Bluffton and Okatie, SC, are home to some of the Lowcountry’s most sought-after private and gated communities. Many of these neighborhoods require Homeowners Association (HOA) or Property Owners Association (POA) fees, which help preserve the area’s upscale lifestyle and exceptional amenities.
Bluffton HOA fees or POA fees typically cover a wide range of services, including 24/7 security, landscaping, private road maintenance, staffing, and community upkeep. In many Bluffton and Okatie neighborhoods, they also support luxurious amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, bike paths, walking trails, and exclusive clubhouses.
Whether you’re exploring homes for sale in Bluffton or real estate in Okatie, understanding these fees is key to making an informed decision in your property search.
BLUFFTON HOA FEES | POA FEES
| COMMUNITY | HOA FEE | ADDITIONAL FEES |
| Alston Park | $1,446 | Transfer Fee: 1x quarterly dues |
| Bartons Run | $1,600 | Transfer Fee: 1%, $1,300 assessment, $300 Lawn Care |
| Baynard Park | $1,840 | Transfer Fee: 25% of sales price POA, .25% BP Rec. Assoc. |
| Belfair – Homes | $22,916 | Initiation fee: $100,000 |
| Belfair – Lots | $22,916 | Initiation fee: $100,000 + $500 mowing fee |
| Berkeley Hall | $26,714 | Initiation fee: $115,000 | $6,935 National Golf Membership |
| Bluffton Park – Homes | $800 | |
| Bluffton Park – Townhomes | $1,668 | |
| Brighton Oaks | $788 | |
| Callawassie Island | $18,223 | Initiation fee: $50,000 + $250 admin fee |
| Colleton River | $30,466 | Initiation fee: $125,000 |
| Crescent | $2,727 | Transfer Fee: .5%, One time fee $375 |
| Eagles Pointe | $1,508 | $100 New owner fee |
| Edgefield | $600 | Transfer Fee: .25% |
| Fern Lakes | $1,264 | Road assessment $200/year through 2023 |
| Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks | $2,880 | $1,000 Cap. + $400, Resales- .33% Transfer Fee |
| Gascoigne Bluff | $2,000 | |
| Hampton Hall | $5,970 | Social membership: $28,000 + $1,493 capital fund fee |
| Hampton Lake | $4,899 | Community enhancement fee: .05% of sales price + $150 admin fee. New construction fee: $875. Additional fees may apply. |
| Heritage Lakes | $603 | Transfer Fee: .25% |
| Heyward Point | $2,650 | Transfer Fee: $2,200 |
| Hidden Lakes | $996 | Transfer Fee: .5% of Sale Price |
| Hilton Head Lakes | $1,965 | $207 Admin Fee. Transfer Fee: .25%. Irrigation Fees |
| Island West | $1,661 | Transfer Fee: .25%. Special Assessment: $1,241 |
| Lake Linden | $660 | Transfer Fee: 1x Quarter Assessment |
| Lakes at New Riverside | $1,440 | $1,000 Capital Contribution, Resales Transfer fee: 1/4 of 1% |
| Latitude at MARGARITAVILLE – Single Family | $3,874 | Transfer fee: 1/6 of annual HOA fee + $100 admin fee,$100 for Latitude Foundation, Working Capital $2,500 |
| Latitude at MARGARITAVILLE – Village Home | $4,419 | Transfer fee: 1/6 of annual HOA fee + $100 admin fee,$100 for Latitude Foundation, Working Capital $2,500 |
| Latitude at MARGARITAVILLE – Cottage | $4,133 | Transfer fee: 1/6 of annual HOA fee + $100 admin fee,$100 for Latitude Foundation, Working Capital $2,500 |
| Lawton Station | $1,500 | 1x Qtr. POA Fee + Mgmt. fee $150 |
| Malind Bluff | $1,824 | |
| May River Preserve | $2,200 | Transfer fee .5% of sale, builder/1st own-$500 |
| Meadows at New Riverside | $566 | |
| Mill Creek at Cypress Ridge – Homes | $1,586 | Transfer Fee: 1x POA fee +$50 |
| Mill Creek at Cypress Ridge – Townhomes | $2,520 – $2,802 | Transfer Fee: 1x POA fee +$51 |
| Moss Creek – Homes | $8,112 | Membership fee: $50,000 + optional activity fee |
| Moss Creek – Lots | $6,726 | Membership fee: $50,000 + optional activity fee |
| Oldfield | $12,594 | Club initiation fee: $41,500, OCA initiation fee $18,500 | Transfer fee: 1% of sales price (cap. $5,000) |
| Palmetto Bluff – Homes & Lots | $5,660 + neighborhood | $50,000 + Homes- .75% of sales price | Homesites- 1% transfer of sales price & .75% for homes. Optional Club fee: $8,745 |
