Calculator
HOA Reserve Risk Calculator
Assess special assessment risk based on reserve funding and planned capital projects.
Underfunded reserves are a leading predictor of special assessments. Reserve studies estimate future repair costs. Compare funding levels to those projections.
Use this tool to flag buildings that may need extra cash reserves in your budget.
Last updated: May 2026
Your numbers
What this means
Low reserve funding increases the chance of fee hikes or special assessments. Budget extra cash reserves before buying.
Assumptions and limitations
- Risk tiers use common 70% funded rule of thumb; local norms vary.
Frequently asked questions
- What are condo reserve study red flags?
- Low percent funded, overdue studies, large near-term projects, and repeated assessments are common warning signs.
- What is underfunded HOA reserves?
- When reserve cash falls well below what the reserve study recommends for future repairs.
When this matters
- The reserve study shows low percent funded
- The building is older and has major systems nearing end of life
- You want a personal buffer for assessment risk beyond monthly dues
What this calculator does not include
- Live tax bills, insurance quotes, or HOA budgets from any database
- Lender approval, HOA questionnaire results, or project eligibility
- Future HOA increases unless you change the inputs yourself
- Engineering conclusions from a reserve study
- Board decisions on timing of projects
See our methodology page for how each input is defined and how to interpret results.
Common questions
- What percent funded is concerning?
- Many buyers treat below roughly 30 to 40 percent as a red flag, especially when large projects are scheduled. Read the reserve study narrative, not just the headline number.
Sources to verify before buying
Use this checklist during due diligence. Calculators help you plan; these documents tell you what a specific building actually costs.
- HOA budget and most recent financial statements
- Reserve study and percent-funded summary
- Master insurance policy declarations and renewal terms
- Board meeting minutes from the past 12–24 months
- Pending or approved special assessment notices
- County or municipal property tax estimator for the unit
- HO-6 insurance quote matched to master policy coverage
- Lender condo questionnaire or project approval status
Assumptions and limitations
- Outputs are planning estimates only, not quotes from lenders, insurers, or tax authorities.
- Actual HOA dues, insurance premiums, and tax assessments vary by building, location, and ownership status.
- PMI, special assessments, and reserve risk are modeled with simplified assumptions unless you enter your own figures.
- Always confirm numbers with association documents, your agent, and qualified professionals before making an offer.
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- Condo ExpensesFree condo expenses calculator: estimate monthly mortgage, HOA, taxes, insurance, PMI, utilities, and assessment buffer in one payment.
Related guides
Learn the basics before you run the numbers