Site condos are commonly created by a developer to "cut the red tape". Most cities and states have a minimum requirement for the size of a parcel. It depends on the size of the original piece of land. By developing a site condo, a builder can create smaller lots and thus build more homes. The homeowner has complete ownership of house and resulting lot. But there are some rules...
A condo assocation is formed and issues by-laws that control some of the happenings around the sub. For example, they may have a final say in what can be erected on the grounds, such as fences or pole barns. Each community is different; some more relaxed, others are stricter.
I currently have a home listed in Novi Michigan on Emerson Way, that is part of such a plan. The monthly association fee is $120 per month. Part of that fee goes to a reserve in case any major repairs are required to the subdivision. The other is for regular maintenance: repainting exterior of homes, fixing cracks in pavement or steps, mowing lawn, removing snow.
Don't shy away from these types of homes! You still own it all. Just be sure that you understand your obligations by reading the by-laws before buying in.
Happy house hunting!
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Good information. There has to be a happy medium for associations to work. Some try to rule with an iron fist and that won't work and on the other hand there are associations where funds are misappropriated and that's also wrong. They (assoc) have to be made up with a group of people who care about the well being of the neighborhood they live in.