Buying near campus
The housing stock around the university is distinctive: greystones and two-flats, vintage co-ops and condominiums, newer construction in Woodlawn, and large single-family homes in Kenwood. Each comes with its own paperwork. Attorney Shara Kamal reviews your contract during the five-business-day attorney review period, negotiates inspection items, reviews title and survey, and handles the closing.
- Condominiums and co-ops: Section 22.1 disclosures, reserves, special assessments and leasing rules. See the condo disclosure guide.
- Two-flats and multi-unit buildings: existing leases, security deposits and the Chicago RLTO move with the building. See landlord and tenant law.
- City requirements: the Chicago water certificate, zoning certification for smaller buildings, and transfer taxes. Estimate yours with the buyer closing-cost calculator.
Employer homebuyer assistance
Some South Side employers, including the University of Chicago, have offered employer-assisted housing programs that help eligible employees buy in nearby neighborhoods, often with a forgivable loan and required homebuyer counseling. Program terms, eligible neighborhoods and income limits change, so confirm your eligibility with your employer's human resources office before you make an offer.
If you're using an employer program, tell your attorney early. Program deadlines, lender approvals and counseling certificates need to line up with the contract's financing and closing dates.
South Shore: homes and opportunities
South Shore offers some of the most attainable homeownership near the lakefront: vintage brick bungalows, greystones, two-flats and courtyard condominiums, plus the Jackson Park Highlands historic district. Redfin data for August 2026 showed a median sale price of about $164,000, homes going under contract in about 62 days on average (down from 97 a year earlier), and sales up about 19% year over year. Medians move with the mix of homes sold, so price-per-square-foot and block-level comparables matter here.
With the Obama Presidential Center opening in Jackson Park in June 2026 and the quantum campus rising to the south, interest in the neighborhood has grown, along with community discussion about rising rents and displacement.
- Down payment help: the City's HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Grant, launched in June 2026, offers up to $50,000 or $70,000 toward a one- or two-unit primary residence, depending on the area, for households at or below 150% of area median income who complete homebuyer education. Funding is limited; confirm current availability and your property's zone with the program's lenders, Neighborhood Lending Services or TRP Lending.
- Two-flats: owner-occupied two-flats can help with the mortgage, but existing leases, deposits and the Chicago RLTO transfer with the building. See landlord and tenant law.
- Condos: some older South Shore associations have lean reserves or pending special assessments, so review the Section 22.1 disclosures closely. See the condo disclosure guide.
- Older homes: check permits, open building violations and the water certificate early. See building violations.
The quantum campus at South Works
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park broke ground on September 30, 2025, on the former U.S. Steel South Works site along the lake in South Chicago. The 138-acre campus is anchored by PsiQuantum, which plans to build a utility-scale quantum computer there, with construction of its initial buildings expected to finish in 2027. IBM, Infleqtion, Pasqal, Diraq and Quantum Machines have also committed to the park. The State has committed $500 million, and plans include more than 100 acres of parks.
For nearby neighborhoods, including South Shore, South Chicago and the East Side, the campus is planned to bring major new employers to the area. Buyers and investors should rely on current comparable sales and inspections rather than projections, and sellers should be wary of unsolicited cash offers that move fast and skip attorney review.
Sources: Redfin, South Shore market data · WBEZ, HomeGrown grant · WBEZ, Obama Center opening · Capitol News Illinois, quantum park groundbreaking · The Quantum Insider, park tenants
Relocating to Chicago
Faculty, clinicians and researchers often buy while still living out of state. Closings can be handled by mail-away arrangement, documents can be reviewed by video, and contract deadlines are tracked for you. Find your dates with the contract deadline calculator.
Selling, investing and planning
For owners, the practice handles home sales, two-flat and small-building purchases for investors, and estate planning for families: wills, trusts, land trusts and transfer on death instruments, so your home passes the way you intend.
Questions clients ask
Do you work with University of Chicago and UChicago Medicine employees?
Yes. Many clients work at the university, the medical center and local schools. The practice is independent and isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any employer, so you get counsel that represents only you.
Can you help if I'm using an employer homebuyer assistance program?
Yes. Your attorney coordinates the program's requirements with your purchase contract and lender so deadlines line up. Confirm current program terms and eligibility with your employer's HR office.
I'm moving from out of state. Can I close remotely?
Usually, yes. Many purchases close by mail-away arrangement with documents signed in front of a notary near you. Your lender's requirements control, so confirm early.
Is it a good time to buy in South Shore?
That depends on the specific property and your plans. An attorney can't predict prices, but can make sure the contract, title, building records and any assistance program requirements protect you before you commit.
Which neighborhoods do you serve?
Hyde Park, Kenwood, Woodlawn, South Shore, Bronzeville, Washington Park and the rest of Chicago, plus Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane and McHenry counties.