Your Guide to Donating a Hard-to-Sell Condo in Florida

Owning a condo in Florida can be rewarding, especially when it’s a place you’ve enjoyed for years or an investment that supported your goals. However, for many owners, the same property has become a source of stress. Some condos have become difficult or nearly impossible to sell because of financing restrictions, HOA challenges, or buildings flagged by lenders as “unapproved.”

If you’ve tried to sell and keep running into roadblocks, you’re not alone. Across Florida, buyers struggle to get financing, insurance costs are soaring, and some buildings don’t qualify for conventional mortgages anymore. The result is familiar: rising HOA fees and property taxes on a condo you can’t move.

There is another way forward. Donating your condo can be a practical and meaningful solution that relieves you of ongoing costs while supporting a cause you care about. This guide explains why some condos are hard to sell, how donation works, and what to expect when you partner with a real estate donation organization like Giving Property.

Understanding Why Some Condos Are Hard to Sell

Florida’s condo landscape has changed. Following new safety requirements and tighter insurance standards, lenders have become more cautious about which buildings they’ll finance. When a building appears on a lender’s ineligible or “unavailable” list, often referred to as a blacklist, buyers can’t use a traditional mortgage to purchase a unit there. That limits you to cash buyers, and the buyer pool shrinks dramatically.

Buildings can be flagged for several reasons: structural or maintenance concerns, inadequate reserves, pending litigation, high delinquency rates, or insurance gaps. Even well-kept buildings can fall short of updated lender criteria on reserves or coverage.

If you want to check whether your building is eligible for certain types of financing, you can visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Condominium Approval List.

When a building isn’t eligible, traditional selling becomes much tougher, and that’s where many owners feel stuck.

Why Selling Isn’t Always an Option

Most buyers rely on FHA, VA, or conventional loans. If those are off the table, a buyer must pay cash or find specialty financing with stricter terms. Even when a deal appears solid, lenders can deny financing late in the process after reviewing the building’s status.

Local reporting has shown just how widespread this problem has become for Florida owners. Many are effectively stuck in buildings that can’t secure financing, no matter how desirable the location or unit.

According to The Mortgage Reports, Fannie Mae’s list of ineligible condo projects has made it increasingly complex for units in certain buildings to sell. A report from ClickOrlando found that thousands of condo owners are facing the same issue, unable to sell because of these financing limits.

Financing isn’t the only hurdle. Some HOAs are under pressure from rising insurance premiums, new inspection requirements, and special assessments. That can lead to higher dues or unexpected one-time fees or costs that make holding the condo even harder.

Why Donation Can Be a Smart Exit

Donation gives you a responsible way to move on while doing some good. When you donate your condo to a qualified charitable organization, you transfer ownership, along with the associated burdens of HOA dues, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. For many owners, the relief and clarity of an immediate exit are reason enough.

There can also be a tax benefit. Donating real estate to a qualified nonprofit may make you eligible for a federal tax deduction based on fair market value (subject to IRS rules). Your gift can be directed to a cause you care about, turning a difficult property into meaningful impact. It’s advisable to consult with your tax advisor to determine how this applies to your specific situation.

How the Condo Donation Process Works

The process is more straightforward than most people expect, especially with a partner that handles the details.

First, you’ll share basic information about the property, including its location, condition, HOA details, and any known issues. The donation partner evaluates the condo to confirm it meets acceptance criteria

Next, a title review checks for liens, unpaid taxes, or legal problems. The team coordinates with your HOA to verify dues, assessments, transfer requirements, and the building’s standing.

A qualified appraisal determines fair market value. This figure supports your potential tax deduction and provides a clear record for your files.

Once everything is ready, the organization prepares the paperwork, coordinates closing, and transfers title. After the transfer, ongoing costs are no longer your responsibility. You will receive an acknowledgment of the gift, along with the necessary documentation for tax reporting.

From start to finish, the goal is a smooth, transparent process that lets you move forward without juggling paperwork or chasing approvals.

A Simple Way to Move On and Give Back

If your Florida condo has become a financial burden or a source of stress, donation offers a clear exit and the chance to support a cause that matters to you. You can let go of the ongoing costs, avoid the uncertainty of a tough sale, and turn the property into something positive.

To start your donation, visit the Giving Property contact page. Our team will guide you through every step, from reviewing your condo to completing the title transfer, and help you make a lasting charitable impact with your property.