HOAs in Phoenix: What Home Buyers Need to Know in 2026

By Scott Bryant| Bryant Real Estate | Phoenix, AZ

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are becoming more common, and more expensive, across the U.S., and Phoenix is no exception. According to a recent national analysis by Realtor.com® (January 2025), more than 40% of homes for sale now carry an HOA fee, with costs continuing to rise year over year.

For Phoenix home buyers, especially those relocating, buying new construction, or purchasing condos or townhomes, understanding how HOAs work locally is critical to avoiding surprises and budgeting correctly.

Below, we break down what’s happening nationally, how it shows up specifically in Phoenix and the Greater Metro Area, and exactly what buyers should consider before making a move.

HOAs Are Becoming the Norm, Not the Exception

Nationally, 40.5% of all homes listed for sale in 2024 had an HOA fee, up from 39.2% the year prior. The median monthly HOA fee rose to $125, up from $110.

Phoenix mirrors this trend closely.

In many Phoenix master-planned communities, especially those built after the mid-1990s, HOA membership is effectively unavoidable. Areas like Ahwatukee, Desert Ridge, North Phoenix, Laveen, and parts of East Mesa and Chandler were largely developed with HOAs baked into the community design.

Key takeaway for Phoenix buyers: If you’re shopping newer homes or popular master-planned neighborhoods, HOA fees are likely part of the equation.

New Construction in Phoenix = Higher Likelihood of HOA Fees

National data shows:

• 69.9% of new construction homes have HOA dues
• 38.2% of existing homes have HOA dues

Phoenix amplifies this gap.

Most new construction homes in Phoenix, particularly in the West Valley, Southeast Valley, and North Phoenix, fall within HOAs. Builders rely on HOAs to:

• Maintain community aesthetics
• Manage shared infrastructure
• Enforce design standards
• Offset long-term maintenance costs

Interestingly, while new-build HOA fees tend to start lower, they often increase as communities age, amenities expand, and operating costs rise.

Phoenix buyer insight: Don’t just look at today’s HOA fee, review historical increases and reserve studies when possible.

Condos & Townhomes vs. Single-Family Homes in Phoenix

This distinction matters a lot locally.

Nationally:

• 83.8% of condos/townhomes have HOA dues
• 33.6% of single-family homes have HOA dues

In Phoenix, condo and townhome HOAs are often significantly higher because they frequently include:

• Exterior maintenance
• Roofs
• Landscaping
• Water, trash, or sewer
• Community insurance
• Pools, gyms, and gated access

It’s not uncommon to see Phoenix condo HOA fees ranging from $250–$450+ per month, depending on location and amenities.

By contrast, single-family home HOA fees in Phoenix are often much lower, sometimes $30–$80 per month, and primarily cover common areas and community enforcement.

Buyer pro tip: Always ask what’s included in the HOA, not just the dollar amount.

Where Phoenix Fits Compared to Other Metro Areas

While Phoenix wasn’t among the highest-HOA metros nationally, similar Sun Belt markets like Las Vegas and Orlando saw HOA coverage on more than 75% of listings.

Phoenix trends closer to those metros than to Midwest or rural markets.

HOAs are especially common in:

• Master-planned communities
• Golf course neighborhoods
• Gated subdivisions
• Condo-heavy corridors

Avoiding an HOA in Phoenix is possible — but usually means targeting:

• Older neighborhoods
• Central Phoenix historic areas
• Pockets of Moon Valley, Sunnyslope, or West Phoenix
• Homes built pre-1980s

What This Means for Phoenix Home Buyers

For many buyers, HOA fees feel like an added burden on top of:

• Mortgage payments
• Property taxes
• Insurance
• Utilities

However, HOAs aren’t inherently good or bad, they’re a value trade-off.

In Phoenix, HOAs often:

• Protect resale value
• Maintain curb appeal in harsh desert conditions
• Manage shared infrastructure efficiently

That said, not all HOAs are created equal.

Before buying, Phoenix buyers should:

1. Review HOA budgets and reserves
2. Understand rules and restrictions (rentals, pets, parking)
3. Ask about historical fee increases
4. Confirm what utilities or services are included

Sometimes, the right move is paying the HOA. Other times, avoiding it entirely is the smarter financial play.

Bottom Line: Strategy Matters More Than Ever

HOAs are becoming more common, more expensive, and more complex, especially in fast-growing cities like Phoenix.

The key isn’t avoiding HOAs altogether.

The key is choosing the right one, or intentionally choosing none, based on your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans.

At Bryant Real Estate Group, we help Phoenix buyers:

• Compare HOA vs. non-HOA options
• Evaluate true monthly ownership costs
• Identify neighborhoods aligned with their priorities

If you’re buying in Phoenix and want clarity before committing, we’re here to guide you.

Scott Bryant
Phoenix Real Estate Advisor
Helping buyers and sellers move with confidence in the Phenix Metro markets.

Source: Adapted from Realtor.com® Housing Trends Report by Joel Berner, January 15, 2025.