| Palmetto Point Townes – Homes | $1,038 | Transfer Fee: $300 |
| Palmetto Point Townes – Townhomes | $3,324 | Transfer Fee: $301 |
| Parkside at Baynard Park | $1,440 | Transfer Fee: .5% of sale price |
| Pine Forest Village | $786 | |
| Pine Ridge | $540 | Transfer Fee: .25% of sales price |
| Pinecrest | $900 | Transfer Fee: .25% of sales price |
| Riverbend | $2,688 | Initiation fee: .33% of sales price + $300 admin fee | Enhancement fee (resale): $1,250. New construction fee $5,000. |
| Rivers End | 0 | |
| Riverton Pointe | $2,196 | Initiation Fee: $4,000, Social membership $210/mo., Transfer Fee: $900 |
| Rose Dhu Creek | $2,100 | Transfer Fee: $5,000 |
| Rose Hill – Homes | $2,800 | Transfer fee: $4,200 + enhancement fee: $1,575 + $300 admin fee |
| Rose Hill – Lots | $1,864 | Transfer fee: $4,200 + enhancement fee: $1,575 + $300 admin fee |
| Sandy Pointe | $840 | |
| Sawmill Creek | $300 | |
| Sawmill Forest | $772 | |
| Seagrass Station | $980 | 2x Monthly POA fee; $25 Admin Fee |
| Shell Hall | $1,928 | $2,500 Transfer fee |
| Southern Oaks at New Riverside – Homes | $902 | 1x quarterly POA |
| Southern Oaks at New Riverside – Townhomes | $2,222 | 1x quarterly POA |
| Spring Island | $7,698 | Initiation fee: $150,000 + Homes 1% trust fee + $500 cap. fee | Homesites 1.5% + $500 cap. fee | Club dues: $24,150/ year | Homes 1% trust fee on sale |
| Stock Farm | $630 | |
| Sun City | $2,688 – Sun City N $3,540 |
Initiation fee: .33% of sales price + $300 admin fee | Enhancement fee (resale): $3,500 |
| The Farm at Buckwalter | $1,015 | Transfer Fee: .25% of sales price |
| The Haven at New Riverside | $3,048 | New Membership Fee: .33% of price. Comm. enhancement: $1,200, Admin fee: $400 |
| The Heritage at New Riverside | $1,080 | Transfer Fee: .25% of sales price. $750 Capital contribution |
| The Landings at New Riverside | $1,764 | Transfer Fee: .5% + $125.00. Disclosure fee: $250.00 |
| The Retreat at Grande Oaks | $1,000 | Capital Contribution: $500 |
| The Walk at Bluffton Square | $1,052 | Cap Contribution $166, Admin Fee $100 |
| Traditions at Old Carolina | $1,165 | Transfer Fee: .25% of sale price |
| University Park | $1,560 | Transfer Fee: .25% of sale price |
| University Place – Homes | $800 | |
| University Place – Townhomes | $1,680 | |
| Victoria Bluff | $1,000 | Transfer Fee: .25% of sales price |
| Village at Olde Town | $1,052 | Transfer Fee: $250 |
| Wellstone at Bluffton | $1,620 | Transfer Fee: $500 |
| Westbury Park | $1,764 | Transfer Fee: .25% of sales price, Admin Fee $150 |
| Woodbridge | $700 |
Additional fees may apply in certain neighborhoods. Bluffton HOA Fees | Bluffton POA Fees are subject to change without notice.
UNDERSTANDING COMMUNITY FEES IN BLUFFTON
Bluffton, SC Real Estate Fees: Understanding HOA, POA, and Community Costs
If you’re exploring homes for sale in Bluffton, SC, it’s important to understand the various fees associated with property ownership in a private or gated community. These charges—often including HOA fees, POA fees, and additional community assessments—help maintain neighborhood amenities, services, and infrastructure that enhance the quality of life for residents.
What Are HOA and POA Fees in Bluffton, SC?
Homeowners Association (HOA) fees and Property Owners Association (POA) fees are common in Bluffton’s private and master-planned communities. These fees support the community’s annual operating budget and vary based on whether the property is improved (a home is built) or unimproved (a vacant lot). Typical expenses covered include:
- Landscaping and common area maintenance
- Security services and gate access
- Clubhouse and amenity upkeep
- Road maintenance
- Community events and administration
Knowing the Bluffton HOA Fees or Bluffton POA Fees ahead of time can help you plan your budget more accurately when buying real estate in the area.
