With the below normal temperatures we’ve been experiencing here in Chicago lately it got me thinking about fireplaces. For some home buyers fireplaces are a “must-have” feature.
Based on the current inventory 35% of Chicago condos for sale have a fireplace. That figure varies greatly by neighborhood. Downtown Chicago condos are much less likely to have fireplaces than those in Lincoln Park and Lakeview. Condos in the north side are only slightly more likely to have fireplaces than condos in the south side. Neighborhoods along the lake are no more likely to have fireplaces than other neighborhoods in Chicago. Only 3% of Chicago condos for sale have 2 or more fireplaces.
Roughly 25% of Chicago condos with a fireplace for sale have wood-burning fireplaces.* 1% are electric. Some fireplaces in vintage condos are no longer functional, so buyers should always ask.
Fireplaces are overwhelmingly found in condo living rooms. Far less are found in family rooms and master bedrooms.
Buyers should definitely get a home inspection when purchasing a condo that has a fireplace. However, according to home inspector and instructor, Kevin Fulara, Illinois home inspectors don’t a light wood-burning or gas log fireplace unless it is a direct vent fireplace.
CHICAGO CONDOS WITH A FIREPLACE FOR SALE
Click below to see condos with a fireplace for sale by price range.
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*Information is based on data from Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED).
Fran Bailey specializes in downtown Chicago condos and co-op apartments. She has shared home buying and selling advice since 2006 and written about well over 100 downtown Chicago high rises. To schedule showings for any listings, get a 
