Condos for Sale in McLean VA | Samantha Bard
McLean is best known for single-family homes on large lots, but it also has a smaller, more varied condo market than many buyers expect. You'll find full-service high-rises near Tysons, a boutique luxury building in downtown McLean, and older mid-rise communities along the main corridors. Many of these homes sit within reach of Silver Line Metro stations, the Capital Beltway, and the Dulles Toll Road. Because the inventory is limited, each building tends to have its own personality, fee structure, and set of rules. That makes the details matter. Before you tour, it helps to know how McLean addresses work, what condo fees cover, and how the resale documents and financing fit together. Browse current McLean condos and luxury properties, then use this list as your guide. Samantha Bard, REALTOR® ABR|SRS with Coldwell Banker Realty, helps buyers compare buildings side by side. Here are 10 things to know before you buy.
10 Things to Know About Condos for Sale in McLean VA
1. Know Where "McLean" Begins and Ends
McLean is an unincorporated community in Fairfax County, so there's no separate town government. Homes here fall under Fairfax County for real estate taxes and local services. The McLean mailing area uses two ZIP codes: 22101, which covers downtown McLean and the neighborhoods closer to the Potomac, and 22102, which includes much of the Tysons area.
That second point matters for condo shoppers. Many condos with a McLean address actually sit in the Tysons urban center, surrounded by offices, shopping, and Metro stations. Others sit in the quieter, more residential part of McLean. Decide which setting fits your day-to-day life, then narrow your search by location as well as ZIP code.
2. High-Rise Living Near Tysons
Most of McLean's condo inventory sits in the 22102 ZIP code near Tysons. The Rotonda, on Greensboro Drive, is a large gated community with several towers and on-site amenities. One Park Crest, on Crestwood Heights Drive, is a newer high-rise near the Greensboro and Spring Hill area. Buildings like these often offer concierge or front desk staff, fitness centers, pools, and garage parking.
High-rise living brings convenience, but it also brings shared systems like elevators, roofs, and garages that the association must maintain and eventually replace. Compare amenities against the monthly fee, and look closely at how each building plans for big-ticket repairs. Two units at a similar price can carry very different long-term costs.
3. Boutique Condos in Downtown McLean
Downtown McLean, centered around Chain Bridge Road and Old Dominion Drive, has far fewer condos than Tysons. The Signet, on Fleetwood Road, is a luxury mid-rise that opened in the late 2010s with larger floor plans and upscale finishes. Units here come up for sale less often, so it helps to be ready when one does.
Downtown McLean puts you close to local shops, restaurants, the McLean Community Center, and the Alden Theatre. Fairfax County has adopted plans to guide future redevelopment in the downtown area, so it's worth checking for nearby projects that could change the streetscape over time. Ask about planned construction before you commit.
4. Silver Line Metro and Commuter Routes
The Metro station named McLean is actually located in Tysons, along Route 123 near Scotts Crossing Road. Tysons, Greensboro, and Spring Hill stations sit farther west along the same stretch, all on the Silver Line. Many Tysons-area condos are within a short walk or drive of at least one of these stations.
Drivers can reach the Capital Beltway, the Dulles Toll Road, Route 7, Route 123, and the George Washington Memorial Parkway from different parts of McLean. Traffic varies a lot by time of day, so test your commute from a specific building at your usual hours. For more Northern Virginia real estate tips, including commuter guides, browse Samantha's blog.
5. Understand What the Condo Fee Covers
McLean condo fees vary widely from building to building, and the number alone doesn't tell you much. In some buildings the fee covers water, sewer, trash, gas, or even heat and air conditioning. In others it covers little more than exterior maintenance and insurance on the common areas. Staffing, amenities, and building age all play a role.
Ask for a clear list of what's included for each unit you're considering. Then compare total monthly costs, not just the fee. A higher fee that covers utilities, a 24-hour desk, and a pool you'll use may cost less overall than a lower fee in a building where you pay for everything separately.
6. Read the Resale Certificate Carefully
In Virginia, condo sales are governed by the Virginia Condominium Act. The seller provides a resale certificate with the association's governing documents, current budget, reserve information, assessments, and any pending special assessments or known violations. Buyers have a short, set period after receiving it to review the packet and cancel if needed.
