Taxes & Insurance
What are HOA fees and how do they affect buying?
Updated Jul 1, 2026
The short answer
Homeowners association (HOA) fees are recurring dues paid by owners in certain communities or condos to fund shared maintenance, amenities, and reserves. Lenders count HOA dues in your monthly housing costs, so they affect how much you qualify for. Fees can rise over time and special assessments can add one-time charges, so review the HOA’s rules and finances before buying.
Key points
- Recurring dues for shared upkeep and amenities.
- Counted in your qualifying housing costs.
- Can increase and may include special assessments.
- Review HOA financials and rules before you buy.
Why lenders care
Because HOA dues are a mandatory ongoing cost, they raise your debt-to-income ratio and reduce the loan amount you qualify for. CandidCost’s True Cost engine lets you include HOA dues so your estimate reflects them.
Put this to work
Sources
Every claim above traces to a public government source.