Savannah Lakes Village FAQs
Frequently asked questions regarding living and buying a home in SLV
FAQ – Life in Savannah Lakes Village
What is the location of Savannah Lakes Village and what is the surrounding area like?
Savannah Lakes Village (SLV) is in western South Carolina along the shores of Lake Thurmond (also known as Clark’s Hill Lake on the Georgia side). It spans nearly 4,000 acres with about 25 miles of shoreline and is nestled near national forest and preserved land, offering outdoor recreation, southern hospitality, and natural beauty.
What types of amenities and recreation are available in the community?
SLV features two community-owned championship 18-hole golf courses (Tara and Monticello), lake access and docks for boating, fishing, and kayaking, hiking and biking trails, tennis and pickleball, a recreation center, clubhouse facilities, and a wide range of social clubs. It is designed for an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
What is the lifestyle and culture like—who lives there?
The lifestyle is relaxed, friendly, and community-oriented. Residents include retirees and active professionals, many relocating from other states for lakefront, golf-community, and outdoor-recreation living. The culture emphasizes nature, leisure, social clubs, and a strong sense of belonging.
What is the cost of living and home/lot pricing like in Savannah Lakes Village?
New homes typically range from the low $300,000s to $1M+, and homesites (lots) from about $25,000 to $250,000. Actual list prices vary by lakefront or golf-course setting, lot size, home size, age, and condition. SLV is an established, amenity-rich community with full infrastructure.
How is the community governed and are there rules I should know about?
SLV is member-owned and governed by the Property Owners’ Association (POA), which manages amenities, common areas, membership policies, club rules, architectural control, and community standards. The community transitioned out of developer control in 1998. Buyers should review Covenants and Restrictions, By-Laws, and Architectural Control Committee (ACC) guidelines.
What about utilities, infrastructure, Internet, and connectivity?
SLV has underground utilities (electric, water, sewer) and fiber-optic Internet services that support a connected lifestyle. Because the area is rural, verify cell coverage and provider options for specific properties.
How accessible are medical services, shopping, and major cities?
Nearby towns like McCormick, SC and Lincolnton, GA provide daily essentials within about a 15-minute drive. Inside SLV there are dining options and a medical center. Regional hospitals and larger shopping areas are generally 30 to 45 minutes away, with major metropolitan options requiring a longer drive.
What are the typical seasons and are there maintenance or weather concerns?
SLV experiences all four seasons with relatively mild winters. With wooded and lakefront surroundings, owners should plan for typical outdoor maintenance like tree and leaf management, shoreline considerations, and dock upkeep where applicable.
What kinds of homeowner costs or fees should a resident expect?
Budget for property taxes and any mortgage, plus POA dues and amenity usage fees for options like golf, the recreation center, and dock slips. Review current rate schedules to confirm what is included in membership and what is optional.
What should I know about lakefront properties, docks, and water access?
Lakefront ownership often includes additional costs such as dock slip lease and maintenance, plus shoreline management. Community dock slips are owned and maintained by the SLV POA. Shoreline management is regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Non-lakefront properties can lease community dock slips annually, and there are multiple public access areas with ramps, beaches, picnic areas, and fishing piers.
FAQ – Home Buying in Savannah Lakes Village
How do I begin the process of buying a home or lot in Savannah Lakes Village?
Start by contacting a real estate professional who specializes in SLV to review listings, membership requirements, and ACC policies, and to coordinate financing if needed. Obtain a lender pre-approval if you plan to finance, and review governing documents such as Covenants and Restrictions, By-Laws, and ACC guidelines.
Are there lot restrictions or architectural guidelines I should be aware of when buying?
Yes. The Architectural Control Committee (ACC) sets standards for new construction and modifications. Review permitted building types, material restrictions, tree rules, and dock or shoreline policies to ensure your plans align with community standards.
What are the financing options and is financing readily available?
Financing is generally available for homes through regional lenders. Lot-only financing may have special terms. Because SLV is an established community with full infrastructure, it is typically favorable compared with brand-new developments. Always confirm rates, down payment, and eligibility with your lender.
What are the costs beyond purchase price?
Expect closing costs (title, taxes, lender fees), a POA transfer or initiation fee (currently noted as $310.48), annual POA dues, utility connection fees for new builds, construction and site-prep costs, landscaping or tree work, dock and shoreline fees if lakefront, and ongoing maintenance. Your agent or the SLV POA can provide current schedules.
If I buy a lot and build, how long do I have to build?
There is no required time limit to begin construction after purchasing a lot in SLV. All properties, including vacant lots, pay the annual assessment.
Are there membership requirements or qualifications for property owners?
Membership conveys automatically with property ownership. All property owners, including lot owners, are members with full voting rights. Members agree to pay assessments and follow community rules. There is no separate community membership initiation fee, and amenities are pay-as-you-go.
What are the resale market conditions like? Are homes or lots appreciating?
SLV emphasizes stability and value protection via amenities, infrastructure, and governance. Appreciation varies by location (lakefront, golf view, wooded), property condition, and broader market trends. Work with a local agent who tracks comparable sales in SLV.
What should I inspect or verify when buying a home or lot?
Homes: Full home inspection (roof, foundation, systems), verify building setbacks, dock and shoreline conditions if applicable, and confirm POA dues status. Title, liens, and dues are cleared during closing.
Lots: Confirm zoning and ACC rules, tree and soil considerations, utility connections (water, sewer, electric, fiber), site-prep costs, and lake-level or shoreline stability for lakefront parcels.
If I buy a lot, what are my options for building?
Any builder licensed in South Carolina may build in SLV, including homeowner-builder options, subject to ACC approval. Ask about recommended builders, availability of spec homes for quicker occupancy, and custom design allowances.
How do POA or association dues transfer when I buy?
At closing you will typically pay a one-time transfer fee and then assume the annual POA dues going forward. Request a current POA statement for dues and assessments, and have your attorney or title company confirm all balances are clear at closing.
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