Why South Boston's Renovated 1890s Homes Compete With New Condos

Walk almost any side street in South Boston and you will see two eras of housing within a few blocks of each other: rows of homes built in the late 1800s, and newer condominium buildings with elevators and glass balconies. For buyers shopping in the neighborhood, that is often the real decision. Do you buy something brand new, or a home that has stood for more than a century and has been carefully brought up to date?

Both can be a smart purchase. But well-renovated older homes keep holding their own against new construction, and it helps to understand why before you start touring.

What "renovated 1890s" looks like in Southie today

Much of South Boston's housing stock dates to the decades when the neighborhood was growing fast, and many of those homes are still standing on the same narrow lots. The best renovations keep what cannot be recreated and replace what should be replaced.

The details that tend to survive, and that buyers respond to, include:

• Exposed brick. Original brick walls, uncovered and cleaned, bring texture and warmth that no new finish quite matches.
• High ceilings. Many older homes were built with generous ceiling heights, which make modest rooms feel larger.
• Hardwood floors. Original floors can often be refinished, and new hardwood can be laid to match.
• Trim and molding. Crown molding and period details give rooms a sense of craftsmanship.
• Natural light. Renovations frequently add skylights or open up stairways to bring daylight into the middle of the house.

What gets replaced is just as important: heating and cooling, bathrooms, kitchens, electrical work and insulation. When those are done well, you get the character of an older home with the day-to-day comfort of a new one.

Single family or condo: the trade-offs buyers weigh

A new condo and a renovated single family can land in a similar price range in South Boston, so the comparison usually comes down to how you want to live. A few questions help sort it out.

Monthly fees

Condo owners pay a monthly association fee that covers shared costs such as building insurance, common areas and reserves for future repairs. A single family has no association fee. In exchange, the owner is responsible for the whole property, from the roof to the exterior, so it pays to budget for upkeep.

Outdoor space

Outdoor space is one of the most sought-after features in the city. Condos may offer a balcony, a shared roof deck or a small deeded yard. A single family can offer something private that belongs only to you, such as a patio or yard with no neighbors sharing it.

Parking

Parking deserves its own conversation in South Boston. Some newer condo buildings include garage or deeded spaces, while many older homes on the side streets rely on street parking. The City of Boston runs a resident parking permit program for eligible residents. Whatever you are considering, ask exactly what parking comes with the home before you make an offer.

Shared walls and decisions

Many of South Boston's older single-family homes are attached, so you may share a wall with a neighbor. You will not have anyone living above or below you, though, and you will not need a condo board's approval to repaint, update a room or change how you use your space.

What to check in a renovated older home

A good renovation is only as good as the work behind the walls. When you tour an older home that has been updated, ask about:

• Heating and cooling. What type of system it is, how old it is and how many zones it has. Separate zones for different floors make a real difference in comfort.
• Bathrooms. What was renovated, and when.
• Floors. Which floors are original and refinished, and which are new.
• The kitchen. The age of the appliances, the counters and how the layout works for the way you cook.
• The lower level. How it is finished and how it is used today, whether for laundry, storage, a gym or a studio.
• Permits. Whether the major work was permitted. Your agent and your home inspector can help you ask the right questions.

Why the neighborhood draws buyers

Much of South Boston's appeal has nothing to do with the house itself. The beaches along Day Boulevard, Castle Island and Pleasure Bay give the neighborhood a waterfront feel that is rare this close to downtown. East and West Broadway are lined with restaurants, coffee shops and local businesses, and the Red Line stops at Broadway and Andrew stations. Downtown and the Seaport are a short trip away.

For many buyers, that combination of water, walkability and access to the city is what brings them to South Boston in the first place. The type of home they choose comes second.

An example now on the market: 372 Silver St

372 Silver St shows what a renovated older home in South Boston can offer. It is an 1890 Colonial on a quiet street in the heart of the neighborhood, listed at $1,199,000, with 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and 1,470 square feet.

• An exposed brick wall frames the foyer and stairway, with soaring ceilings and new and refinished hardwood floors.
• Second-floor skylights bring natural light into the hallway, and the primary bedroom has a walk-in closet.
• The bathrooms are renovated, and the kitchen has gas cooking, granite counters and stainless steel appliances.
• Two-zone central air conditioning and high-efficiency hydro-air heat keep it comfortable year-round.
• The lower level is ready for a gym, studio or hobby space.
• A private enclosed patio gives it outdoor space of its own.
• It is a single family with no condo fee, less than half a mile from the beach.

See photos, the 3D tour and full details for 372 Silver St, and ask about buyer incentives.

New construction and renovated older homes will keep sharing South Boston's streets. The right choice is the one that fits how you want to live, and a well-renovated older home often gives you more of what makes the neighborhood special.