American Homeowners Satisified with HOAs

In the last 15 years, this is the eighth time Americans—living in homeowner associations, condominiums, and housing cooperatives—say they're overwhelmingly satisfied in their communities, according to the 2020 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey published by the Foundation for Community Association Research for Community Associations Institute.

What Communities are being Surveyed?

The biennial, a nationwide survey, is administered by independent researcher Zogby Analytics. The study provides a better understanding of how 73.5 million Americans describe their experience living in common-interest communities. These communities are city-sized, master-planned communities and multibuilding condominium complexes and urban cooperatives and small homeowner associations built into tracks of open suburban spaces.

The Results of the Survey

Nearly nine in 10 residents believe that their governing board "absolutely" or "for the most part" serves the community's best interest. The vast majority of homeowners believe that the rules in their communities protect and enhance property values.

When asked by Zogby to name the worst aspects of their associations, 15 percent called restrictions on exterior improvements as their chief complaint. In comparison, 9 percent said paying dues or assessments to cover their share of the association's services and amenities. But 34 percent said there is nothing terrible about their association.

Zogby also asked residents to name the best aspect of living with an association, with these results: Neighborhood attractiveness, 24 percent; less maintenance for individual owners, 17 percent; community safety, 13 percent; and property values, 12 percent.

"The biennial Homeowner Satisfaction Survey is the only public opinion report of its kind. The exclusive report emphasizes the community association housing model's clear success," says Dawn M. Bauman, CAE, executive director, Foundation for Community Association Research and CAI's senior vice president for the government. "This satisfaction report, sourced by lawmakers, legal professionals, homebuilders, developers, and other community association stakeholders, provides clear evidence of local governance's success— neighbors electing neighbors and building community together—responsibly and effectively."

Owner Associations are Popular in America

No one keeps count, but as a general rule, three-quarters of all new development in metropolitan areas come with an owner association. Typically, these projects feature not just well-designed houses or apartments. However, more efficient land planning and a host of amenities—pools, tennis courts, clubhouses, walking trails, wide-open green spaces, and even golf courses—that other communities don't or can't offer.

Results from almost identical national surveys conducted in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 are strikingly consistent, except the 2020 research shows an increase in three areas compared to 2018. Satisfaction results grew an impressive 4% in the overall experience, 5% in the board's role, and 4% in the appreciation of community association rules.

According to NewHome Source, Americans have widely accepted the corporate management structure of community living. The covenants and rules are no longer novel. Instead, they are quite similar to those that exist in rental apartments—and these documents illustrate how new owners handle closing. The rules are there to ensure the collective rights and interests of all owners, protect and enhance property values, and provide and protect the services and amenities promised.

View more data from the 2020 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey.