It's been a minute since our last least expensive properties installment, and the bargains are piling up! Today, compact and accessible Ukrainian Village gets its due. You might assume great values exist within this desirable nabe, on account of its distance from traditional bastions of wealth like Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, and River North, but there's no measurable stock of efficiencies for the single buyer nor any large condo buildings to bring a greater range in unit size and price. Our MLS hunt for the five cheapest Ukie Village listings found three spaces for under $200K, and two in the low-200s. Three are two-bed units. In terms of style, amenities, and general character, there's in the same ballpark. And, happily, they're pretty livable. Have a gander...
1058 N Damen Ave. #1M
The Ask: $159,900
The Size: one-bed, one-bath; 700 sf
The Skinny: This basic space in a Damen Ave multi-unit isn't just near the action, it's in it. Calling it "loft style" may be a little too generous, but ceilings are higher than average. Otherwise, kitchen and living room combos do not a loft make. The seller has the place looking clean and sterile, but a little imagination can get the job done. Monthly assessments are $108, and more good news arrives in the form of price chops: $20K's worth, so far.
2051 W Cortez St. #1D
The Ask: $165,000
The Size: one-bed, one-bath
The Skinny: This attractive unit hasn't sold for 20 years, and it's notched $30K in price chops in two solid years on the market. Languishing, yes. Lost cause, probably not. The space has refurbished original hardwood floors, upgraded kitchen, washer/dryer hookup, walk-in closets, back deck and a common courtyard stocked with "flowers, birds, and privacy". The catch? Sale is pending.
2346 W Augusta Blvd #2R
The Ask: $189,900
The Size: two-bed, one-bath; 1,200 sf
The Skinny: On the western edge of Ukie Village is this sizable spot suitable for a young family (or a gaggle of old timers). Updates include improved hardwood floors, new windows, and a newer roof. There's also a respectable eat-in kitchen — important in the absence of a dining room. Assessments are a low $150/month.
850 N Damen Ave. #2F
The Ask: $215,000
The Size: two-bed, one-bath
The Skinny: This guy is in super condition with hardwood floors, large industrial-chic windows, newer eat-in kitchen, and a host of rehabbed mechanicals. On Damen near Chicago, the unit also has a laundry room, central air, and a marble whirlpool tub. New-to-market, the asking price includes parking.
936 N Damen Ave. #3D
The Ask: $219,000
The Size: two-bed, one-bath; 900 sf
The Skinny: This smallish two-bed is listed as a short sale. The vintage unit is well kept and offers some valued features: hardwoods, crown molding, a handsome tiled kitchen, courtyard-facing deck, and common patio. On the market since the summer of 2011, the ask has creeped down ever so slightly. That's confidence, folks.