Condo and Townhome Living in Fairhaven, Bellingham

Thinking about a simpler, walkable lifestyle near the water? If Fairhaven’s brick-lined streets, cafes, and shoreline paths have you curious, you’re not alone. Many buyers consider condos and townhomes here for low-maintenance living with village vibes. In this guide, you’ll learn what to expect from Fairhaven condos and townhomes, how to match options to your needs, and what to check before you buy. Let’s dive in.

Why Fairhaven works for condos

Fairhaven is a historic neighborhood on Bellingham’s south waterfront with a small-village feel, local shops and galleries, and easy shoreline and trail access. You can walk to coffee, dinner, and errands, which is a big reason buyers choose this area. Inventory can be limited in a popular, walkable neighborhood like this, so you may see competition when well-located units hit the market. Condos and townhomes here appeal to downsizers, professionals, seasonal residents, and investors who value convenience and lifestyle.

Condo and townhome types

Historic loft conversions

You’ll find condos created from older commercial or warehouse buildings with tall ceilings, exposed beams or brick, and oversized windows. Layouts can be unconventional, which adds character. These buildings may have variable mechanical systems due to retrofits and may not include elevators. Expect a classic village setting, sometimes above street-level retail.

Mixed-use walk-ups

Small mixed-use buildings often feature ground-floor cafes or shops with a handful of units above. These buildings tend to have 1 to 3 units per floor and usually do not have elevators. They offer a cozy scale right in the heart of the action.

Purpose-built condos and modern townhomes

Newer developments bring more conventional floor plans, structured parking, and secure entry. Many include elevators, patios or decks, and shared amenities such as common rooms. If you want predictable layouts and modern systems, this category is a strong fit.

Row-style townhomes

Attached, multi-level homes with private entries are common in newer projects. You’ll see 2 to 3 bedrooms, a garage or assigned parking, and small private decks or yards. If you need more storage or a separate entry, row-style townhomes check those boxes.

Typical layouts and features

Fairhaven units range from studios to 2-bedroom condos with occasional 3-bedroom layouts, while townhomes typically offer 2 to 3 bedrooms. Sizes often span from compact spaces around 500 to 800 square feet to larger lofts and townhomes in the 1,200 to 1,800 square foot range. Many floor plans are open-concept, with balconies or decks that face the street or water. In-unit laundry is common in modern conversions and newer buildings. Private outdoor space is usually limited in smaller condos, while townhomes are more likely to include a garage or assigned parking.

Accessibility notes

Historic buildings in Fairhaven are part of the charm, but they may not be fully accessible. Many lack elevators and include stairs. Newer condos and townhomes are more likely to have elevators and accessible features, so consider this early in your search if mobility is a priority.

Lifestyle, access, and tradeoffs

Walkability and waterfront

Fairhaven’s core offers everyday convenience with dining, boutiques, and services a short walk away. You’re close to small marinas and public shoreline access, which adds easy outdoor time to your routine. If you value doing more on foot, this area is a standout.

Trails and recreation

You have quick connections to regional multi-use paths and rail-trail corridors. Walking, cycling, and marine recreation are all within easy reach, and you can plan day trips to nearby islands or mountain destinations. It’s a flexible home base for an outdoor lifestyle.

Transit and road access

Transit links connect Fairhaven to downtown Bellingham and other parts of Whatcom County. Access to regional roads and I-5 is a short drive, which simplifies commuting and travel.

Noise and parking realities

Village living comes with activity. Foot traffic, deliveries, restaurant noise, and occasional events are part of the environment. Units on main streets may hear more street noise. Parking can be limited in historic buildings, so you may rely on street or shared lots. Newer townhomes are more likely to include garages and clearer parking assignments.

Who it fits best

You’ll enjoy this lifestyle if you prioritize low-maintenance living, walkability, and proximity to the waterfront. It also suits professionals commuting to downtown or working remotely, empty nesters, and buyers who like smaller, efficient spaces. If you want a large yard, multiple-car garages, or a very quiet setting, a single-family neighborhood might be a better match.

HOA and ownership basics

What dues usually cover

In condo and townhome communities, monthly fees typically cover common area maintenance, building envelope and roof care, landscaping, shared utilities like trash and sometimes water or sewer, management, insurance for common elements or the building exterior, and contributions to reserves. The amount varies by building age, size, and amenities. Smaller historic buildings can have more modest fees, while larger complexes with elevators and garages tend to have higher dues.

Reserves and assessments

Healthy associations keep a current reserve study and fund it. Inadequate reserves can lead to special assessments when major repairs come due. Request the latest reserve study and budget during your review. If you see repeated discussions of deferred maintenance in meeting minutes, plan for possible future costs.

