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Homeownership Program

We believe everyone should have a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home.

Icon Applications are temporarily closed. Kindly revisit for upcoming openings.

Applications for the Homeownership Program are now open! Hurryβ€”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 homeowners buyers are strongly engaged in every step of the homebuyer 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

Eligibility

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:

housing

Need for Housing

We consider both financial and housing need for individuals and families who have low- to moderate-incomes, and who experience overcrowding, expensive rent, or unsafe conditions in their current housing.

pay

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

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

step

Interest Form

Check the Habitat website to find out if applications are currently being accepted. If not, fill out the Homeownership Interest Form so we can notify you when the next cycle opens. Complete the form HERE.

 

* Note: The interest form is NOT an application

step

Application Information Meeting

You will be contacted to schedule and attend an Application Information Meeting (AIM) with Habitat staff to:

 

– Review steps in the application process
– Learn about current home designs
– Discuss program requirements
– Set expectations for Habitat Homeownership

step

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.

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Additional Documents

Submit supplemental income, credit, and debt documentation as requested by staff.

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Financial Interview

Complete a financial interview with staff to review income, debt, and program requirements.

step

Home Pre-Selection

Meet with staff to review home designs and to reserve a future Habitat home.

step

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

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