We compared all 11 leading HOA management platforms — LotWize, PayHOA, Buildium, AppFolio, Condo Control, HOA Life, HOA OS, Vinteum, TownSq, CINC Systems, TOPS Software, and WildApricot — on pricing, AI features, free plans, and ease of use for self-managed communities.
$59–$149/mo flat · Full AI — violations, chatbot, meeting minutes, natural language commands
Best for: Self-managed HOAs that want AI to do the admin work
$49–$275/mo · None — all manual
Best for: Small communities that only need payment collection
$52–$166/mo + per-unit fees · None
Best for: Professional property managers, not volunteer boards
$1.40+/unit/mo · Limited
Best for: Large property management companies with 50+ communities
Custom quote · None
Best for: Professionally managed condominiums and large associations
$45/month (scales with units) · Narrow AI — violation assistance only
Best for: Boards that only need AI violation help, not full automation
$39/month (scales with units) · Basic AI — violations and documents
Best for: Boards wanting a minimal, modern AI interface
$55/month (scales with units) · None
Best for: Florida and Texas communities focused on resident engagement
Not published (sales call) · Add-on only ($20/mo extra)
Best for: Communities that want strong mobile engagement and community websites
Custom quote (est. $0.80–$1.20/unit/mo) · None
Best for: Large PMCs needing integrated banking and enterprise accounting
Custom quote (module-based) · None
Best for: Established CAM firms in Florida and the Southeast
~$48/month (250 contacts) · None
Best for: Small clubs and nonprofits — not built for HOAs
What is the best HOA software for self-managed communities?
LotWize is the only platform built specifically for self-managed HOAs with AI that automates violations, resident questions, meeting prep, and payments. Traditional platforms like PayHOA and Buildium were designed for professional property managers.
Is there free HOA software?
Yes. LotWize offers a free plan for up to 10 units with core AI features included. Most competitors do not offer free plans — PayHOA starts at $49/month, Buildium at $52/month.
Can HOA software replace a management company?
For most self-managed communities, yes. AI-powered software handles the same admin work — violations, dues collection, resident communication, meeting management — at a fraction of the cost. A 100-unit community can save $14,000+/year.
What features should HOA software have?
Essential features: online dues payment, violation tracking, resident portal, document storage, and communication tools. Advanced features that save the most time: AI violation drafting, 24/7 resident chatbot, automated meeting minutes, and natural language command execution.
LotWize is free for up to 10 units. No credit card required.