According to the National Association of Realtors, 5.64 million existing houses were sold in 2020. The U.S. Census Bureau also states that 822,000 newly constructed houses were sold in the same year. Besides these homes, many more properties were on the market.
Comparing and choosing the best home can be challenging. You have to consider various factors, including costs, neighborhood, space, and your needs. With these considerations in mind, many buyers may question whether or not a subdivision is a right choice for their goals. If you’re on the fence about the type of property you’re looking for, here are some things to consider.
What is a Subdivision?
A subdivision is a piece of land that owners or developers divide into smaller units or lots for development. Subdivisions can be small or large, and most have HOAs (homeowners associations). Local zoning laws can dictate the size of these lots.
Communities of houses are called subdivisions. They can be gated, have dedicated green areas, as well as house a specific group — like the retired. A subdivision can be single-family houses, townhouses, or condos.
A subdivision may not be the ideal choice for everyone. Some people may want privacy, fewer rules, and no HOA issues. Homeowners who live in a home with no subdivision enjoy benefits like these:
1. No HOA Fees
Forbes states that HOA (homeowners association) fees range from $200–600 per month. These charges can go toward building maintenance, basic upkeep, insurance, as well as maintaining amenities like pools, sports fields and more. If these types of things aren’t a priority for you and your family, you can avoid these charges by selecting to live in a home that isn’t part of a subdivision. You’ll also save money for your other expenses.
2. Freedom to Change
Homeowners in subdivisions require HOA’s approval before they renovate or make any changes to the exterior of the home or lot. This includes painting, fences, landscaping, and other types of projects. The consideration process can also be long, biased, or tedious. The association can also rule against your proposed changes after subjecting you to this process.
People who live in a home without a subdivision can enjoy more freedom to change their property as they wish without having to seek out an HOA’s approval first.
3. No Stringent Rules
Homes with subdivisions can have various regulations governing occupants in order to maintain uniformity of the homes within the area. For example, they can dictate how tall your lawn’s grass can be, the number of vehicles you can park upfront, as well as the flags and other signs you may wish to hang outside your home.
Homes with no subdivisions often have few or no rules. You are free to live on the property as you want, provided you comply with local, state, as well as federal laws. These regulations aren’t as ridiculous as some rules imposed by some HOAs.
4. Avoid Potential Financial Problems
HOAs can also face financial problems and lawsuits. These issues can affect their members. For example, members of an affected HOA can struggle to get a loan for a house. The value of homes within the community can also take a hit.
The financial issues of an HOA aren’t an issue if you live in a house with no subdivisions. You can quickly get a loan as banks evaluate your property independently. The home’s value can also be analyzed without accounting for HOA’s issues.
5. Privacy
Gated neighborhoods often have people living like one big community. The other homeowners can quickly know a person’s issue. So, some people aren’t comfortable living in such an environment. If having more privacy is something you value in your home, considering a home outside of a subdivision can help offer more peace, quiet and solitude.
Subdivisions may or may not be the right choice for everyone. Weighing the pros and cons of living in a subdivision should be part of the investigative process that occurs when a buyer selects a guide to help them make a new home purchase. If you’re considering making a lifestyle change to a home without an HOA, contact our team of real estate strategists. We’ll help you craft a plan to find the right home that’s perfect for your individual needs!
