price across all home types was about $1.06 million in September. But that countywide figure doesn't tell the whole story. Condos and townhomes often sell at significantly different price points than detached homes.

For buyers who want to live in desirable communities like Alameda, Oakland, or Berkeley, a condo may provide an opportunity to own without taking on the financial commitment of a more expensive single-family home.

There are some real advantages.

You may have less exterior maintenance to worry about, access to shared amenities, and a lower purchase price.

But I also want buyers to understand what they're purchasing.

Not all homeowners associations are created equal.

Before buying a condo, I want to know how much money the HOA has in reserves, whether major repairs are coming, if there are pending special assessments, and how well the association is being managed.

A low purchase price doesn't necessarily mean a good deal if the HOA has significant financial problems.

That's why I always encourage buyers to review the HOA documents carefully.

The right condo can be a smart investment in your future. The wrong one can become an expensive lesson.

It's not just about buying something affordable. It's about buying something that makes sense financially.