Many of our clients come from northern states in the U.S. or outside the country where HOA fees are lower. So why are Sanibel condo fees so high? Let us explain…
Sanibel Condo Fees
Many of our clients come from northern states in the U.S. or outside the country where HOA fees may be lower. So why are Sanibel condo fees so high? Because it’s an island!
As you can expect, living on an island has added risks and implications that other areas simply never have to worry about. The obvious being the weather and environmental impacts of living on the coast. Below we list a few points to keep in mind when assessing the condo association fees on Sanibel Island.
Insurance
One of the biggest differences between associations up north and those here on the island is the inclusion of insurance. Most condos on Sanibel and Captiva have flood and wind coverage for the building, which is often included in your monthly or quarterly condo association fee. This helps explain why the fees are sometimes much higher here than our buyers expect.
Upkeep
There is also more upkeep involved in maintaining a condo complex on or near the water. For instance, the landscaping, pool maintenance, and overall building appearance require more attention and renovation since they are exposed to harsher environmental conditions than other areas further inland.
Reserve Money
This brings us to another point – all associations keep a reserve of money, which they can draw from to make major repairs or improvements to the complex when needed. On Sanibel and Captiva, such projects may include roof replacements, repaving of driving ways or parking garages, repairs to outside staircases or elevators, and other structural imperfections that are often caused by wind and storm damage.
Complex Size
We have also discovered that in most cases, the number of units a condo complex contains can affect the rate of the association fees. A condo with a fewer number of units might have higher fees since there are fewer owners to contribute to the association’s funding needs. While this is not the case for every condo association on Sanibel Island, it serves as a rule of thumb and another factor to consider when evaluating HOA fees.
What is Typically Covered with High Fees?
High condo association fees can range anywhere from $3,000 – $4,500 a quarter. You’ll find that high fees typically include:
- Flood/Wind insurance for the building’s structure
- Upkeep of public areas including clubhouses, pools, fitness centers, spas, cabanas, tennis courts, elevators, driveways, parking lots, landscaping, etc.
- More amenities offered at the complex
- A smaller number of units within the complex
What is Typically Covered with Low Fees?
Low condo association fees on Sanibel Island can range anywhere from $800 – $1,500 a quarter. You’ll find that low fees typically include:
- Upkeep of public areas including clubhouses, pools, fitness centers, spas, cabanas, tennis courts, elevators, driveways, parking lots, landscaping, etc.
- A larger number of units within the complex
- Sometimes offer fewer amenities at the complex
Sanibel Condo Fees – Part 2
Yes, we actually filmed a part 2 video explaining the condo fees on island. Check it out!
