Homeownership Program
Is it your dream to own your own home?
Thank you for your interest in Habitat for Humanity Buffalo and our Homeownership Program. For nearly 40 years, Habitat Buffalo has built homes and fulfilled dreams in partnership with hardworking individuals and families. Through a collaborative effort, Habitat Buffalo works towards increasing the affordable housing stock in our community. Homes are sold to qualifying partner homebuyers and financed with affordable loans.
How the Program Works
With the support of community partners, donors, and volunteers, Habitat Buffalo constructs new homes and renovates existing homes alongside Habitat Partner Homebuyers. Our homeownership program is designed to assist low-income first-time homebuyers to achieve the American dream of homeownership. Habitat homes are sold to partner homebuyers at no profit and financed with affordable loans. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest sweat equity hours building their future Habitat home and the homes of other Habitat Homebuyers. Interested applicants must submit a pre-application questionnaire and meet the following program eligibility requirements.
Program Criteria
- Homebuyers must be able to demonstrate they can afford a small down payment and a monthly mortgage payment.
- Homebuyers must fall within the minimum 50% AMI and maximum 80% AMI.
- Homebuyers must have good credit (no recent bankruptcies, collections, liens, or judgments).
- Homebuyers must demonstrate a need for decent and affordable housing.
- Complete Habitat Buffalo’s Family Investment Education Program.
- Homebuyers must be willing to partner with Habitat Buffalo by completing the following:
- 400 sweat equity hours
- A HUD-certified pre-purchase homebuyer education workshop
- All household members must be U.S. Citizens or permanent legal residents.
| Household Size | Minimum Income (50% AMI) | Maximum Income (80% AMI) |
| 1 | $35,350 | $56,600 |
| 2 | $40,400 | $64,650 |
| 3 | $45,450 | $72,750 |
| 4 | $50,500 | $80,800 |
| 5 | $54,550 | $87,300 |
| 6 | $58,600 | $93,750 |
| 7 | $62,650 | $100,200 |
| 8 | $66,700 | $106,700 |
*Note: Income guidelines vary by property development and are subject to change per the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the New York State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Apply for the Homeownership Program
Taking the first step toward homeownership starts with completing the pre-application. Eligible applicants will then be contacted to complete the full application process.
Current Projects
66 Zenner
66 Zenner 66 Zenner St., Buffalo, NY 14211This project is an important part of Habitat's mission...
184 Ingham
184 Ingham 184 Ingham Ave, Buffalo, NY 14218This project is an important part of Habitat's mission...
Testimonial
The ability of Habitat for Humanity to provide families a place to live, while teaching financial responsibility and creating generational wealth is incredibly profound. To be a small part of this mission has been a true privilege and one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had in my life. Keep doing great things!