Affordable Homeownership Program | Habitat for Humanity

Homeownership Program Overview

Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads partners with families to make affordable homeownership possible. Through our Homeownership Program, we build and renovate simple, energy-efficient homes that are sold to qualified families with an affordable mortgage.

Habitat homes are not giveaways. Homebuyers purchase their homes with a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage designed to remain affordable, ensuring monthly housing costs do not exceed 30% of household income at closing. Habitat for Humanity does not profit from the sale of our homes.

In addition to purchasing a home, partner families contribute time and effort through sweat equity and complete homeownership education classes, helping build long-term stability and pride of ownership.

Application Status

The Homeownership Program is currently CLOSED.

Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads has postponed our 2026 homeownership application period, originally scheduled for May 1, as we work to secure additional land to serve more families.

We remain committed to expanding homeownership opportunities and will announce our next application period for 2027 via our website, social media, and newsletter.

Thank you for your continued interest and support.

Habitat does not provide emergency housing. If you need immediate shelter or assistance, please call 211 for free local resources.

Homeownership Program FAQs

How does the Homeownership Program work?

Habitat builds or renovates 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom homes
Homes are sold to approved partner families
Buyers receive a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage
Monthly mortgage payments are affordable and based on income
Families complete:

At least 200 hours of sweat equity
12 homeownership education classes

What is sweat equity?

Sweat equity is the time and effort families invest in building their home, volunteering at the ReStore, or assisting other Habitat families. This partnership helps reduce construction costs and prepares families for successful homeownership.

Who may qualify for the Homeownership Program?

Applicants are considered based on housing need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner.

Applicants must:

Live in overcrowded or substandard housing or a subsidized rental
Have not owned a home within the past three years
Have a minimum credit score of 640
Be current on rent and other credit obligations
Have all collections, judgments, and liens resolved
Be at least:

2 years past bankruptcy discharge
5 years past foreclosure or deed-in-lieu

Earn a verifiable household income within Habitat’s qualifying range
Have lived in one of the following localities for at least one year:

Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Smithfield, or Suffolk

What are the income guidelines?

Household income must fall within Habitat’s qualifying range based on family size:

1 person: $37,300 – $59,650
2 people: $42,600 – $68,200
3 people: $47,950 – $76,700
4 people: $53,250 – $85,200
5 people: $57,550 – $92,050
6 people: $61,800 – $98,850
7 people: $66,050 – $105,650
8 people: $70,300 – $112,500

How are applicants selected?

Completed applications are reviewed by a selection committee made up of community members and Habitat supporters
Qualified applicants may receive a home visit and be invited to meet with the committee
Final selections are based on program capacity and funding availability

In our most recent application cycle, we received 392 applications.

What is required during the application process?

Applicants must be willing to:

Pay a $25 application fee
Pay for background checks and credit reports through our authorized vendor for all adults (18+)
Attend mandatory Habitat/VHDA homebuyer education classes
Complete background and credit checks for all adults (18+)
Verify household income
Plan and save for closing costs and utility deposits
Notify Habitat SHR of changes to financial or family circumstances
Participate fully and respectfully throughout the process

Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.

How do I apply or get more information?

When applications reopen, completed applications must be submitted in person and include all required documentation and a non-refundable application fee.

To receive updates or ask questions about the Homeownership Program, please contact:
📧 familyservices@shrhabitat.org
📞 757-837-0087