Think loft-style condo living, Miami may not be the first place that comes to mind. Though New York is the birthplace of lofts, their modern, minimalist appeal has won them devotees across the country, including Miami (aka “New Yorker’s home away from home”). This is what has made loft-style living highly sought after in Miami too. Read on for a lowdown on the origins, characteristics and varieties of loft-style living spaces and where to begin your search for loft-style condos in Miami: Start here if you are ready to search loft-style condos

Humble Origins of the Loft Condo

Roots of the industrial chic ‘loft’ can be traced back to the factory districts of the 40s in Manhattan, New York. With increasing land prices forcing out production units to the suburbs, abandoned warehouses and factories were converted into studio spaces by young artists and musicians. Their large, open floor plans and raw canvas appeal made them the ideal live-work situation for artists of every stature.

What Makes a Loft-style Condo?

Photo Credit: Industrial Loft designed by Romas Noreika

While originally loft-style condos or apartments are supposed to be refurbished from abandoned warehouses or factories, these days brand new buildings are embracing the concept. Here are the basic design elements that you can find in a loft-style condo:

Free-flowing, open floorplan. One of the biggest appeals and stand-out characteristic of a loft is its open layout. You won’t find many internal walls or partitions, except for isolating bedrooms (sometimes), utility rooms and bathrooms. This makes a loft-style condo a single, cohesive space that makes the perfect blank canvas for anyone to have a free reign on styling their interiors.

High ceilings and huge windows. With big and airy being the key elements, you will find loft-style condos featuring higher-than-regular-condo ceilings and huge windows. These elements work to open up the living space and fill it with lots of natural light for a sense of freshness.

However, there’s one thing that you should make sure of when buying a loft condo - energy efficiency. Sure, big windows and open space seem great, but they can also let in too much heat or cold. So, do look for energy-saving details such as double-paned windows, tight seals at doors and windows and central cooling/heating systems. And, while you’re at it, also ask for the average cooling/heating bill you could expect for your loft condo in Miami.

Exposed walls and ceilings. Another great characteristic of a loft is exposed brickwork, cement walls, beams or other ductwork. These industrial-type details give a loft-style condo its unique, relaxed vibe that sets it apart from the rest. The un-plastered walls also make a great, raw backdrop to display artwork.

Concrete or natural floor. The flooring of choice in a loft-style condo is traditionally concrete or natural dark wood for those that want to warm up the industrial-style space. However, in hote Miami, you will find all kinds of flooring choices for the loft apartments in the newer condo buildings, including wood laminate, artificial stone and marble.

1-Story vs 2-story Loft Style Condos

Many loft condos in Miami not only have extra-high ceilings, but also have a mezzanine or second floor. Typically, the single story loft units feel more spacious as they are wider, while if you want to achieve the same spacious feeling in the 2-story loft apartments you are going to want significantly more square footage. Sometimes, 2-story loft condos are also referred to as townhouse-style condos.

Click here for a list of 2-story condos available to buy
Click here for a list of 2-story condos available to rent or lease

Loft-Style Condo Buildings vs Condos that Have Loft Residences

In Miami, the loft concept is so well-received that there are a number of entire newer condo buildings dedicated to loft units. While many of these house two-story lofts, some also feature one-story lofts. Below is a list of a few of the condo buildings that follow this theme.

That said, there are also plenty of buildings that have a portion dedicated to loft-style condos.

You can search for all loft-style condos for sale here or for all loft-style condos for rent here.

Variety of Loft-style Condos in Miami

You will find quite a variety of loft-style condos in Miami.

Affordable Lofts in Miami

Unlike the very pricey lofts of New York, Miami offers quite a number of affordable lofts that combine contemporary charm with relaxed living. These affordable condos make loft-living dreams much more achievable.

Live-Work Lofts Condos

While every loft condo can be used to live and work, Miami has specially ‘live-work zoned’ lofts like the Wynwood Lofts that make it easier to register your on-premise business, since you already have a zoning permit in place. These live-work lofts make a great choice for startups, freelancers and online businesses.

Contact us for a list of live/work condos for sale or lease in Miami

Luxury Loft Apartments

There’s no dearth of luxurious loft condos/apartments in Miami. From luxuriously outfitted lofts to luxuriously spaced ones, just click below to find a plush loft that would appeal to even the most discerning.

Click here for a list of luxury lofts in Miami for purchase
Click here for a list of luxury lofts in Miami for rent or lease

Penthouse Loft Condos

Enjoy the best of both worlds living in a penthouse loft in Miami. A penthouse unit means uncompromising views and privacy, while the loft-style design gives the luxury of space. Below is where you’d find all the penthouse loft spaces available in Miami.

Click here for a list of penthouse lofts in Miami for purchase
Click here for a list of penthouse lofts in Miami for rent or lease

To find the ideal loft-style condos for sale and rent in Miami, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!

Cover Photo Credit: Alex McKenzie