Quick answer: Plano and Richardson homeowners who pay an HOA or condo fee pay a median of about $63 -$70 a month, according to the U.S. Census. That’s well below the national median of $135. Many established single-family neighborhoods charge a few hundred dollars a year. Townhomes, condos, and amenity-heavy communities charge more. Before you make an offer, always ask for the exact dues, what they cover, and whether a special assessment is coming.
How much are HOA fees in Plano and Richardson?
In 2024, the Census Bureau asked homeowners about HOA and condo fees for the first time. Here’s what owners who pay a fee reported:
| Area | Median monthly HOA/condo fee |
|---|---|
| Plano | $63 |
| Richardson | $70 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth metro | $75 |
| Texas | $76 |
| United States | $135 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey, table B25143. Includes owner-occupied homes that pay an HOA or condo fee. Plano and Richardson figures have a margin of error.
What this means for you: if a listing shows an HOA fee much higher than $100 a month, it’s above what’s normal here. That usually means a condo, a townhome where the HOA maintains the exterior, or a community with pools, gyms, and staff. It isn’t automatically bad, but your budget should account for it.
Real HOA dues in Plano and Richardson neighborhoods
These are dues posted by each neighborhood’s own HOA:
| Neighborhood | City | Dues | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kings Ridge | Plano | $1,000/year (about $83/month), mandatory | Kings Ridge HOA |
| Rockcreek Place | Plano (75025) | $875/year (about $73/month) | Rockcreek Place HOA |
| Breckinridge Park Estates | Richardson | $185/quarter (about $62/month), mandatory | Breckinridge Park Estates |
| Whiffletree V–VII | Plano (75023) | $145-$150/year (about $12/month) | Whiffletree HOA |
| Canyon Creek | Richardson | $25/year, voluntary | Canyon Creek Homeowners |
Dues change, so always confirm the current amount in the HOA’s resale certificate (more on that below).
Mandatory vs. voluntary HOAs: what’s the difference?
- Mandatory HOA: membership comes with the house. Dues are required, the rules (called CC&Rs) are legally enforceable, and unpaid dues can become a lien on your home.
- Voluntary neighborhood association: you choose whether to join and pay. These groups organize events, newsletters, and crime watch, but they can’t fine you.
Many older Plano and Richardson neighborhoods, especially those built in the 1970s-1990s, have voluntary associations or very low dues. Newer subdivisions almost always have mandatory HOAs.
Helpful local tools:
- Richardson publishes a list of its HOAs and neighborhood associations, with mandatory ones marked.
- Plano has a Registered Neighborhoods program with a map of local associations.
- Every Texas HOA must file a management certificate with the state. You can look up who manages an HOA at hoa.texas.gov.
What do HOA fees usually cover?
It depends on the community. In most Plano and Richardson single-family neighborhoods, dues pay for:
- Entry monuments, perimeter walls, and common-area landscaping
- Insurance on shared property
- A reserve fund for big future repairs
- Management and administrative costs
Higher-fee communities may also cover pools, playgrounds, trails, a clubhouse, front-yard maintenance, or gated security. In condos and some townhomes, the fee can include the roof, exterior, water, and trash.
What Texas law says HOAs can and can’t do
Texas gives homeowners real protections. Under Texas Property Code Chapter 202, an HOA generally cannot prohibit, though it can set reasonable rules about placement and appearance:
- Solar panels, and wind- or hail-resistant roofing
- Rain barrels, composting, and drought-tolerant landscaping
- U.S., Texas, and military flags
- Religious displays on your door or door frame
- Standby generators
- Security cameras, motion detectors, and perimeter fences
- Kids’ lemonade stands
New in 2025: an HOA can’t fine you for a brown lawn during city watering restrictions, or for 60 days after they end.
On fines and foreclosure (Texas Property Code Chapter 209):
- An HOA must send a certified-mail notice and give you a chance to fix a violation before fining you.
- It must offer a payment plan of at least 3 months for unpaid dues (for HOAs with more than 14 lots).
- It cannot foreclose on your home over fines alone.
Buying a home in an HOA: your rights as a Texas buyer
This is the part most buyers don’t know about, and it can save you from a bad deal.
- You get the HOA’s paperwork before closing. When a home is in a mandatory HOA, the contract includes a Texas Real Estate Commission addendum (TREC form 36-11). It requires that you receive the “Subdivision Information”: the rules, bylaws, budget, and a resale certificate.
- You can walk away. After you receive that information, you have 3 days to terminate the contract and get your earnest money back if you don’t like what you see.
- The resale certificate tells you the truth about the money. Under Texas Property Code §207.003, the HOA must deliver it within 10 business days, and it must show:
- Current dues and any special assessments
- Any unpaid amounts on the property
- Reserve fund balance, operating budget, and balance sheet
- Any lawsuits against the HOA
- Known violations on the property
- Every transfer fee charged when the home sells
The HOA can charge no more than $375 for the certificate, and no more than $75 for an update.
- Watch for transfer fees. Texas doesn’t cap HOA transfer fees or “capital contribution” fees. In the TREC addendum, the contract sets a dollar limit the buyer will pay, and the seller pays anything above it. Read this line before you sign.
Red flags to check before you buy
- Dues well above similar nearby neighborhoods
- A small reserve fund, which raises the odds of a special assessment later
- A recent or planned special assessment
- Lawsuits against the HOA
- Rules that don’t fit your life: parking for work trucks, boats, or RVs; rental restrictions; home-business limits
- A large transfer or capital contribution fee
Frequently asked questions
What is the average HOA fee in Plano, TX?
The Census median for Plano homeowners who pay an HOA or condo fee is about $63 a month (2024). Single-family neighborhoods are often lower, and condos and amenity-rich communities are higher.
Are there homes in Plano and Richardson with no HOA?
Yes. Many established neighborhoods have no mandatory HOA, or only a voluntary association. Richardson says more than 95% of the city is covered by some kind of homeowner or neighborhood group, but many of those groups are voluntary.
Can a Texas HOA foreclose on my house?
Only for unpaid dues or assessments, and only with a court order after required notices. A Texas HOA cannot foreclose over fines alone.
Can I back out of buying a house because of the HOA?
Yes. Under the standard TREC addendum, you can terminate within 3 days after receiving the HOA’s subdivision information and get your earnest money back.
Do HOA fees affect how much house I can afford?
Yes. Lenders count monthly HOA dues in your debt-to-income ratio. A $300 monthly fee can lower your maximum price by tens of thousands of dollars, depending on your rate.
Want the real HOA numbers on a home you like?
Listings don’t always show the full picture. Send me any Plano or Richardson address and I’ll tell you the HOA dues, what they cover, and any transfer fees, so you know the real monthly cost before you make an offer.
Call or text Ghazala: 469-927-8521
Ghazala Shaheen is a Realtor serving Plano, Richardson, and the surrounding DFW area, with a Master’s-level background in statistics.
