Homeownership Program
We believe everyone should have a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home.
Applications are temporarily closed. Kindly revisit for upcoming openings.Applications for the Homeownership Program are now open! Hurry—deadline is October 25, 2025. Show your interest and apply now!
Program Overview
Our homeownership program partners with qualifying individuals and families to purchase homes with affordable mortgages. Qualified homeowners pay an affordable monthly mortgage that is no more than 30% of their gross monthly income. We build 2, 3 and 4-bedroom homes. Habitat homebuyers are strongly engaged in every step of the homebuying process – volunteering with Habitat, attending monthly financial coaching meetings, and participating in classes to become successful homeowners.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Must have lived or worked in Charlottesville, Albemarle, Greene, or Louisa for at least the previous 12 months
- Maximum household income is 60% of Area Median Income (AMI) as defined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Be a first-time homebuyer or have not owned a home within the last 3 years
Is Habitat homeownership right for you?
Habitat considers the following criteria when selecting future homeowners for our homeownership program.
You may qualify if you have:
Need for Housing
We consider both financial and housing need for individuals and families.
Ability to Pay
Future homeowners will pay affordable mortgage payments that are no more than 30% of their gross monthly income.
Please review our income guidelines below.
Willingness to Partner
Applicants must show a willingness to work with Habitat in a true partnership – disclosing financial information, volunteering with Habitat, and completing the homebuyer education program.
Maximum Income Qualification
In order to qualify for a Habitat home, your entire household income before taxes and deductions must be equal to or less than 60% of the Area Median Income in Charlottesville based on your household size. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development releases these income limits each year. These income requirements are subject to change.
For 2025, look at the list below. If you make less than the amount listed for your household size, then you may qualify:
| Household Size | 60% of Area Median Income (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $4,405 |
| 2 | $5,035 |
| 3 | $5,665 |
| 4 | $6,290 |
| 5 | $6,795 |
| 6 | $7,300 |
| 7 | $7,800 |
| 8 | $8,305 |
| Additional member | $500 |
How to Apply for Homeownership
Interest Form
Complete the Homeownership Interest Form to be notified when the next application cycle opens.
Complete the form HERE.
* Note: The interest form is NOT an application
Application Information Meeting
You will be contacted to schedule and attend an Application Information Meeting (AIM) to:
- Review steps in the application process
- Learn about current home designs
- Discuss program requirements
- Set expectations for Habitat Homeownership
AIM Quiz & Online Application
After attending an AIM, you must complete the AIM quiz.
Taking the quiz provides access to Habitat’s Online Homeownership Application.
Additional Documents
Submit supplemental income, credit, and debt documentation as requested by Habitat staff.
Financial Interview
Complete a financial interview with Habitat staff to review income, debt, and program requirements.
Home Pre-Selection
Meet with staff to review home designs and to reserve a future Habitat home.
Homebuyer Approval
Habitat Board of Directors meets to formally approve new homebuyers to the program.
Take a Tour of a Habitat Home in the Sunrise Neighborhood
What do Habitat homes look like?
Find the support you need, right in your community.
Community Voices
Words From Habitat Homeowners