Capital Improvement Fees, Enhancement Fees & Special Assessments
In addition to recurring annual fees, many Bluffton communities charge Capital Improvement Fees, Enhancement Fees, or Special Assessments. These are used for major upgrades like:
- Clubhouse renovations
- Amenity expansions (pools, fitness centers, etc.)
- Infrastructure updates
Capital Improvement Fees are usually one-time fees due at the time of purchase, while Enhancement Fees or Special Assessments are approved by the board for specific short-term projects.
Initiation, Processing, and Administrative Fees
Some Bluffton communities require an initiation fee from new property owners. This one-time charge helps cover the administrative costs of onboarding new members into the HOA or POA. Additional processing or admin fees may apply during resale or property transfer.
Real Estate Transfer Fees
A transfer fee—also known as a reconveyance fee, resale fee, or capital recovery fee—is sometimes imposed during the sale of a property. Typically paid at closing, this fee may be charged by the HOA/POA, the developer, or even the local municipality. Transfer fees often remain tied to the property and can apply to future sales as well.
Membership Fees for Bluffton Amenities
Many Bluffton communities offer or require membership fees for amenities such as:
- Golf courses
- Tennis clubs
- Swimming pools
- Fitness centers
- Social or dining clubs
In some cases, these memberships are optional, while others—especially golf course communities—require mandatory participation as a condition of ownership.
Important Note on Bluffton HOA Fees | POA Fees
All listed HOA and POA fees are subject to change. For the most accurate and updated information, always verify directly with the community association, property management company, or your real estate agent.
Search all MLS listings.
Bluffton FAQs.
What is the average HOA fee in South Carolina?
HOA fees tend to vary drastically, depending on the property or community. The fees range anywhere between $100 and $1,000 per month. The average, though, tends to be between $200 and $300 per month. The general rule that applies is that the more services and amenities, the higher the fees.
HOA vs POA
HOA (Homeowners Association) fees and POA (Property Owners Association) fees are both charges levied by community organizations for the maintenance and management of common areas and amenities, but they serve different types of communities.
1. Bluffton HOA Fees:
– HOA fees are typically associated with residential developments, such as planned communities, condominiums, or townhouses.
– These fees are mandatory for homeowners within the community and are used to maintain common areas like parks, swimming pools, roads, and landscaping.
– HOAs also enforce community rules and regulations, often including architectural guidelines, noise restrictions, and maintenance standards.
– The amount of HOA fees can vary widely depending on the amenities and services provided, as well as the size and location of the community.
2. Bluffton POA Fees:
– POA fees are similar to HOA fees but are typically associated with rural or suburban properties, such as those found in gated communities or large land developments.
– They serve a similar purpose to HOA fees, covering the costs of maintaining shared amenities and common areas.
– However, POAs may have a broader scope of responsibility, which can include things like road maintenance, security services, and even utilities in some cases.
– POA fees are also mandatory for property owners within the designated area.
In summary, while both HOA and POA fees serve similar purposes in terms of maintaining community standards and amenities, they are associated with different types of residential developments. HOA fees are more common in planned communities and urban areas, while POA fees are often found in rural or suburban settings with larger properties or gated communities.
Most POA fees updated annually .
What are the HOA fees at Sun City Hilton Head?
Sun City Hilton Head HOA Fees are: $2,688 – $3,540 annually. They include lawn care, security, and common amenity maintenance.
Is Bluffton SC A good place to live?
Bluffton is in Beaufort County and is one of the best places to live in South Carolina. Living in Bluffton offers residents a suburban rural mix feel and most residents own their homes. Many families and young professionals live in Bluffton and residents tend to be conservative.
How far is Bluffton SC from the ocean?
Hilton Head and surrounding islands provide the perfect day trip for residents of Bluffton which is simply a 10 to 15 minute drive away. Sampling local fresh seafood, sipping a glass of wine at sunset and simply “people watching” are great ways to spend those lazy days living in the Lowcountry.
Is Bluffton SC wealthy?
The per capita income in Bluffton in 2018 was $38,778, which is wealthy relative to South Carolina and the nation. This equates to an annual income of $155,112 for a family of four. However, Bluffton contains both very wealthy and poor people as well. Bluffton is a very ethnically-diverse town.
Bluffton HOA Fees | POA Fees
