03/05/2026
Can you handle the rising costs of homeownership, including the increase in taxes and HOA fees?
You may have your home paid off or have a large equity, but as a retiree, can you keep up with the rising costs of owning a home?
The US Census Bureau reports that monthly owner costs for housing is rising.
“One way we measure housing affordability is based on how much households spend on selected costs such as mortgage payments, insurance, taxes, utilities, and various fees,” said Jacob Fabina, a Census Bureau economist. “In 2024, the median percentage of income householders with a mortgage spent on these costs was 21.4%, which points to an increased burden on homeowners.”(1)
The rising cost of home association fees and condominium fees is affecting homeowners significantly in certain areas and cities. The Average monthly HOA costs hit $135 in 2025, according to the US Census, which is an 8% increase year-over-year. (2)
Other expenses include insurance costs, property taxes, mortgage, and utility expenses.
If you are on a fixed income, how will you adjust to these increases?
There is a way. If you qualify, a portion of your equity can be used for rising costs while you keep your home. Proceeds from a reverse mortgage are tax-free.3 Many retirees use proceeds to reduce their taxable income while still gaining interest to keep their home and keep up with the rising costs of ownership. (3)
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025/acs-1-year-estimates.html
https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2025/09/condo-hoa-fees.html
Harlan J. Accola, Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages, 2018.