Guide
Mello-Roos Explained: What San Diego Home Buyers Need to Know
If you are shopping for a newer home in San Diego County, you will hear the term Mello-Roos. Many buyers nod along without really knowing what it means. Since it can add a meaningful amount to your monthly cost, it is worth understanding before you make an offer
By CC Summerfield, Realtor · CA DRE #01373421 · Nov 10, 2026
If you are shopping for a newer home in San Diego County, you will hear the term Mello-Roos. Many buyers nod along without really knowing what it means. Since it can add a meaningful amount to your monthly cost, it is worth understanding before you make an offer.
What Mello-Roos is
Mello-Roos is an extra tax added on top of your regular property tax. It shows up as its own line on the tax bill for some homes, mostly in newer neighborhoods. Cities, counties and school districts use it to pay for infrastructure like streets, sewers, parks and streetlights.
The area that collects it is called a community facilities district, or CFD.
How much it costs and how long it lasts
There is no single average. The amount depends on the district, and it can even differ between homes on the same street based on lot size, home size and construction phase.
The charge can rise each year, sometimes with a cap. Most Mello-Roos taxes end after 25 to 40 years. Always ask how many years are left.
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