Boca Raton & Delray Beach Home Buyers
Boca Raton & Delray Beach Mortgage Calculator
Boca Raton and Delray Beach draw a different buyer than Miami or Fort Lauderdale — more retirees and professionals relocating from high-tax states, into a housing stock dominated by gated, amenity-rich communities. Here, your HOA dues often matter as much to your monthly budget as your mortgage payment itself.
Why HOA dues deserve their own line item
Many Boca and Delray communities charge $300–$800 or more per month in HOA dues covering golf, clubhouse access, gate security, and grounds maintenance. Lenders count that dues amount against your debt-to-income ratio exactly like a mortgage payment — so a home with a lower sticker price but high HOA dues can actually qualify you for less house than a similarly priced home with no HOA. Always run the HOA amount through your affordability numbers, not just the mortgage.
Palm Beach County property taxes
Here is roughly what you might expect at a few price points, before exemptions:
| Home Price | Approx. Rate (~0.83%) | Est. Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|
| $400,000 | ~0.83% | $3,320 |
| $600,000 | ~0.83% | $4,980 |
| $850,000 | ~0.83% | $7,055 |
Florida’s Homestead Exemption and the Save Our Homes 3% cap apply to primary residences once homesteaded — a meaningful saving on Palm Beach County’s higher home values.
The relocation calculation
A large share of Boca and Delray buyers are moving from states like New York, New Jersey, or Illinois, where state income tax alone can run 5–10%+ of income. Florida’s lack of a state income tax is often a bigger factor in the relocation decision than the mortgage rate itself — worth running the full comparison, not just the housing payment, when you’re weighing a move.
Tips for Boca & Delray buyers
- Request full HOA financials and reserve study before offering — not just the monthly dues figure
- Check for a separate CDD fee if you’re buying new construction (Community Development District assessments are common in newer Palm Beach County developments)
- Run your DTI with HOA included using our DTI calculator before you set your price range
- File your Homestead Exemption with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser after closing
Factor HOA dues into your real number with the full calculator.
Related calculators & guides
Florida Mortgage Calculator → FHA Loan Calculator → How Much Can I Afford? →