Homeownership

*UPDATE: In light of the ongoing pandemic, our office is closed to the public and we continue to work remotely. Our office staff will be available remotely to assist you. For questions and more information about our homeownership program, please contact Mandy Jansen at mandy.jansen@dchabitat.org, or 202-882-4600, extension 230.*

Habitat for Humanity provides a unique opportunity for families to build and buy their own homes. Our houses are sold below market value to families who qualify for a monthly housing payment that is no more than 30% of their monthly income. We work closely with our partner families to provide them with the knowledge and tools they need to become successful homeowners and we’re with them every step of the way to offer support and guidance. To become a homeowner, applicants must meet income and credit requirements, have a manageable level of debt, and be willing to complete up to 300 hours of sweat equity helping to build their home alongside our construction team and volunteers.

Interested in becoming a homeowner? Scroll down to learn more about the steps in our application process and get started.

Our Impact

2-3
Bedrooms
450-1300
Square Feet
1-2
Bathrooms
159
Homes Completed
DC Habitat homes in DC's Deanwood neighborhood

1. Read our Homeownership Requirements

We partner with families that demonstrate a need for housing, an ability to pay for our affordable homes (which we sell below market rate), and a willingness to partner with Habitat and complete financial education and sweat equity. Click the button below to see a full list of program requirements.

View program requirements

2. Attend an Information Session

If you have read through our eligibility requirements and believe that you qualify to purchase a DC Habitat home, your next step is to attend an info session to learn more about our program. For information on upcoming info sessions, please contact Mandy Jansen at 202-882-4600 x200. You can also join our mailing list by completing a Homeownership Interest Form. Please note that this form is not an application for a Habitat home, but provides us with your contact information so that we can notify you when new info sessions are scheduled.

Submit a Homeownership Interest Form
A DC Habitat family smiles on front of their home.

3. Submit your Application

Once you have attended an info session, you can apply for our homeownership program by completing an application and making an appointment to meet with our staff. When your application is complete, DC Habitat staff will complete an analysis of your financial situation, work with you on creating a housing budget, and determine if you meet our program requirements. If you meet our requirements, your application will be presented to our Board of Directors for final approval. NOTE: If you submit an application BEFORE attending a homeownership info session, your application will be denied and you will be unable to apply for 6 months.

View our Homeownership Application
A DC Habitat volunteer helps frame a house on our 46th Street SE project.

4. Complete Sweat Equity Hours & Financial Education

After your application is approved by our Board of Directors, you'll need to sign a partnership agreement to officially join our program. Now you're ready to complete sweat equity, volunteer time that you spend helping to build your own home (and your neighbor's homes), and financial education classes that will equip you with the knowledge and tools to be a successful homeowner.

What is sweat equity?
DC Habitat Homeowner Michael smiles as he cuts the ribbon on his new home.

5. Secure Your Funding

When you’ve selected a house, Habitat will guide you through the process of applying for your funding. Most applicants pursue bank mortgages and funds from the District’s Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP). We encourage you to “shop around” for home loans, and we can identify banks that have worked on recent home purchases. Other loans and funding may be available depending on the property you’re purchasing.

Learn about HPAP