Why are Habitat homes so affordable?
First, we build modest homes, enlisting hundreds of hours of volunteer support for each build. Our families put in 250 hours of sweat equity, including budgeting and finance management classes. Second, we offer a zero-interest mortgage with a small down payment, making move-in costs affordable and the mortgage payment far less than rent. Finally, our homes foster long-term affordability by being eco-friendly (greatly reduces monthly utility bills) and easy to maintain (so important for busy working families).
The Benefits of Homeownership
- fosters a sense of pride, security, and self-worth,
- provides children with stability for success in school and social relationships,
- gives parents control over their shelter, a basic human need,
- builds strong neighborhood communities where people have each other's best interests at heart.
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Habitat is a hand-up, not a hand-out.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Habitat home, families must:
- Be U.S Citizens or legal resident aliens.
- Live or work in Salt Lake County for the past 12 months.
- Be willing to live in the size, style, and location of the home we build in Salt Lake County.
- Complete 225 hours of "sweat equity" (financial literacy education and volunteering through any of our programs).
- Consent to routine employment, earnings, credit, and background checks.
- Not currently own a home, have a mortgage, or own any property.
How to Apply
If you meet the eligibility criteria, please click here to request a mailed application packet.
We do not have online or email applications available at this time.
FAQs
Does Habitat for Humanity give away houses?
No – Habitat for Humanity offers a hand up, not a hand out. We build modest homes and sell them to our partner families at cost. We ensure that our families can afford the payment, so they don’t become “house poor.”
Do Habitat homes have a mortgage?
Yes – we provide a no-interest, 30-year mortgage with traditional monthly installments. Because the homes are sold at cost, and the mortgage interest rate is zero, the mortgage payment is usually far less than rent for an equivalent size dwelling. With more than 100 Habitat homes in our area, we have never had a family default on their mortgage.
Who builds Habitat homes?
Habitat hires experienced licensed and bonded contractors that offer a competitive price. A significant portion of the cost is offset by volunteers from companies, groups, and individuals. The partner families are required to provide 225 hours of sweat equity per adult. Accommodations are made to ensure that volunteers of all abilities can participate in a rewarding and meaningful way.
Who pays for building Habitat homes?
Habitat is able to build homes through the generosity of our donors, including foundations, corporations and small businesses, church and social groups, and people like you! Donations go directly to our programs because profit from the Salt Lake ReStore supports the administrative cost of running our Habitat affiliate.