What Is a PUD Home (Planned Unit Development)?

Many homebuyers today are not just shopping for a house; they’re shopping for a community that reflects their desired lifestyle. A PUD home, meaning a planned unit development property, offers shared amenities, such as a neighborhood clubhouse, swimming pool, parks, tennis or pickleball courts, and a gated entry.

But a PUD property also offers something other HOA communities don’t — full ownership of your home, including the land on which it sits. In this post, we explain the concept of a planned unit development and provide insights to help you decide if a PUD is a good choice for your next home.

What is a PUD home?

A planned unit development (PUD) home is part of a unique housing concept designed with community and convenience in mind. Unlike traditional housing, a PUD integrates residential homes with other amenities, such as parks (including dog parks), schools, and commercial spaces, within a single, well-planned community. Here’s what sets a PUD home apart:

Mixed-use spaces: PUDs often combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, offering residents convenience and a variety of amenities within walking distance. PUDS can include single-family homes, townhomes, and senior living communities.
Community focus: These developments are designed to foster a sense of community among residents through shared spaces and community events.
Unique governance: Homeowners in a PUD are part of a homeowners’ association (HOA) that manages the community’s common areas and amenities, ensuring that the environment remains attractive and functional for all.

How is a PUD home different from an HOA home?

While both PUD homes and HOA-governed homes share similarities in community living and governance, several key differences distinguish them:

Ownership and control: In a PUD, homeowners own their land and home outright, including the yard and any structures on the property. This contrasts with some HOA communities, where the HOA might own common areas and have more control over exterior modifications to your home.
Scope of amenities and services: PUDs generally offer a broader range of amenities, such as parks, community centers, and even commercial spaces managed by the HOA. These might include spaces for dining, entertainment, groceries, daycare, fitness, and healthcare services. The HOA fees in a PUD might cover these extensive amenities, which can vary widely from those in a traditional HOA community.
Governance structure: The governance in a PUD can be more comprehensive, often incorporating the maintenance of streets, utilities, and common areas, whereas traditional HOAs might focus more on community rules and exterior home appearances.

Another notable difference is that PUDs are typically governed by agreements between the developer and area civic authorities. These agreements often require the developer to adhere to community standards spelled out by local ordinances. These might include:

Population density limits
Guideline for permissible land use
Architectural design controls
Public health and safety codes
Protecting historic or cultural features
Preservation of natural landscapes or views

How much are HOA fees for a PUD?

The cost of HOA fees in a planned unit development (PUD) can vary widely, influenced by the community’s location, the range of amenities and services provided, and the size of the property. Here are a few points to consider:

Range of fees: HOA fees for PUDs can range from as low as $150 to over $1,000 monthly for a unit in a luxury complex. The variance depends significantly on what the community offers in terms of amenities and services.
Amenities and services: High-end amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, and gated security contribute to higher HOA fees. Additionally, services like landscaping, trash removal, and maintenance of communal areas also factor into the cost.
Location: The geographic location of a PUD plays a key role in determining HOA fees. Communities in more desirable areas or those that offer waterfront access or mountain views may command higher fees.
Size of the property: In some cases, the size of your home or lot within the PUD can influence your HOA fees, with larger properties potentially incurring higher costs.

Depending on the HOA, PUD fees might be required monthly, quarterly, or annually and can directly affect how much home you can afford. Before committing to buy a home in a PUD, it’s important to consider how these fees fit into your overall budget.

What are the community rules in a PUD home?

Living in a planned unit development (PUD) means adhering to certain community rules established by the homeowners’ association (HOA). These rules are designed to maintain the community’s aesthetics, safety, and harmony. Here are common types of rules you might encounter:

Exterior modifications: Most PUDs have guidelines on changes you can make to the exterior of your home, including landscaping, paint colors, and additions.
Noise restrictions: To ensure a peaceful environment, PUDs often enforce noise restrictions, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours.
Pet policies: There may be restrictions on the number, size, and breed of pets you can have, as well as rules regarding leashing and cleaning up after them in common areas.
Use of common areas: Guidelines for using common areas, such as pools, tennis courts, and community centers, ensure these spaces remain enjoyable for all residents. This can include rules about guest access, event hosting, and hours of operation.
Parking: PUDs typically have rules about where residents and their guests can park, including restrictions on street parking and the number of vehicles per household.