Rules to review

Read the CC&Rs, bylaws, and rules for pet policies, rental and lease guidelines, signage rules, exterior modification limits, and parking rules. These affect daily life and investment potential. If you plan to rent the unit, verify any rental caps or owner-occupancy requirements before you write an offer.

Insurance overview

Most associations carry a master policy that covers common areas and often the building exterior. Policies vary between “bare walls” and “walls-in” coverage. You will likely need an HO-6 condo policy for your interior finishes, personal property, and liability, and you may want loss assessment coverage to address your share of certain claims.

Financing and approvals

Lender project reviews

Financing a condo can look similar to a single-family purchase, but lenders will review the project. Some loan programs, like FHA or VA, require specific project approvals. Lenders often check owner-occupancy ratios, budget and reserve strength, and any pending litigation. Start conversations with a lender early to confirm the building’s eligibility.

Investors and rentals

If you plan to invest, confirm rental rules in the CC&Rs and understand how they affect your timeline and cash flow. Project approvals can influence the future buyer pool for resale, so they matter even if you are a cash buyer today.

Inspections and building condition

Condo-specific focus

A condo inspection should evaluate common elements such as the roof, exterior envelope, drainage, decks and balconies, elevators, and parking structures. Ask your inspector to note any signs of water intrusion, ventilation issues, or aging mechanicals. Review the seller’s disclosure and the HOA documents for maintenance history and upcoming projects.

Historic conversion risks

Older conversions may include historic materials like lead paint or asbestos, plus non-standard plumbing or electrical, and fire separation or egress considerations. Seismic retrofitting needs can also arise. Flag these items early and budget for remediation or future work if needed.

Shoreline and flood checks

Given the proximity to the waterfront, review flood maps, local shoreline management guidance, and any history of water intrusion. Ask for relevant disclosures and consult your insurance professional on flood coverage requirements and cost.

Buyer checklist for Fairhaven

Quick pre-offer checks

Request the HOA packet: CC&Rs, bylaws, rules, budget, reserve study, and recent financials.
Confirm parking assignments, storage availability, and whether utilities are separately metered.
Ask about elevator status, any current or planned capital projects, and recent special assessments.
For historic buildings, request details on past renovations and any open permits.

Inspection and closing checks

Schedule a condo-specific inspection that evaluates common elements and unit systems.
Read HOA meeting minutes from the past 12 to 24 months to spot recurring issues.
Review the master insurance summary to identify coverage gaps you must insure with an HO-6 policy.
Confirm your lender’s acceptance of the project, especially for FHA or VA loans.

How to choose the right fit

Start by ranking your must-haves: elevator access, secure parking, outdoor space, number of bedrooms, or proximity to a specific part of the village. Next, match your list to building types. If you prize character and large windows, a historic loft may be ideal. If you need elevator access and predictable systems, focus on newer buildings. If you prefer a private entry and garage, look to row-style townhomes. Finally, weigh the tradeoffs of activity, parking, and HOA rules to be sure the lifestyle matches your routine.

Work with a local guide

The right agent helps you read between the lines in HOA budgets and meeting minutes, evaluate project condition, and align your financing with building requirements. You also gain an on-the-ground perspective on noise, parking, and access that you cannot get from photos alone. If you want a confident, low-stress search in Fairhaven, local experience matters.

Ready to explore the best condos and townhomes for your lifestyle? Reach out to Christine Cicchitti for a local market consult and next steps tailored to you.

FAQs

What do HOA fees cover in Fairhaven condos?

Fees typically cover exterior and common area maintenance, shared utilities like trash and sometimes water or sewer, master insurance, management, and reserve contributions, but specifics vary by building.

Are historic lofts more expensive to maintain?

They can have unique maintenance needs due to older systems and materials, while monthly dues may or may not be higher depending on services and reserves, so review the reserve study and recent projects.

How is parking handled in Fairhaven condos and townhomes?

Historic buildings may rely on street or shared lots with limited on-site spaces, while newer townhomes commonly include garages and clearer assigned or guest parking.

Can I rent my Fairhaven condo or townhome?

It depends on the CC&Rs; some associations allow rentals with caps or owner-occupancy requirements, so verify the rules before you commit.

Do lenders finance Fairhaven condos?

Yes, many lenders do, but they review project health, reserves, owner-occupancy, and possible litigation, and some loans require FHA or VA project approval.

Should I worry about flooding near the shoreline?

Proximity to the waterfront means you should check flood maps, local shoreline guidelines, and any past water intrusion history, and discuss flood insurance with your provider.