homeownership program
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh's homeownership program offers an affordable path to buying your first home, with guidance and support at every stage. To qualify, you’ll need to meet low-income requirements and be willing to partner with us throughout your journey to homeownership.
Becoming a Habitat Homeowner
Here's how you can achieve first-time homeownership by partnering with Habitat Pittsburgh:​
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Apply to the Program
You can apply for Habitat Pittsburgh's homeownership program during open application periods (we are not currently accepting applications). Check our website or signup for email updates for announcements regarding program openings. Review our program requirements to ensure your household qualifies.
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Partner with Habitat
Once accepted into the program, you'll work alongside Habitat Pittsburgh. Each future homebuyer completes 350 hours of sweat equity volunteering on their home. This allows you to make a tangible investment in your future home while developing basic maintenance skills. You'll also complete financial literacy courses to help you manage debt, build credit, and budget for your future. Typically the program takes 6-12 months to complete.
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Become a Homeowner
Upon program completion, you will make a small downpayment of $950 and sign an affordable, 30-year, no-interest mortgage. Payments are priced to not exceed 30% of your household income and typically range from $800-$1,200 per month, including taxes and insurance.
build strength, stability, self-reliance, and shelter
Program Requirements
To qualify for our homeownership program, applicants must:
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Need Improved Housing
Applicants must currently be living in substandard or inadequate housing. This may include your current residence having safety concerns, health risks, being overcrowded, and more.
First-Time Homebuyer
This program is only for families and individuals who have never owned a home.
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Allegheny County Residents
Applicants must currently reside or work within Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
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Willing to Partner
Applicants must be willing to actively partner with Habitat Pittsburgh. This includes completing 350 hours of volunteering and financial literacy classes during the program.
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Earn a Low-Income
Household income must be between 40-60% Area Median Income, use your family size and total annual income to confirm your eligibility. Income verification is required to demonstrate your ability to make consistent monthly mortgage payments. ​​
Household Size | Minimum Income | Maximum Income |
|---|---|---|
1 | $30,044 | $45,066 |
2 | $34,336 | $51,504 |
3 | $38,628 | $57,942 |
4 | $42,920 | $64,380 |
5 | $46,354 | $69,530 |
6 | $49,787 | $74,681 |
7 | $53,221 | $79,831 |
8 | $56,654 | $84,982 |
Apply for Homeownership
We are currently not accepting applications for homeownership. Get notified about upcoming open application rounds by signing up for our email list.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
(Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan: Information about open applications for these equal-opportunity housing programs is also posted to our website, social media, and marketed publicly.)