$200 per month. This was the HOA fee a buyer saw while looking at listings. However, the actual building they contracted was a high-rise near River Oaks, and the management fee exceeded $600. The misunderstanding began with estimating the fees based on low-rise condos near single-family homes.

In Houston, the monthly HOA fees for condos generally range from $200 to $600 (source: Riva Houston Condo HOA Fee Guide, Houston Properties Condo Guide). This indicates that there is significant variation by area. In upscale neighborhoods like River Oaks or Galleria, fees can rise to over $500 to $1,000, while areas like Midtown or Heights typically see fees between $200 and $400. Some high-rise buildings with large amenities can have monthly management fees reaching $2,500 (source: Houston Properties Condo Guide).

Looking at the overall statistics for Houston listings reveals another figure. 76.8 percent of Houston listings on Realtor.com include HOA fees, which is much higher than the national average of 40.5 percent. Yet, the median monthly management fee for all listings, including single-family homes, is $67, lower than the national median of $125 (source: Axios Houston, April 2025). This suggests that the Houston HOA market is being pulled down by the lower management fees of single-family home communities, and when looking solely at condos, the previously mentioned range of $200 to $600 is more reflective of actual experiences.

• Maintenance of building exteriors and common structures
• Master insurance, including conditions for hurricane season
• Management of common facilities like pools, gyms, and lobbies
• Landscaping and trash collection
• Reserve fund contributions

Unlike Florida, which mandated reserve fund contributions through SB 4-D law after the 2021 Surfside condo collapse, Texas does not legally require reserve studies or minimum contribution rates (source: PropFusion Texas Reserve Study Guide). In areas like Houston, which are close to the Gulf Coast and face hurricane and flood risks, it seems even more crucial to verify how much reserve funds the association actually has.

This aspect can also be a hurdle in mortgage assessments. Associations with insufficient reserve funds or high delinquency rates are classified as non-warrantable condos under Fannie Mae standards, making loan approvals more difficult (source: Fannie Mae Condo Project Guidelines, HUD.gov). When looking for condos near preferred school districts for Korean families, it would be wise not to overlook this financial check.

Regarding insurance, the master insurance included in the HOA fees covers the building structure and common areas. Individual units and flood damage often require separate HO-6 insurance or flood insurance. Given that it is a Gulf Coast city, it is essential to factor in these individual insurance costs to get an accurate picture of monthly expenses.

For investors looking at rental income, it is safer to calculate returns based on management fees in the $300 to $400 range. While upscale condos have higher rental prices, the burden of management fees can be significant, resulting in net returns that may not differ much from mid-range condos.

In a large city like Houston, even with the same management fees, the included items can vary greatly between buildings. Some buildings include water and trash collection in their fees, while others only cover the management of common facilities, requiring separate payments for individual utilities. It is more accurate to check and compare the included items rather than simply comparing management fees between listings.

Before signing a contract for a condo, do not just look at the management fee number listed; request and verify the association's financial statements and reserve balances. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before finalizing any contracts.