San Diego's share of homes with HOA fees outpaces national average
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More than half of San Diego County houses for sale in 2024 came with homeowners association fees, according to a recent report.
Why it matters: For many homebuyers, HOA fees are another financial hurdle in an already tough market.
The big picture: HOA dues, which typically cover maintenance and amenities, are becoming more common and costly nationwide.
- They're prevalent in areas full of condos, townhouses and newly built single-family homes, per the report by Realtor.com.
Friction point: HOAs often enforce strict rules on everything from holiday decor to lawn care, with fines for residents who fail to comply.
By the numbers: Nationwide, 40.5% of homes listed for sale on Realtor.com in 2024 had HOA dues, with median monthly fees around $125.
- In San Diego County, 55.2% of homes have HOA fees.
- The median monthly cost was $360, but it can exceed $1,000 per month at luxury downtown condos.
Zoom out: Other California cities, including Los Angeles (41.7%) and San Francisco (46.4%), have slightly lower percentages, but higher monthly costs at $400 and $451 respectively.
Between the lines: California's soaring housing insurance rates are raising HOA fees in San Diego County as associations, which often insure buildings and homes' exteriors, are forced to find new, more expensive policies.
- Homeowners also carry the cost burden as inflation and labor costs rise for the work HOA boards approve.
Pro tip: To avoid surprise fee hikes, experts say, condo shoppers should ask about reserve studies, which assess whether an HOA has enough money set aside for future upkeep.