Types of Homes

During the mid- and late 19th century, the time period when much of Hoboken was built, housing generally consisted of masonry row houses of three to five stories, some of which survive to the present day. Sixth and Seventh Streets, between Willow Avenue and Clinton Street, feature fantastic examples of row houses.

Many of the classic Hoboken brownstones were also built in the late 1800s, and it’s not surprising to see recent structures echoing this recognizable style. Some of the best examples can be seen on Garden Street and Hudson Street.

The 20th century brought us newer buildings, including the Lipton Tea buildings which were recently converted into luxury condos. The current gentrification, which actually began more than 30 years ago, has resulted in Hoboken being an excellent place to invest in real estate, and to live. The 1970s and 1980s spurred a boom of condo conversions, in which many rental buildings were converted (and often renovated) into condominiums, and sold. And this trend is still going strong.

Many new construction buildings can be seen around town, especially along the waterfront and on the west side of Hoboken. Although most empty lots have been built up, in order to provide for the ever-growing population, the demand has remained steadily ahead of the supply.

In addition to the type of the home you’re considering, it’s also important to understand the type of ownership you would have.

Condominiums

Is a type of ownership in which you own the apartment within a townhouse, building, or complex. Your ownership extends inward from your interior walls, floors, and ceilings. In addition, you are a partner, with all of the other owners in the complex, of the exterior structure (the foundation, exterior walls, and roof) as well as any common areas and amenities (for example, swimming pools, clubhouses, tennis courts, play areas, and so on). You are responsible for little or no exterior maintenance or repairs, as these costs are usually covered by the condo association (which you may be a part of) or a management company. However, you are responsible for condo association fees, typically due on a monthly basis.

Most properties for sale in Hoboken are condominiums, making up about 90% of the housing inventory at any given time.

Single-Family Homes

A single-family home is a free-standing residential building that sits on its own land (not shared). Most single-family homes are built on lots larger than the structure itself, adding an area surrounding the house, such as a front porch or yard. Although it’s subject to neighborhood and subdivision regulations and ordinances, you can do with the house as you wish. Depending on the size of your lot, if you need more room you may be able to add on to the existing house. All maintenance and repair costs—interior, exterior and everything in between (including landscaping and lawn upkeep costs)—are yours.

Although there are single-family homes in Hoboken, they generally make up less than 4% of the housing inventory for sale.

Multi-Family Home

Same as a single-family home except that in a multi-family home there are several separate housing units contained within one building. The individual units are usually floors with a common stairway, but can have separate entrances. It may be owned by one entity or be split into separate condominiums.

Like their single-family counterparts, multi-family homes for sale are rare in Hoboken.