Rents are rising on Maui. Borrowing costs remain low. In this type of market, a place like Keonekai Villages 14-103 is a compelling buy if you have money set aside for a down payment.
Keonekai Villages 14-103 is listed for $257,000. With 5% down at an interest rate of 3.92%, monthly mortgage payments are $1,154 a month. The current maintenance fee is $274 a month. That includes, water, trash, refuse and basic cable. Insurance would run roughly $300-$350 a year or $25 to $29.17 per month. That comes to $1,457.17 per month. Other expenses would include electricity, Internet and property taxes. The current owner is paying a $1,694 in property taxes annually. If you are a Maui Resident who paid local taxes in 2015, you could be eligible for a lower homeowner tax rate as long as you file for the new rate before the end of the year. With exemptions, your taxes would be $500 or less. I searched Craigslist to see if I could find any rentals in Keonekai Villages that might be comparable. The only recent listing I could find was asking $1,600 a month plus electricity. A Maui resident paying homeowner tax rates would be paying less to own the condo than the cost to rent.
Keonekai Villages 14-103 isn’t just a case study for buying, it also offers a great location. It is situated within a few blocks of the Kamaole II and III Beach Parks. These are some of the best swimming and snorkeling spots in South Kihei. Shops and restaurants are also within walking distance of Keonekai. The beaches and amenities of Wailea and Makena are anywhere from two to ten minutes drive.
This condo sold in 2016. Calculations on condo ownership changed with the Covid Real Estate Boom. Contact The Maui Real Estate Team if you are a first time home buyer to discuss the current pros and cons of buying in this market.