HOMEOWNERSHIP

Our core mission is to build affordable homes for families meeting Habitat for Humanity eligibility criteria.

How Does It Work?

The Process:

  1. UV Habitat develops a project- this could be a new build on a vacant lot, or a renovation project. We do not build homes upon request for individuals.

  2. We announce the project (location, size of home etc.) and post applications on our website, social media, and newsletter. Interested families and individuals can apply.

  3. Our staff and Family Committee conduct a homeowner selection process, which includes financial evaluation, pre-qualifying for an affordable mortgage, interviews, and home visits. This process can take up to 4 months. Once all applicants have been evaluated, our Partner Family is chosen.

  4. The Partner Family helps build the home alongside staff and volunteers. This “Sweat Equity” is a core principle of the Habitat model. This process can take about a year, and families are expected to contribute 150-300 hours of Sweat Equity in that time based on household size and ability.

  5. When the home is complete, the Partner Family secures their affordable mortgage, and moves into their new home!

Who Can Apply?

eligibility guidelines:

  1. Demonstrate Need:

    Your current housing situation is inadequate and substandard (overcrowded or unsafe).

    You are living with family or friends, or in temporary housing.

    You are cost-burdened: rent is more than 30% of your household’s monthly income.

    Living conditions are inadequate for a person living with disabilities.

  2. Ability to Pay an Affordable Mortgage:

    Your total family income must be between 50% and 80% of HUD County Median Family Income for the county that you will be moving into. See table below.

    You commit to paying a mortgage on the new home not to exceed 30% of your household income.

    You must be able to save at least $2,000 towards closing costs.

  3. Willingness to Partner with UV Habitat

    You agree to provide “sweat equity” hours into building the home. In the case of a disability or other extenuating circumstances, we will do our best to make special arrangements to accommodate your needs.

    You agree to a sustainable commitment to responsible homeownership, and to an on-going partnership with Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity.

*Habitat partner families are selected by our Family Committee through a careful application review and interview process. It is important to know that the application process may take four months or longer from date of submission to final approval. Homeowners are typically selected before the house is built, so it is a long process.

FY2026 HUD Income Limits — 80% of Area Median Income (Low Income), by Household Size
County 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 Person 5 Person 6 Person 7 Person 8 Person
Orange $59,100 $67,550 $76,000 $84,400 $91,200 $97,950 $104,700 $111,450
Windham $58,650 $67,000 $75,400 $83,750 $90,450 $97,150 $103,850 $110,550
Windsor $61,250 $70,000 $78,750 $87,500 $94,500 $101,500 $108,500 $115,500
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), FY2026 Section 8 Income Limits, effective 5/1/2026. Please verify against HUD USER's Income Limits page before publishing, as limits are updated periodically.
Read More About Becoming a Habitat Homeowner Here, in Our Homeownership Guide
 

How to Apply:

We are not currently accepting new applications. When we have a new build identified, details and the application will be posted here, so please check back periodically.

You can also fill out this form to subscribe to our e-newsletter, where we will announce new projects and how to apply.