What’s the deal with detached condos and no HOA?

Buying a Condo Forum
1

Hey guys, I’ve been hearing a lot about these ‘detached condos with no HOA’ at open houses. The seller mentioned it lets them build more houses on the same land, but to me, it looks just like a regular single-family home. Are there any downsides I should know about or questions I should be asking? Thanks for any insights!

2

Generally, there aren’t many negatives. They’re typically treated like single-family homes for mortgages. Sometimes it just means the developer didn’t want to change the zoning after it was set for condos.

3

@Kim
Thanks for clarifying! If I decide to renovate the exterior of that standalone condo in 30 years, will I need permission from anyone?

4

Zephyr said:
@Kim
Thanks for clarifying! If I decide to renovate the exterior of that standalone condo in 30 years, will I need permission from anyone?

It depends on the community’s CCRs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions). Some have rules about paint and architecture, so you might need to stick to those guidelines.

5

@Kim
Got it, so if it’s a cookie-cutter style community, I can renovate as long as it matches the original look? That makes sense!

6

Just make sure to read any documents carefully. Some communities can have weird rules even if there’s no HOA.

7

Marlon said:
Just make sure to read any documents carefully. Some communities can have weird rules even if there’s no HOA.

Good point! I’ll definitely look into that. What kind of things should I keep an eye out for in those documents?

8

@Zephyr
Look for restrictions on landscaping, exterior changes, or even parking rules. Those can be a pain later on.

9

Also, check if there are any shared utilities or services. Sometimes ‘no HOA’ doesn’t mean you’re totally independent.

10

Zola said:
Also, check if there are any shared utilities or services. Sometimes ‘no HOA’ doesn’t mean you’re totally independent.

That’s a good tip. I hadn’t thought about shared utilities. I guess I’ll have to ask about that too!

11

Yeah, and remember that without an HOA, you might not have anyone enforcing community standards. Just something to ponder.

12

Harlan said:
Yeah, and remember that without an HOA, you might not have anyone enforcing community standards. Just something to ponder.

True, that could be a double-edged sword! I’ll keep that in mind as I explore my options. Thanks!