8 Tips for Selling Your Condo in 2026’s Real Estate Market
- Published on
- 7 min read
-
Evette Zalvino, Contributing AuthorClose
Evette Zalvino Contributing AuthorEvette is just your average HGTV fan who dreams of having a home worthy of being on one of those shows. When she isn't writing for HomeLight, she's working at her local real estate office. In her downtime, you'll find her searching for the next great hiking trail in her area.
-
Richard Haddad, Executive EditorClose
Richard Haddad Executive EditorRichard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
If you’re thinking about putting your condo on the market, you may be wondering how long it will take to sell, especially compared to a single-family home. You might also worry about turning off buyers with the extra fees or strict building rules, and figuring out the right price when other units in your building are also for sale. That’s why knowing a few proven tips for selling your condo can make all the difference.
Aaron Tobias, a top real estate agent specializing in condo sales in Columbus, Ohio, says not to worry — condos appeal to a specific group of people: buyers who like perks. “When dealing with a condo, you’re dealing with a buyer who wants completely maintenance-free living, not just on the outside but on the inside,” he says.
We’ll share our top tips for selling your condo in 2026. We’ll cover things like setting a price, highlighting community amenities, and investing in upgrades that attract buyers the most.
Tips for selling your condo
When selling your condo, the right price can instantly catch buyers’ attention and encourage offers. Just as crucial is presenting your unit at its best, because a clean, well-staged, and inviting space creates a lasting positive impression. Keep these key factors in mind as we dive into these practical tips for selling your condo.
1. Price your condo based on availability and your unit’s special features
With home prices staying high and budgets tight because of inflation and interest rates, condos are still a great option. On average, condos sell for around $363,700 in October 2025, which is a lot less than the $420,600 buyers pay for a single-family home in many U.S. areas.
For many condo buyers, the appeal of owning a condominium is that it has all the advantages of homeownership but comes with perks that reduce the hassles of homeownership. For example, buyers can seek out a condo in an amenity-rich community, such as light maintenance and access to shopping and public transportation.
Also, owning a condo can be more affordable than renting and allows owners to build equity. When someone signs a lease, the renter is subjected to regular rent increases. However, condo owners have a fixed-rate loan where monthly payments stay the same, regardless of what the rental market does.
For those who want to have the lifestyle that comes from living in a metro area, the price difference between renting and owning could be more significant and worth the trade-off in terms of square footage.
Although these factors can help sell your condo quickly, the trick is nailing down the right listing price.
Be realistic when comparing your unit to other condos in the complex
Real estate agents run a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help set an asking price. Appraisers also look at comparable units to assess your property’s fair market value.
When you’re selling a condo, the pricing of comparable properties (also called “comps”) can range widely even when comparing units within the same building or complex. This is because each unit’s layout and view can impact each unit’s value.
You’ll need to work with your agent, who will factor in items such as the exact location of your unit, its view, yard access, and so on.
Consider the condo supply and demand in your area
If inventory in your area is low, “Don’t be afraid to price it based on demand,” Tobias says. As of October 2025, there’s a six-month supply of condos listed for sale nationwide.
This figure points to a real estate market considered balanced. Neither buyers nor sellers have a clear upper hand. This means you’ll need to price your condo realistically, because overpricing could cause it to sit while buyers look at more competitively priced options. By setting a fair, market-based price from the start, you can attract serious interest and improve your chances of selling faster.
To price your condo reasonably and sell it for more money, consult your agent for expert guidance. “Chances are, somebody’s probably willing to pay more because you’re the only condo for sale in that particular community,” reports Tobias.
2. Ensure your condo is move-in ready
Condos are attractive to buyers who want a turnkey property. These buyers can be young professionals or empty nesters who want to downsize.
“Condos that are completely updated will sell above and beyond something that’s not,” Tobias says, noting that he’s seen condos in the same unit and cluster have about a $25,000 price difference because one has new flooring, trim, appliances, and countertops while the other does not.
“A condo buyer does not want to go in and replace flooring [or] paint walls. They really would prefer just to move in.”
Some of the best, most worthwhile upgrades Tobias recommends:
- New countertops:
- Granite countertops range from $40 to $60 per sq. ft.
- Quartz countertops range from $50 to $200 per sq. ft.
- Marble countertops range from $40 to $100 per sq. ft.
- Fresh interior paint:
- Hiring a painter ranges from $25 to $75 per hour
- Cost to paint a room ranges from $200 to $2,000
- Quiet flooring:
- Carpet installation ranges from $2 to $8 per sq. ft
- Hardwood installation ranges from $9 to $25 per sq. ft.
- Laminate installation ranges from $3 to $13 per sq. ft.
- Soundproof underlay ranges from $0.20 to $0.50 per sq. ft.
Note: Carpeting will affect your listing price if most units in your complex have hardwood or laminate flooring.
3. Address COA fees while highlighting amenities
Much like living in a community with a homeowners’ association (HOA), those living in a condominium complex will be governed by a condominium owner’s association (COA) and will have rules to follow and fees to pay. These fees are in exchange for having access to specific amenities.
When you’re listing your condo, be sure you’re clear about the fees and what amenities are included. On average, condo fees typically range between $300 and $400. Most of these monthly fees go toward:
- Utilities like cable television, electricity, heat, water, sewer, and garbage collection
- Maintenance of parking areas, exercise facilities, elevators, shared spaces, etc.
