By Emeri & Joe Lewkowicz, Tampa Real Estate Experts
If you’re shopping for a home or investment property in Tampa, chances are you’ve come across HOA fees—and maybe felt a little sticker shock. We hear it all the time: “The price looks great, but the HOA is how much?”
With more than 40 years of combined experience helping buyers, sellers, and investors across the Tampa Bay area, we can confidently say this: HOA fees can absolutely impact affordability—but not always in the way people expect. Let’s break it down the way we explain it to our own clients.
What Are HOA Fees, Really?
HOA (Homeowners Association) fees are monthly, quarterly, or annual dues paid by homeowners in certain communities—think condos, townhomes, gated neighborhoods, and some master-planned developments. These fees cover shared expenses such as:
-
Exterior maintenance and landscaping
-
Roofs (often in condos)
-
Community amenities like pools, gyms, and clubhouses
-
Security gates or patrols
-
Insurance for common areas
In Tampa, HOA fees can range anywhere from under $100 per month to well over $1,000, depending on the property type, location, and amenities.
How HOA Fees Affect Monthly Affordability
This is where many buyers get tripped up. Lenders don’t just look at the purchase price—they look at your total monthly housing cost, which includes:
-
Mortgage payment
-
Property taxes
-
Homeowners insurance
-
HOA fees
So even if two homes are priced the same, the one with higher HOA fees may reduce how much you qualify for. For example, a $400,000 condo with a $700/month HOA may cost more monthly than a $450,000 single-family home with no HOA.
We always advise buyers to think in terms of monthly comfort, not just purchase price. That’s especially important in Tampa, where condo HOAs—particularly near the water or downtown—can be substantial.
When HOA Fees Can Actually Help Affordability
Here’s the flip side that many people don’t consider.
In some cases, HOA fees replace expenses you’d otherwise pay out of pocket, such as:
-
Roof replacement
-
Exterior painting
-
Lawn care and irrigation
-
Pest control
-
Cable, internet, or water (common in condos)
When we walk clients through the numbers, we often find that a higher HOA can balance out because it eliminates surprise maintenance costs—especially helpful for first-time buyers or out-of-state investors.
For investors, predictability matters. A well-run HOA can mean fewer unexpected expenses and better long-term property condition, which protects resale value.
Tampa-Specific Considerations Buyers Should Know
Tampa’s HOA landscape is very neighborhood-specific. Waterfront condos in South Tampa, Channelside, or Clearwater often have higher HOAs due to insurance and maintenance requirements. Newer master-planned communities in Wesley Chapel or Riverview may have lower fees but still include amenities like pools and playgrounds.
One major factor right now? Insurance and reserve requirements, especially for condos. Older buildings may see rising HOA fees as associations adjust to new regulations. This doesn’t automatically mean “bad deal,” but it does mean buyers need guidance.
This is where local expertise matters. We don’t just tell clients what the HOA fee is—we explain why it is what it is, what it covers, and whether it makes sense for their goals.
Sellers: HOA Fees Matter to Your Marketing Strategy
If you’re selling a home with an HOA, transparency is key. Buyers are comparing options quickly. A higher HOA isn’t a deal-breaker if the value is clearly communicated—especially if it covers big-ticket items.
We help sellers position HOA benefits properly, highlight financial health, and anticipate buyer questions before they come up. That often makes the difference between hesitation and confidence.
Our Bottom Line After Decades in Tampa Real Estate
HOA fees don’t automatically make a home unaffordable—but ignoring them can. The key is understanding how they fit into your overall financial picture and lifestyle goals.
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or investing in Tampa real estate, having experienced local advisors makes all the difference. We’ve seen this market evolve, and we know how to spot when an HOA is adding value—or quietly draining it.
If you want clarity, strategy, and honest guidance, that’s exactly what we’re here for.
— Emeri & Joe Lewkowicz
Tampa Real Estate Experts | The Lewkowicz Group
