What is a Condo Deconversion?

A condo deconversion occurs when an investor purchases all individual units in a condominium building to convert it back into a rental apartment complex. This process requires a majority of unit owners to agree to sell, typically enticed by a premium price offer. The conversion addresses potential financial gains for owners and investors, high maintenance costs, and shifts in market conditions favoring rentals over individual condo sales.

Here are the key steps and elements involved in a condo deconversion:

Offer to Purchase: An investor offers to buy all the individual units in the condo building. The offer is usually at a premium price to entice unit owners to sell.
Unit Owner Approval: A certain percentage of unit owners must agree to sell their units for the deconversion to proceed. The required percentage varies by jurisdiction but typically ranges from 75% to 80%.
Negotiation and Sale: If the required percentage of owners agrees to the sale, negotiations ensue, and the units are sold to the investor.
Legal and Financial Processes: Legal documentation and financial transactions are completed to transfer ownership of the units to the investor.
Conversion to Rentals: The investor converts the property into a rental building, managing it as a single entity rather than individual units.

Reasons for Condo Deconversion

Market Conditions: In some markets, the rental demand and rental prices may be higher than the market for individual condo sales, making deconversion financially attractive.
Maintenance and Repair Costs: Older condo buildings may face high maintenance and repair costs. Deconversion can be a way to address these issues under a single ownership.
Investor Interest: Investors may see an opportunity to capitalize on the rental market by acquiring and converting condos.

Implications for Unit Owners

Financial Gain: Owners may receive a premium over the market value of their units, making it financially advantageous to sell.
Relocation: Owners will need to find new housing, as their units will be converted to rentals.
Loss of Homeownership: Owners who prefer to own rather than rent may face challenges in finding comparable housing within their budget.

Legal Considerations

Condo Association Approval: The condo association’s bylaws and local laws will dictate the process and required approvals.
Tenant Protections: In some jurisdictions, tenants in the building may have certain rights or protections during the deconversion process.

Condo deconversions can be complex and contentious, as they involve multiple stakeholders with differing interests. However, they can also provide financial benefits and address structural or market issues in the housing sector.

What is a Condo Deconversion?