Breaking Point Revisited: Aging Infrastructure in Community Associations

Research Minute
Watch a 2-minute summary of the findings.

Key Findings

The research reveals several important trends affecting community associations today:

• 67% of respondents ranked safety concerns as the primary factor influencing infrastructure repair decisions. Although infrastructure projects often involve significant costs, safety remains the leading driver of repair decisions. 
• Deferred Maintenance Remains a Significant Concern. Communities often delay major repairs due to financial constraints, competing priorities, or concerns about homeowner affordability.
• Aging Systems Create Financial and Operational Risks. Roofs, plumbing systems, roads, structural components, elevators, and mechanical systems continue to represent some of the most common infrastructure challenges.
• Reserve Funding Is More Critical Than Ever. Communities with proactive reserve planning are better positioned to address aging infrastructure while minimizing special assessments and financial disruptions.
• Infrastructure Decisions Affect More Than Buildings. Maintenance and replacement decisions increasingly influence insurance availability, lending eligibility, marketability, property values, and resident confidence.

Related Research

The Foundation’s work on infrastructure, reserve funding, and long-term community sustainability extends across several complementary research initiatives.

Built-to-Last: Strategies for Extending the Economic Life of Community Associations. A framework for preserving, modernizing, and extending the economic life of community associations through proactive planning, governance, and lifecycle management.

Aging Infrastructure in Community Associations: 2025 Industry Snapshot. Survey findings from community association leaders and professionals examining infrastructure conditions, reserve funding challenges, deferred maintenance concerns, and priorities for preserving aging communities.

Reserve Funding Best Practices Report. A comprehensive guide to reserve studies, funding methodologies, capital planning, regulatory considerations, and strategies for maintaining the long-term financial health of community associations.

Maintenance Best Practices Report. Practical guidance for developing preventive maintenance programs, prioritizing repairs, extending the useful life of community assets, and reducing the risk of costly deferred maintenance.

Condominium Lending Eligibility & Financial Stability Trends. Research examining how reserve funding, insurance availability, and lender requirements are affecting condominium financing, affordability, and community financial stability.

Insurance Coverage Trends in Community Associations. National survey findings on rising insurance costs, coverage availability, risk mitigation, and the growing impact of insurance on association budgets and operations.

Together, these resources provide a comprehensive roadmap for understanding infrastructure challenges, strengthening financial resilience, and preserving the long-term viability of community associations.

Gratitude and Acknowledgment

This project reflects years of collaboration, research, and volunteer engagement. The Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the Foundation Think Tank, whose leadership helped identify aging infrastructure as a critical issue affecting community associations nationwide.

We also thank the members of the Aging Infrastructure Task Force, whose expertise, guidance, and commitment made this project possible.

Special recognition is extended to National Cooperative Bank (NCB) for its generous support of this important research initiative and its continued commitment to strengthening community associations through education and data-driven research.

Task Force Members

Henry Puckett
Caroline Record
Robert Riddick
Ellen Shapiro
Marc Tamres