Use that window well. Look at the reserve balance, recent board meeting minutes, upcoming projects, and any litigation. A well-funded reserve can mean fewer surprise special assessments later. If something is unclear, ask questions early, before your review period ends.
7. Check Financing and Project Approval Early
Lenders review the condo building, not just the buyer. Factors like the reserve budget, owner-occupancy levels, commercial space, and pending litigation can affect which loan programs are available. Some buildings are approved for FHA or VA financing, and many are not, so confirm the status for each building you like.
Higher-priced McLean condos may also call for jumbo financing, which can carry different down payment and reserve requirements. Share the building name and address with your lender as soon as you have a short list. That avoids surprises after you're under contract.
8. Review Pet, Rental, and Building Rules
Every association sets its own rules, and McLean buildings differ a lot. Some have pet size or breed limits. Some restrict short-term rentals or cap how many units can be leased. Many high-rises require you to reserve the elevator and loading dock for move-in day and may charge a move-in fee or deposit.
Parking and storage are worth checking too. Ask whether the unit comes with an assigned garage space, whether that space is deeded or simply assigned, and whether extra storage units are available. Small details like these can make a big difference in daily life.
9. Plan for Insurance and a Thorough Inspection
The association carries a master insurance policy on the building, but condo owners usually need their own HO-6 policy for interior finishes, personal property, and liability. Read the master policy summary in the resale documents so you know where the association's coverage ends and yours begins. Ask an insurance agent for a quote early.
A condo inspection focuses on what's inside your unit: the HVAC system, water heater, windows, appliances, and signs of past leaks from units above. In older buildings, ask about the age of shared systems like plumbing risers and elevators. A clear inspection report helps you plan for what's ahead.
10. Get Pre-Approved and Budget for the Full Cost
Well-located McLean condos can draw steady interest, especially in buildings where units rarely come up for sale. Getting pre-approved before you tour lets you act quickly. Build your budget around the full monthly cost: mortgage, Fairfax County real estate taxes, condo fees, HO-6 insurance, and parking.
Properties within the McLean Community Center's tax district also pay a small special district tax that supports the center, so ask about it for any address you're considering. The Northern Virginia buyer's guide walks through pre-approval, budgeting, and each step of the purchase. It's a helpful place to start before you begin touring McLean condos.
FAQs
Q: What types of condos are for sale in McLean VA?
A: McLean has full-service high-rise condos near Tysons, such as The Rotonda and One Park Crest, a boutique luxury mid-rise in downtown McLean called The Signet, and older mid-rise and garden-style communities. Amenities, fees, and rules vary widely from building to building.
Q: Are McLean condos in Fairfax County?
A: Yes. McLean is an unincorporated community in Fairfax County, so county real estate taxes and services apply. The McLean mailing area includes ZIP codes 22101 and 22102, and many condos with a 22102 address sit in the Tysons area.
Q: Which Metro stations serve McLean condos?
A: The Silver Line's McLean, Tysons, Greensboro, and Spring Hill stations all sit in the Tysons area. The McLean station is on Route 123 near Scotts Crossing Road. Many Tysons-area condos are close to at least one of them, so check walking distance and your commute from each building.
Q: What should I look for in condo documents in Virginia?
A: Under the Virginia Condominium Act, the seller provides a resale certificate with the governing documents, budget, reserve information, assessments, and any pending special assessments. Review the reserves, recent meeting minutes, rules on pets and rentals, and any litigation before your review period ends.
Q: How do I start my McLean condo search?
A: Start with pre-approval and a monthly budget that includes condo fees, taxes, and insurance. Then work with a local agent who can compare buildings, documents, and financing options for each unit. Samantha Bard offers buyer consultations and can set up a search around your budget and timeline.
Ready to Find Your McLean Condo?
If a McLean condo is on your list, let's talk about how you want to live day to day and which buildings fit that best. Samantha Bard can walk you through current listings, explain the resale documents for each unit you like, and help you move with confidence when the right one comes up. Do you have time to talk this week?
Samantha Bard, REALTOR® | ABR | SRS
Coldwell Banker Realty
📞 (703) 298-2651 | ✉ samantha.bard@cbmove.com | 🌐 www.samanthabard.com
Virginia License #0225198344 | Equal Housing Opportunity