The downtown Seattle housing market is improving every year, say local Realtors, as more people move in seeking investment and the cool factor.

"Downtown Seattle has consistently been an actively rising market and 2005 is proving to be no different," says Realtor Heather Williams . "Condominiums are the choice for buyers seeking to live in the downtown area which includes flexible living spaces such as lofts. Lofts are most often considered a unique type of condominium and are factored into the sales statistics of condominiums."

About the market, Williams advises, "Compared to 2003 sales, 2004 saw an average increase in condominium prices of 16.99 percent in King County, while the number of condominiums sold compared to 2003 increased by 13.99 percent, according to Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Out of approximately 9,215 condominium sales in King County during 2004 only approximately .02 percent were considered lofts. The increase in sales and prices over the past year along with low interest rates have left the housing inventory at a low. Sellers are at an advantage when listing in the downtown market because low inventory means there are more buyers than listings, and multiple offers can happen. Buying in the downtown market means you have to be prepared, willing and able to make an offer as soon as you see something you like because you may not have the luxury of waiting a week or so to decide."

Says Realtor Tyler Cummings , "The Pike Place Corridor/First Hill/Downtown areas are hip little pockets for young urban dwellers."

Cummings suggests, "Two different clients will be interested in this: investors and young urbanites. For the urbanite, this little pocket near Terry Ave-Boren Ave is very hot. Its just being rediscovered and clients are buying. Close proximity to downtown, farther from freeway noise, is good. Plus, there's a built-in appreciation here. In one unit I can remember from last year the appreciation has been about $50K in one year! I foresee this happening to several other condo buildings soon."

He adds, "There's been a surge in interest in Belltown recently. Possibly pent-up demand among certain segments of buyers who have waited and waited for the best time to buy. Sellers are eager to sell. There's new construction, not even completed yet, that has already been sold-out. I'm a fan of older buildings that are redone, have shaken off assessments, and hold reserve in the bank for many years to come. Several "trouble" buildings in the past have yielded at least $50K to some homeowners in less than two years. Belltown is a hip urban center with lots of room for investment, whether from Seattle or out-of-state."