Definition
HOA fees are your monthly or annual payment for community services. These aren't optional—they're mandatory if you own in an HOA community. What you're paying for includes maintenance, common area management, and sometimes community amenities. Here's what surprises people: fees usually increase annually, sometimes substantially.
Where you’ll meet it
What do I actually own, and what does the HOA control?
See it in Buying a condo or townhome · Step 1About this term
HOA fees typically range $100-$500+ monthly depending on community amenities. Fees increase annually with inflation and special assessments. Mandatory for HOA members.
Pro Tip
Factor HOA fees into your affordability calculations as ongoing costs. A property that seems affordable might become unaffordable if HOA fees spike 8-10% annually. Ask for 5-year fee history to understand trends.
Example
Monthly HOA fee of $250 covering community pool, landscaping, and street lighting.