2026 Guide

Best HOA Software — Top 5 Compared

We compared the leading HOA management platforms on pricing, AI features, free plans, and ease of use for self-managed communities.

LotWize

RecommendedBest for AI Automation

$59–$149/mo flat · Full AI — violations, chatbot, meeting minutes, natural language commands

Free plan: Yes — up to 10 units foreverTrial: 14 days, no credit card

Best for: Self-managed HOAs that want AI to do the admin work

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PayHOA

Best for Simple Payments

$49–$275/mo · None — all manual

Free plan: NoTrial: Yes

Best for: Small communities that only need payment collection

See comparison

Buildium

Best for Property Managers

$52–$166/mo + per-unit fees · None

Free plan: NoTrial: Yes

Best for: Professional property managers, not volunteer boards

See comparison

AppFolio

Enterprise CAM Software

$1.40+/unit/mo · Limited

Free plan: NoTrial: Sales demo only

Best for: Large property management companies with 50+ communities

See comparison

Condo Control

Enterprise Condos

Custom quote · None

Free plan: NoTrial: Sales process

Best for: Professionally managed condominiums and large associations

See comparison

Frequently asked questions

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.

Ready to try the top-rated HOA software?

LotWize is free for up to 10 units. No credit card required.