HOA Fees: What Every Homebuyer in Conejo Valley Needs To Know

When buying a home in our beautiful communities of Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, or anywhere throughout the Conejo Valley, you’re likely weighing key factors like mortgage rates, home prices, down payment amounts, and closing costs. But there’s another piece of the puzzle many buyers overlook—HOA fees. While not every neighborhood includes them, many of our newer and well-maintained communities do.

A homeowners association (HOA) is a local organization that manages and maintains shared spaces and community standards—think manicured greenbelts, tree-lined streets, or gated security. Some buyers see HOA communities as a major bonus; others question the added monthly cost. The real key? Understanding what those fees cover and whether the benefits align with your lifestyle and goals.

Why Buyers in Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks Often Appreciate HOAs

Think about this: if you’ve fallen in love with a local home because of its pristine streetscape, mature landscaping, or resort-style amenities, there’s a good chance an HOA is behind it. Here are some of the most common advantages of buying into an HOA community around here:

• Curb Appeal & Community Maintenance: Many HOAs in neighborhoods like North Ranch, Lake Sherwood, or Agoura Hills maintain landscaping, exterior lighting, signage, and seasonal clean-ups. This preserves the neighborhood’s appeal and makes every walk feel like a resort stroll.

• Amenities That Add Real Value: From pools and clubhouses in places like Westlake Island to fitness centers and community trails in Oak Park or Calabasas, HOA perks can actually reduce costs elsewhere—like gym memberships or added home maintenance.

• Protecting Property Values: HOAs enforce community standards, so you’re not likely to find a neglected home dragging down values on your street. That’s peace of mind you can’t always put a price on.

• Less to Maintain Yourself: Some associations include exterior repairs, roofing, or front-yard landscaping—saving time, money, and stress for busy homeowners or those planning for long-term convenience.

What Buyers Need To Know About Homeowners Association Fees

Does every house have HOA fees? No, not all homes have them. But they are common, especially in newer communities. In fact, over 80% of newly built single-family homes are now part of an HOA, according to the Wall Street Journal (see graph below):

But it’s not just new builds that have homeowners associations. Homes that were previously lived in may have an HOA fee too. According to Axios roughly 4 out of every 10 homes had an HOA in 2024.

HOA Fees and Your Home Search

Ask your agent about which homes do and do not have HOA fees as part of your search – and how much the fees are. Some neighborhoods have quarterly dues, some have monthly, some don’t have any at all. To give you some sort of baseline though, the median HOA fee rose last year to $125 per month, based on a report from Realtor.com.

But remember, the costs vary and sometimes these fees give you access to great perks. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

"When considering a home with an HOA, buyers should work to understand what benefits it provides like current or upcoming assessments, maintenance, security, or communal amenities, and how the HOA fees factor into their overall budget. Always ask for the financials and minutes to get a clear understanding of the association and community"

Bottom Line

Before buying a home in an HOA community, it’s a good idea to review the rules and fees so you know exactly what’s included, how that fits into your overall budget, and what restrictions may apply.

Would you rather pay an HOA fee for added perks, or skip it and have full control over your property? Let’s talk about what’s best for you.

Thinking about buying in a local HOA community? Let’s review what’s covered, what to expect, and how to find the right fit for your lifestyle and budget. At Avant ONE Real Estate, we’ll help you understand the fine print so you can buy smart and live well.