Buy a Habitat Home
Stable housing is the foundation for everything that matters: your family’s health, your children’s future, your financial independence, and your place in this community. We’re here to build it alongside you.
IMPORTANT: Applications are currently CLOSED. Please use the interest form below to sign up for alerts when applications reopen.
What to Expect: Buying a Home From Habitat
When you become a Habitat homeowner, you’re not just getting four walls and a roof. You’re working with a community that’s invested in your success to build the conditions that will allow your family to thrive.
- An affordable mortgage: your monthly payment is structured to never exceed 30% of your household income
- A newly built, energy-efficient home: designed to keep your utility costs low and your comfort high
- Build equity and peace of mind: homeownership creates an environment where your family can thrive and you can save money
- Stability for your children: research shows that children in stable homes perform better in school and have stronger long-term outcomes
- A community that shows up: you’ll have the support of our team, our volunteers, and your neighbors from day one
Do You Qualify?
Our program is designed for people who are ready to take the first step and who meet these criteria:
- You live or work in Tompkins or Cortland Counties
- Your household income falls within our guidelines (see income table for details)
- You’re a first-time home buyer
- You can commit to homeowner partnership hours
Not sure if you qualify? Don’t let that stop you. Contact us and we’ll walk you through your situation together.
| Household Size | Max. Household Income |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $28,450 – $45,520 |
| 2 Person | $32,500 – $52,000 |
| 3 Person | $36,550 – $58,480 |
| 4 Person | $40,600 – $64,960 |
| 5 Person | $40,600 – $64,960 |
| 6 Person | $40,600 – $64,960 |
I didn’t think homeownership was something people like me got to have. Habitat showed me differently. Now my kids have a home — and a future I couldn’t have imagined on my own.
– Darlene M.
Your Path to Homeownership
We walk with you through every step.
We’ve built this process to be clear, fair, and manageable even if homeownership has felt out of reach before.
Submit your contact information so we can notify you when applications open. This is your first step, it costs nothing and there’s no commitment required, just express your interest.
When applications open, we’ll notify you. Attend an information session, gather your documents, and submit your application. Our team is here to help.
Our team reviews applications based on income, need, and ability to sustain an affordable mortgage. We assess your full financial picture — not just a credit score.
Contribute time working alongside volunteers on your home or others’ homes. This is how we build together, gain a deeper understanding of how your home will work and how to take care of it, and how you build a deeper stake in our community.
We celebrate with you and stay connected as you build your future!
Financial Empowerment Prepares You for What Comes Next
Habitat’s homeownership program includes financial workshops and classes that are designed to give you the skills and confidence you need to meet your goals.
Financial training includes budgeting, credit and credit repair, debt management, understanding how a mortgage works, insurance, taxes, and financial planning. Classes may be taken online or in-person, through a variety of lending and community partner organizations.
Join the Waitlist: Homeownership Applications Are Currently Closed
We open applications when homes are available, and when we’re ready to begin a new construction or home rehabilitation project. Use our Homeownership Wait List form to sign up and you’ll be the first to know when the next application period opens — along with information sessions, application assistance, and other ways to prepare for homeownership.
Homeownership Wait List
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Homeownership Program FAQ
Eligibility is based on Area Median Income (AMI) guidelines for your county and varies by household size. We generally serve households earning between 30–60% of AMI.
We do not require perfect credit. We assess your full financial picture, including income stability and ability to sustain an affordable mortgage payment.
Mortgage payments are set at no more than 30% of your gross monthly income. Habitat is committed to helping first-time homebuyers access mortgages they can truly afford.
Families typically complete 350 hours of sweat equity, working alongside volunteers to build their own home and other Habitat homes. Activities like volunteering at events, helping at our office, and supporting other local non-profits can count towards your partnership commitment, too.
No experience needed! Our staff and experienced volunteers will guide you through every task safely and confidently.
Typically 1–2 years, depending on available homes, funding, and your readiness timeline. We’ll communicate clearly at every stage so you always know where you stand.
Yes! Individuals are welcome to apply. Habitat homeowners include single adults, single parents, couples, and multi-generational households.
We welcome referrals from community partners. Contact us directly at 607-844-3529 or liz@tchabitat.com for more information to share with your clients, or to discuss how to connect your clients directly to our program.