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Boston Luxury Condos – 45 Province Street

boston-luxury-condos-province-street

The following is from the Boston Herald regarding the grand opening of 45 Province Street.

In March, 45 Province’s listing agent said she had nonrefundable deposits on 30 percent of the units.

But at the grand opening, David Epstein, president of the Abbey Group, the project’s developer, acknowledged he’s holding deposits on just 20 percent of the condos.

“At that time, we added people who were on the fence,” he said about the discrepancy.

A check of the Suffolk Registry of Deeds found eight units have sold.

Once dubbed “recession proof” by real estate sales agents, luxury condo sales have fallen by 47 percent in 2009. From January through mid-May, only 128 condominiums sold at $700,000 or more, according to real-estate tracker the Warren Group. There were 240 sales in the same period of 2008.

Given the disappointing numbers, the developer may be forced to lower its advertised prices of $771,000 for a one-bedroom dwelling to $4.5 million for an eight-room suite on the 30th floor.

What I found interesting in the Boston Herald’s article is how the marketing/sales agent basically lied when she told the media back a few months ago that 45 Province Street had 30% of the luxury condos under agreement when really only 20% had been under agreement. Let’s revisit David Epstein’s new answer: “At that time, we added people who were on the fence,” he said about the discrepancy.

Your thoughts, will 45 Province Street be another Boston luxury condo complex to go to Auction? Do you think those who purchased early thinking 30% were under agreement are upset and will see their condo values drop in the next few months?

Looking to view Boston Luxury condos for sale or rent.

Photo from the Boston Herald.

Read other posts about: Boston Luxury Living, Boston luxury condos and real estate

28 Responses to “Boston Luxury Condos – 45 Province Street” »»

  1. Comment by CityMouse | 06/12/09 at 3:54 am

    I believe there are 5 units scheduled to close next week.

  2. Comment by anon | 06/12/09 at 4:54 am

    Once the W, Clarendon, and the Bryant come online there is going to a huge supply of premium-priced condo units in Boston (including unsold units at Battery Wharf and the Intercontinental). Something has to give. I doubt commercial lenders in this market will be willing to wait 5+ years to get their money back while this huge backlog slowly sells out.

    Buyers should be pushing for hefty discounts. They should also concerned about struggling developers and their ability to pay condo fees on unsold units and to complete construction in the buildings.

  3. Comment by Scott | 06/12/09 at 6:12 am

    Wow, admitting to lying about those number is grounds for a claim of fraudulent inducement. Smooth move Dave Epstein, better holla at ya lawyer.

  4. Comment by Scott | 06/12/09 at 6:15 am

    Can anyone say “Yuppie Squatters”??

  5. Comment by JohnF | 06/12/09 at 9:45 am

    CityMouse, I Speak for my staff and many blog readers when I say, I’m happy for you in the purchase of your new condo at 45 Proviince Street. If I make comments or questions about 45 Province St luxury condo complex its all in good nature and to spur a blog conversation, so please don’t take anything I write on this blog personally. if your new condo brings you joy, that’s great, and I’m happy for you.

  6. Comment by Mary | 06/13/09 at 6:39 am

    Weird three of the units were bought by the same person, an Italian pasta mogul, go figure…

  7. Comment by CityMouse | 06/13/09 at 7:57 am

    Word on the street is that two of the units are for his sons.

  8. Comment by condobuyer | 06/13/09 at 12:14 pm

    I”m not surprised that they “lied” or “exaggerated the truth”. If you read my comments on this from before, I was told the 30% number for the past two years by different agents there. I think it’s the magical numbers many of these developers use…when trying to market their over priced units. Also, many times they go ahead and include affordable units in their percentage. FP3 agents say they’ve been crazy busy recently…a little digging will show you that only affordable units were selling recently!

  9. Comment by Sunday Visitor | 06/15/09 at 5:16 am

    I visited FP3 yesterday, it was very busy. The agent said in the last 6 weeks they have put 3 homes under agreement( 1 of which is affordable) and taken three reservations. Seemed truthful to me, I know the process from reservation to sale takes at least 6 weeks…. and probably longer in this market. I’ll check back in mid July to see, its all public record.

  10. Comment by John Ford | 06/15/09 at 5:24 am

    Sunday Visitor, thank you for your comment regarding FP3. Please keep us updated.

  11. Comment by Bradley | 06/15/09 at 5:33 am

    Terrific news, Sunday Visitor! I’ve heard great things about FP3 and that things are going strong there. Major interest. That area is shaping up to be the next hot nabe. Smart buyers are getting in early.

  12. Comment by Mike | 06/15/09 at 11:21 am

    “Smart buyers are getting in early.”

    So, smart buyers are lining up to lose their hard earned money? To pay more for the opportunity to lose money, when they could save expenses (let alone their apital) by renting?

    Just one more unsubstantiated, overly optimistic declaration by Bradley. I guess we’ll see if they’re really lining up, eh Bradley?

    So, FP3 isn’t going to go to auction like so many other properties, and in the process pretty much wipe out everyone who purchased before the auction? You willing to guarantee Sunday Visitor’s down payment?

    Mike

  13. Comment by condobuyer | 06/15/09 at 5:07 pm

    OK…I just have to add this unless someone can provide data to contradict what I’ve found. I too visited FP3 in January on a quite a busy day I recall. However, check the deeds everyone. The last time FP3 sold anything over 298K was in August of 2008!!!! They have sold 3-4 units this year b/w 171K and 298K.

