32 Story Highrise Has 1 Tenant

In case you did not realize just how bad the condo bust is in Florida, this story will clue you in: Florida highrise has 32 stories, but just 1 tenant.

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Vangelakos' southwest Florida condominium has marble floors, a large pool overlooking a river and modern furnishings that speak of affluence and luxury. What they don't have in the 32-story building is a single neighbor.

When the Vangelakos' travel from Weehawken, N.J., to spend a week or a few days in their Florida home, they have exclusive use of the pool, game room and gym, but they miss having a few tenants around.

A large, circular fountain in front of the building is dry. The automatic glass doors that lead to the front lobby are locked. On the front desk is a guest sign-in sheet. The last entry: Feb. 13, 2009.

Victor Vangelakos said they don't want to move to the tower next door because they would still be paying the mortgage and maintenance costs on the condo they own. They paid $430,000 for the unit and took out a $336,000 mortgage — essentially spending their life savings.

The family's attorney said he has filed two lawsuits on behalf of would-be tenants because the building wasn't finished as promised. He said they expected a clubhouse, marina, private cinema and restaurants.

Ah yes , it makes perfect sense to have a clubhouse, a marina, and restaurants for 1 part-time tenant. However, the private cinema would indeed be private, just as advertised.

Addendum:

E-Recep in a comment to this post has an interesting anecdote to share ...

"The over-capacity in housing has started to look ridiculous if not tragic. Here in Turkey we have a similar situation. One of my nephews is living alone in a 12-story building which was completed last year. The outskirts of Istanbul are full of newly finished condos, most of which are empty."

Similar stories abound in China.

Mike "Mish" Shedlock
http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com
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