Hilton Head Island & Bluffton HOA/POA Fees

Most questions we receive revolve around fees, dues, and ownership costs. Aside from our property search, this is our most visited page.

Fee structures can be notoriously confusing. Often, you will find that there will be other fees (transfer fees, initiation fees, etc.) associated with gated communities. Typically, these are billed at closing as one-time expenses.

If you need more info, please give us a call @ 843.422.2491.

Hilton Head Annual HOA/POA Fees*

Bluffton Annual HOA/POA Fees*

Regime (Condo & Villa) Fees

A regime fee is associated with a "horizontal property regime." "regime" is just real estate legalese for a condo or villa complex. Regime fees are separate from HOA and POA fees. Regime fees are usually billed monthly.

Most regimes cover exterior maintenance, upkeep of the common areas, trash pickup, etc. Sometimes the regime will include some form of insurance against storm-related damage. When researching condos and villas for clients, we always determine what is (and isn't) covered by the regime.

$ Regime fees range from $ 300 to $1500 for luxury villas.

Special Assessments And Capital Improvements

Significant projects require funding via a special assessment. Special assessments are generally paid in installments over a fixed period. In contrast, "capital improvement" or "community enhancement" fees are usually levied at the time of purchase. Unplanned events can bring about assessments. For example, checks to fix roof, tree, and water damage after 2016's Hurricane Matthew.

Assessments aren't red flags or deal-breakers. But there are questions we always ask when researching properties for clients. What is the extent of the work? What is the state of the community's finances? Is the capital reserve fund healthy? How long will the assessment be in place? Attention to detail pays off here.

$ Costs of assessments vary.

Transfer And Administrative Fees

Many communities will charge a transfer fee (a re-conveyance fee, resale fee, or recovery fee) at the time of sale. This fee is charged whenever the property sells or changes hands and is typically attached as a covenant. These fees help cover administrative costs.

$ Transfer fees usually range from 1/2 to 3/4 of 1% on the sale price of a home.

Initiation Fees

Some luxury communities charge an initiation fee (or membership certification fee) at the time of sale. These fees are a one-time charge to help fund expensive amenities or ongoing development projects.

$ Most initiation fees are five-figure expenses (i.e. from $15k in Callawassie to $23k in Moss Creek).

* All information deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. Other fees may apply. These charts are for informational purposes only—due diligence is required.