Short answer: A cap (capital), CARE, preservation or enhancement fee is a one-time fee most West Valley 55+ communities charge when a home changes hands. The buyer usually pays it at closing. Some are flat, like The Grand's $5,000 CARE fee or Sun City West's $5,750 Asset Preservation Fee. Others are a percentage, like Sun City Festival's 0.25% of price (per Greg Slaughter, 2026) or Victory at Verrado's 0.65% + $500. Greg says it surprises a lot of buyers, so put it in your cash-to-close budget before you write an offer.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a cap fee, and who pays it?
A cap (capital), CARE, preservation or enhancement fee is a one-time fee most West Valley 55+ communities charge when a home changes hands. The buyer usually pays it at closing. Some are flat, like The Grand's $5,000 CARE fee or Sun City West's $5,750 Asset Preservation Fee. Others are a percentage, like Sun City Festival's 0.25% of price (per Greg Slaughter, 2026) or Victory at Verrado's 0.65% + $500. Greg says it surprises a lot of buyers, so put it in your cash-to-close budget before you write an offer.
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