  14. Comment by JohnF | 06/16/09 at 1:47 am

    Condobuyer, according to LINK 16 condos sold at FP3 avg sales price $437,414.00. The last condo that sold was in March 09 for $171,600.00 for $171,600.00

  15. Comment by condobuyer | 06/16/09 at 4:33 am

    Yes John, but did 16 sell this year or total. I believe less than five sold this year (2009) and all of them so far have been under 300K this year.

  16. Comment by JohnF | 06/16/09 at 4:35 am

    Condobuyer, that’s correct it was 16 total not just for the year.

  17. Comment by ResMark | 06/16/09 at 10:46 am

    I work for the developer and was notified of this string. I thought it might be helpful to provide the recent facts regarding the asset. In February we decided to take the FP3 marketing effort in house, with the creation of ResMark LLC. At this time we embarked on a comprehensive pricing, inventory and competitive project analysis. The pricing was restructured, branding revised, and the equity partnership became more flexible. The new regime was rolled out roughly six weeks ago. In that time period we have solidified six deals in principle, one of which was an affordable home ( the last at FP3). Three of the agreements are signed, the two market rate residences can be viewed on MLS. The other three agreements are at various stages of the purchasing process. We are confident in our optimism that these agreements will be signed in the coming days / weeks. Our monthly traffic has increased from 39 groups to 62 since the implementation of the new effort. We experienced the market doldrums at FP3 in its first life immediately following CO, and made the appropriate adjustments to increase absorption. We are pleased with the recent activity, and are doing what it takes, within reason, to sell residences at FP3.

  18. Comment by JohnF | 06/16/09 at 11:57 am

    Resmarrk, thank you for you comments. With that said, I think I speak for many of Boston Real Estate Blog readers that I’m looking forward to the outcome of one of your sentences when you wrote: “The other three agreements are at various stages of the purchasing process” That sentence reminds me of something a another marketing/ developer told the Boston Herald when they had to revise their statement from 30% to 20% Under Agreement contracts.

    Let me end this on a positive note, I wish you and this condo development the best of luck. Please keep us updated your comments are welcomed here.

  19. Comment by condobuyer | 06/18/09 at 8:48 am

    Very good point John. Resmark–none of the deals have officially closed it seems…i’ll keep on the look out as maybe they will over the next few weeks, but the registry of deeds doesnt show anything after 3/2/09 when a unit sold for 171K.

  20. Comment by Iain W | 06/18/09 at 9:04 am

    Regarding the FP3 units, who are going to buy the expensive condos when there is no parking, in fact he parking is in a public garage a few blocks away. I can’t imagine paying $ 1 million ++ and not being able to have my BMW/Merc/Porsche etc.. safely garaged beneath me ?!?!? Lets hope the developing projected for the area continues so people in FP3 don’t feel they live in aghost town.

    As for the 45 Province Street units, they seem better value and with parking. Does anone know the $ per Sq foot, I heard it is about 600 -700 ?

  21. J
    Comment by J | 06/18/09 at 9:25 am

    I’m not sure, but I believe that units that are 1 million plus at FP3 include a parking spot in the garage a couple doors down. I believe that the developer owns this garage, so I would assume there is room for negotiation (probably long term rentals) for lower priced units. Although many high end condominiums in the city do have on-site parking, FP3 is not unique in lacking an on-site garage.

  22. Comment by Boston Broker | 06/18/09 at 9:30 am

    J. as a broker I can tell you a “couple doors down” makes a big difference. You need to have parking at the complex. That you own (as the buyer).

  23. Comment by condobuyer | 06/18/09 at 11:15 am

    If you buy a larger, $1M+ unit one typically wants parking right there. That’s about our budget and I doubt we would consider anything without a deeded parking spot right under us. People who buy these units are often young professionals who might have or will have a child or older people. Both demographics would want a spot on site for that money most likely. It’s also important for resale value I believe.

    Ian W–I think 45 Province is higher than $700/sq ft at the low end and well above $800/sq ft for larger units.

  24. Comment by Peter | 06/26/09 at 8:19 am

    For the 13 units sold in 45 Province through mid-June the average price/ft2 has been $1050, ranging from $710/ft2 for unit 903 to $1389/ft2 for unit 2901.

  25. Comment by John Ford | 06/26/09 at 10:16 am

    Peter, good stats. Thanks for the update. Prices are higher than I thought,

  26. Comment by condobuyer | 06/26/09 at 11:19 am

    John,

    I think the units sold have also been well over $1M and were probably committed to in the 2006 timeframe. Also interesting is that while 13 units sold there were 10 buyers. One buyer bought 2 units and one bought 3 units. If their “20%” figure is correct then we should see another 13 or so close soon…

  27. Comment by CityMouse | 06/26/09 at 12:12 pm

    The earliest P&Ss were in 2007. We signed in July of 2007 and at the time I think we were the 2nd or 3rd unit to go under agreement. Prices on many of the units which have closed are higher than the asking prices were when we reserved our unit so I would guess those units went under agreement at least 6 months after us. Probably early 2008, but that’s just a guess.

  28. Comment by condobuyer | 06/26/09 at 10:12 pm

    Thanks for clarifying the 2007 date CityMouse. What’s really interesting is that we visited in 2007 and the sales office told us they were well over 25%…almost 30% sold. If you were the 2nd or 3rd unit, they were clearly “lying” to most prospective buyers. Sounds like they were at less then 5% at the time.

    I imagine they must have put the bulk of the 25 or so that sold under agreement by first half of ‘08 though b/c I know they really didn’t move anything after aug/sept ‘08.

    I hope you enjoy your time there…the building does seem quite nice.

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