- Landscaping and snow removal
Highlight the amenities and services the complex offers condo owners when you’re creating a listing description to help appeal to buyers. Paint a vivid picture of condo living to help buyers visualize the modern lifestyle your property offers. When crafting a marketing strategy with your agent, focus on these unique advantages of condo living:
- Low-maintenance living and time saved on upkeep
- Shared amenities like pools, gyms, and common areas
- Security and community features
- Convenient location with nearby transportation options and attractions, such as museums, parks, and retail areas
4. Prepare condo-specific documents buyers will request
Selling a condo often involves more paperwork than a single-family home, and buyers will want to review these documents early in the process. Be ready to provide HOA financial statements, bylaws, rules and regulations, and recent meeting minutes. Having these on hand helps avoid delays, builds buyer confidence, and shows that the association is well-managed. It also reduces the chances of surprises that could slow down negotiations or derail a deal altogether.
5. Address common buyer objections to condo living
Some buyers hesitate about condos because of HOA fees, shared walls, or limited control over exterior changes. Anticipate these concerns by clearly explaining what the HOA fees cover, such as maintenance, amenities, or security. If noise or privacy is a concern, highlight soundproofing features or the unit’s location within the building. Being upfront and prepared helps buyers focus on the benefits rather than the drawbacks.
6. Stage your condo to show off its size
Condos don’t always come with a lot of space, and that can be tough for buyers to picture themselves living there. Small rooms, awkward layouts, or too much furniture can make a condo feel more cramped than it really is.
Staging helps open things up and shows buyers how surprisingly spacious and functional the home can be. On top of that, it’s important to declutter and depersonalize the space so it feels bigger and easier to move through.
“In a house, I don’t get too caught up in making sure people declutter their closets, or declutter their pantry, or making sure their coat closet isn’t crammed full,” Tobias says. “In a condo, I highly suggest making all the nooks and crannies look as spacious as possible.”
While you can hire a professional home stager to come and work their magic, you can stage your home on your own. Some tips for staging a condo include:
- Hang simple window treatments that allow plenty of natural light in
- Buy more lamps and use LED bulbs for more light
- Adopt a neutral color palette for the walls and flooring
- Choose sleek furniture over big and bulky pieces
- Remove rugs that can make the space feel smaller
As you invest in making your condo presentable for actual showings, don’t overlook the value of professional real estate photography in boosting its appeal to those browsing properties online. Since most buyers start their home search on the internet, strong photos can be the deciding factor in whether they book a showing or scroll past your listing.
That said, invest in high-quality photos that highlight the property’s best features. If your budget allows, consider aerial drone shots to offer homebuyers a unique perspective of the building and its surrounding area.
7. Don’t forget to mention incentives to buy
Does your condo have things that could be considered an incentive for buyers? For example, some high-end developers in New York City have offered incentives to buyers purchasing newly built condominiums, like paying condo fees for two to 10 years.
Other complexes might offer one-year memberships to a gym or a gift card to a luxury department store. Some buyers purchase condos as an investment property, and if your condo allows leasing, you might want to advertise the potential for renting out the unit.
If you live in an FHA-approved condominium project, you could mention that it’s eligible for federal aid, which is sure to appeal to first-time buyers.
Interested buyers can find FHA-approved condos via HUD.gov. They’ll then need to apply through an FHA-approved lender. The lender will work with the buyer and the condo complex to file paperwork regarding the requirements.
8. Emphasize upgrades and building maintenance
Don’t be shy about pointing out all the updates, as they really matter. Highlight any recent improvements, like new appliances, a roof replacement, an updated HVAC system, or even a freshly renovated lobby.
Buyers also care about the bigger picture, so let them know if the building is well-maintained and the COA is on top of things. A well-managed COA and strong upkeep help justify your asking price because they give buyers confidence they’re making a solid investment. Plus, knowing the property is cared for can help your condo stand out from the competition.
When (and when not) to sell a condo
Timing can have a big impact on how quickly your condo sells and the price you’re able to get. Unlike single-family homes, condos often follow slightly different market patterns and buyer behavior. Before listing, it helps to weigh a few key factors that can influence whether selling now or waiting is the smarter move.
- Seasonal condo demand vs. housing demand: Condo sales may peak at different times than single-family homes, often driven by investors, downsizers, or first-time buyers rather than families.
- Interest rate sensitivity for condo buyers: Condo buyers tend to be more rate-sensitive, and higher interest rates can shrink the buyer pool or affect affordability.
- Renting vs selling: If market conditions are soft or your condo could generate a high rental income, holding onto it as a rental may make more financial sense than selling right away.
Hiring a top agent is the most important tip for selling a condo
Of all the tips for selling a condo listed here, the most important tip we can give you is to work with a top agent specializing in condo sales. An agent specializing in selling condos in your area will know the market inside and out.
They can guide you throughout the entire process, from the upgrades you should focus on to marketing strategies that truly work. They’ll also help you price your condo to get top dollar in a competitive market. Connect with a top-performing real estate agent today for a successful home sale.
Header Image Source: (Bill Xi / Unsplash)