Scottsdale House

Scottsdale House Condos in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale House is a 24-hour guard-gated, all-ages townhome community on more than 40 acres at 4800 N 68th Street in Scottsdale (85251), within walking distance of Scottsdale Fashion Square and minutes from Old Town. Built in 1969, it has a country-club-style setup unusual for a condo community: a private restaurant and bar, a heated pool, spa and sauna, fitness room, salon, massage studio, library, and an active social calendar. Prices are far lower than you’d expect for this location. The reason is the most important thing to understand: Scottsdale House is a land lease community so own your home, just not the land under it.

What a Land Lease Means

In a land lease community, you buy the unit but lease the land it sits on, paying a monthly land lease fee in addition to your HOA dues.

• Two monthly payments: You’ll pay both HOA dues and a land lease payment every month. Get both amounts in writing before making an offer.
• Financing can be harder: Many lenders won’t finance land lease properties, or have stricter requirements, which can limit the pool of buyers and push transactions toward cash. Ask your agent for a lender referral.
• Lease terms affect value: Property values in land lease communities depend heavily on how many years remain on the lease and how the lease can be renewed or renegotiated. Ask for the lease expiration date, renewal terms, and history of rent increases.
• Resale: Because of the financing and lease issues, resale values tend to lag comparable fee-simple properties nearby.

This also is why a 600-square-foot unit near Fashion Square can list under $200,000.

The Homes

Scottsdale House homes are single-level patio homes and townhomes in solid block construction, from about 600-square-foot one-bedroom units to roughly 1,800-square-foot three-bedroom end units. Many have private covered patios, some of the units on the West side of the complex come with pretty epic Camelback Mountain views.

Recent listings range from about $178,500 for a one-bedroom to around $370,000 to $398,000 for two- and three-bedroom units.

Everything was built in 1969. Unremodeled units likely need updated electrical, plumbing, windows, and HVAC.

HOA Dues and What They Cover

The HOA covers a lot including exterior maintenance, roof replacement, insurance, water, sewer, trash, front yard care, and grounds and street maintenance. Get current figures for both the HOA and the land lease, ideally before you make an offer.

Amenities

• 24-hour attended guard gate
• A private on-site restaurant and lounge/bar
• Large, year-round heated pool, spa, and sauna
• Fitness room
• Hair and nail salon, massage therapy, and facials
• Library and organized social activities
• More than 40 acres of lawns and mature trees

Schools

Scottsdale House is open to all ages. Assigned schools include Hopi Elementary, Ingleside Middle School, and Arcadia High School. Verify by address.

Location

Location is the biggest draw. Scottsdale Fashion Square is within walking distance, and the Scottsdale Waterfront, Old Town’s restaurants and galleries, and Camelback Mountain are all minutes away. The community is surrounded by multimillion-dollar homes.