Understanding the Cost of Ownership
Owning property on Dewees Island comes with unique expenses beyond a typical mainland community. All services are privately funded and maintained by the community, so costs are generally higher than in other neighborhoods.
When you purchase property here, you become a member of two entities:
Property Owners Association (POA)
Oversees transportation, infrastructure, public safety, environmental programs, and general island operations.
Dewees Utility Corporation (DUC)
Operates the island’s closed water and sewer system, including on-island wells, reverse osmosis treatment, and wastewater management for all properties.
Your annual contributions support essential services such as ferry transportation, road and dock maintenance, fire protection, water and sewer systems, and ecological management.
The tables that follow outline annual POA and DUC dues, along with other potential costs to consider when owning property on Dewees Island.
Summary of POA Dues
- Annual Operating Assessment: $14,575
- (funds day-to-day operations and maintenance)
- Capital Reserve Assessment: $5,700
- (funds long-term infrastructure projects)
Additional POA Fees
- Public Safety Fee: $2,625 (developed lots)
- Marina Parking Fee for Developed Lot: $900
- Marina Parking Fee for Undeveloped Lot: $285 for two weeks or $500 annual package
Special Assessments
- Occasional one-time fees for major community projects, such as ferry upgrades or erosion control. Last Special Assessment Fy22
Summary of DUC Dues
Availability Fees (undeveloped and developed lots)
- Water Availability Fee: $2,182.30
- Sewer Availability Fee: $2,353.63
Usage Rates (developed lots)
- Water Usage Rates: $41 to $116 per thousand gallons per month
- Sewer Usage Rates: $41 to $116 per thousand gallons per month
Availability Fees cover year-round readiness. Usage Rates are based on consumption.
Additional DUC Fees (developed lots)
- Annual Trash Removal Fee: $357
- Annual Inspection: $175 (sprinkler and backflow prevention)
Estimated Annual Cost for a Home
*Example for a two-person household. Actual costs vary.
| $14,575 |
| $6,504 |
| $5,700 |
| $4,400* |
| $2,625 |
| $900 |
| $357 |
| $175 |
POA and DUC Estimated Total for Homeowners | $35,236 |
*Actual Ferry Pass is based on ridership per year.Â
Estimated Annual Cost for a Lot
*Example for a two-person household. Actual costs vary.
| $14,575 |
| $4,536 |
| $5,700 |
| $500 |
POA & DUC Estimated Total For Lot Owners | $25,311 |
Additional & Potential Costs to Consider
Property tax, insurance, utilities, marina slip, golf cart, and special assessments. Actual costs vary by home or lot, usage, and lifestyle, and are only estimates.
Ferry Fee Structure
Owners use a tiered ferry pass system based on annual ridership. The more rides you take, the higher your tier and the higher your ferry pass cost. Payment can be made annually or monthly with a 3% interest rate.
Ferry Pass Pricing
- 55–149 rides: $1,600
- 150–299 rides: $3,300
- 300–499 rides: $4,400
- 500–699 rides: $6,500
- 700+ rides: $8,000
- New Developed Lot Owners interested in the pass start at the lowest tier for the first year until usage is tracked.
- Undeveloped Lot Owner Package – $500 per year
- Includes unlimited ferry rides, marina lot parking, 14 nights at Huyler House, and golf cart rentals.
- A la carte: Owners without a pass can pay $25 per ride.
Other Potential Costs
- Property taxes
- Homeowner’s insurance
- Utilities like electricity, propane, and internet
- Marina slip fees if you keep a boat on Isle of Palms
- Buying and maintaining golf carts
- Barge and delivery fees for carts, large items, or building materials
- Routine home maintenance and repairs
- Pest control services
- Special assessments for major community projects
- Costs (ferry, barge, ARB deposit) for construction or renovations
- Sprinkler monitoring systems (mandated for all developed lots)