In a homeowners association (HOA), what does each member specifically own?

In a homeowners association (HOA), each member specifically owns their individual unit, house, or lot. This means that when a person purchases a property in an HOA, they have full ownership rights to their specific dwelling or parcel of land. This ownership includes the responsibility for the property, such as maintenance and any modifications, and rights associated with it, such as the ability to sell, lease, or improve the property, according to the guidelines set by the HOA.

While members also have rights to use common areas and amenities provided by the HOA, those shared spaces are owned collectively by all association members and maintained through fees paid by each member. Additionally, members do not own the entire property of the HOA, which includes all common areas and facilities. Thus, the clarity on individual ownership reinforces understanding of property rights within an HOA context.