Homeowner’s associations (HOAs) can improve property values, increase community engagement and help to better maintain common areas. But certain aspects of HOAs can impact their popularity.

From 2009 to 2020, an increasing share of new single-family homes were built within a community or homeowner’s association. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, a decade-long trend began to reverse for the first time from a peak of 67.1% of new single-family homes built in a homeowner’s association in 2020 to just 62.6% of homes in 2022.

The most recent data shows an upswing again.

How many homes were built in a homeowner’s association or community in 2024?

In 2024, 65.7% of homes, which is the second-highest percentage in the survey’s history, were built in a community or homeowner’s association. That equates to 651,873 homes.

Which areas of the United States have the most homes built within a homeowner’s association?

In 2024, the Mountain Division of the U.S. had the highest share of new single-family homes built within a homeowner’s associaton at 81.6%. The next-highest areas all included the western and southern points of the country including the South Atlantic (73.9%), West South Central (70.1%), Pacific (58%), and West North Central (53.3%). The Middle Atlantic (32.5%) and New England (34.1%) had the lowest totals.

How do buyers feel about homeowner’s associations?

A recent NAHB study, What Home Buyers Really Want, revealed that buyers are much more focused on proximity to entertainment and recreational spaces than they are about a homeowner’s association. The study showed that 65% of buyers value being near retail space and park areas or having a walking/jogging trail as their most influential community feature. Just 39% felt that way about a homeowner’s association.

Ashok Chaluvadi, NAHB senior economist, provides more analysis in this Eye on Housing post.