Benefits and drawbacks of a PUD home

Choosing to live in a planned unit development (PUD) comes with its unique set of advantages and challenges. Let’s review some key considerations to help you make an informed decision about whether a PUD home is right for you.

Benefits

Amenities and convenience: PUDs often offer a variety of amenities, such as pools, fitness centers, and parks, providing a convenient and enhanced lifestyle within walking distance of your home.
Community feel: The design of PUDs promotes a strong sense of community, making it easier for residents to connect and build relationships with their neighbors.
Increased privacy: With dedicated spaces and sometimes gated entries, PUDs can offer more privacy than typical suburban neighborhoods.
Property value stability: The managed nature of PUDs and their amenities can help maintain and even increase property values over time.

Drawbacks

HOA fees and regulations: Living in a PUD means adhering to HOA rules and paying monthly fees, which can be a significant additional cost and limit some personal freedoms regarding property use and modifications.
Limited customization: The community guidelines often restrict how you can modify the exterior of your home, limiting personal expression and customization. However, because of the land ownership differences, PUDs tend to allow more flexibility than traditional townhome and condo HOAs.
Potential for conflicts: As with any community living situation, there’s a potential for conflicts with neighbors or the HOA, especially regarding rules or fee increases.

Is it hard to finance a PUD home?

Financing a PUD home isn’t necessarily harder than financing a traditional home, but there are some specific considerations to keep in mind:

Lender familiarity: Some lenders are more familiar with the intricacies of financing a PUD property, so it’s beneficial to work with a lender that has experience in this area.
HOA status: Lenders may review the HOA’s financial and legal standing to ensure it is well-managed and not involved in litigation, as this can affect the loan approval. This process typically includes a review of the PUD’s conditions and restrictions, or CC&Rs.
Down payment and rates: Financing terms for PUD homes, including down payment requirements and interest rates, are generally comparable to those for financing a single-family home. However, lenders may consider the overall health of the PUD, its insurance coverage or history, and available amenities as part of the loan qualification process.

It’s a good idea to discuss your intentions to buy a PUD home with your lender early in the process to identify any potential hurdles and address them proactively.

How do I find a PUD home?

Finding a PUD home involves a few steps, leveraging both online resources and professional help:

Online real estate platforms: Many real estate websites allow you to filter search results for PUD homes specifically or look for homes in communities with common amenities and HOA fees.
Real estate agents: Working with an agent experienced in PUD properties can be invaluable. They can help you navigate the search process, understand the nuances of living in a PUD, and find a community that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Local community boards: Sometimes, local community boards or forums can offer insights into PUDs in the area, including upcoming openings or feedback from current residents.
Direct inquiries: If you have a particular community in mind, reaching out directly to the HOA or community management can provide you with information on available properties and the buying process.

Source: (John Matychuk / Unsplash)

What’s life like in a planned unit development?

Life in a planned unit development (PUD) offers a blend of community, convenience, and comfort, tailored to those seeking a more managed living environment. Residents enjoy access to exclusive amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, neighborhood businesses, and community spaces, often within walking distance of their homes.

The community-centric design encourages social interactions, making it easier to form close bonds with neighbors.

Furthermore, the consistent maintenance and management of common areas ensure that the neighborhood always looks its best, contributing to a pleasant and worry-free living experience.

However, as noted above, the trade-off includes adherence to community rules and the payment of HOA fees, which are crucial for the upkeep and governance of the shared spaces and amenities.

Is a PUD home a good choice for me?

Deciding whether a PUD home is the right choice for you depends on your lifestyle preferences, financial readiness for HOA fees, and willingness to live within the guidelines of a managed community. If you value amenities, a strong sense of community, and ease of maintenance, a PUD could be an excellent fit.

On the other hand, if you prefer greater autonomy over your property and minimal additional fees, you might want to explore other housing options.

To navigate the complexities of buying a PUD home and to find a community that aligns with your needs and values, consider leveraging the expertise of a seasoned real estate professional. HomeLight can connect you with experienced agents who specialize in PUD and similar planned community properties.

»Buying and selling at the same time? Make a more seamless move with HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program.

To learn more, see ​​House Hunting: How to ‘Buy Before You Sell’ With HomeLight.

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