Homeownership
Looking to own your first home?
The Habitat homeownership model helps working, lower-income families realize their dream of owning a home. Habitat homeowners spend no more than 25% of their household income on monthly payments (mortgage principal and property taxes only), which provides stability and the chance to build a secure future for themselves and their children.
We provide families with the coaching, education and support to be successful first-time homeowners. Depending on location, we build single-dwelling and townhouse units. Our houses are designed around the needs of each qualifying family.
Brooke's Story
Niki's Story
Niki's Story
What you need to know about Habitat's Homeownership Program
Families purchase an energy-efficient and affordable home from Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce with a no down payment, no interest, 20-year term mortgage.
For any questions about applying for the Homeownership Program, contact Rachelle MacKenzie, Business Manager, at 519-371-6776 Ext. 101.
Minimum requirements to qualify for a Habitat home
- Applicants and co-applicant must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Either the applicant or co-applicant must be employed full-time or full-time equivalent.
- Applicant/co-applicant must be first-time homebuyers currently living in rental housing.
- No recent bankruptcies (must have been discharged three or more years prior to applying).
- Preference will be given to families who already work or live in the regions where we are building.
Applicants are also selected based on their need for better housing, ability to pay a mortgage and willingness to partner with Habitat Grey Bruce.
Families will be considered for a Habitat home if they are living in core housing need due to overcrowding, unsafe environment, unhealthy or unaffordable (current housing costs are more than 30% of total household income).
Families must demonstrate their ability to pay an affordable mortgage.
- Employment income must be sufficient to cover the costs of homeownership; total family income as defined on line 15000 of the CRA Notice of Assessment must be less than $82,000. Minimum income to qualify for the program is determined by each build project.
- Ontario Works is not an acceptable source of income.
- Applicants and co-applicants must consent to a credit check.
- Total household debt must not exceed 40% of income.
- Have not declared bankruptcy in the past 3 years.
Each family approved for Habitat’s Homeownership Program becomes a partner in our work. Habitat families are our greatest ambassadors, and as such are asked to help with a variety of initiatives that advance our mission.
Each selected family will be asked to fulfill the following partnership requirements:
- Be an ambassador for Habitat Grey Bruce and represent the mission – this involves (1) understanding and agreeing with our model, (2) speaking about your experience with Habitat at events, in media interviews or in videos to help promote our organization’s work to the public.
- Contribute 500 volunteer hours (350 hours for single parent families) toward the construction of homes or a variety of other Habitat initiatives or in one of our ReStores.
- Commit to a homeownership and mortgage agreement with Habitat Grey Bruce.
- Attend homeowner education workshops to prepare for first-time homeownership.
Step 1: Expression of Interest
Fill out our Expression of Interest today to find out if your family qualifies for a Habitat home. Click on the link below.
Please note:
- You will receive an acknowledgement email within 2-3 business days of submission. Only those who meet the eligibility criteria for a specific project will be invited to the application phase.
- You must ensure that you have filled out the Expression of Interest correctly and completely.
- This is an online application. You can download a printable form here.
Step 2: Application Process
When houses are available for purchase, pre-qualified applicants will be provided with a full application form to complete and submit. Only complete applications will be considered. The review process involves the following:
- A fair and equal assessment.
- Interviews, home visits, reference checks and credit checks.
- All qualifying applicants will be presented to Habitat Grey Bruce’s Board of Directors for evaluation and final selection using a blind process (names of applicants and co-applicants will not be shared); selected applicants will be notified of the Board’s decision.
- Applications that are not selected will be kept on file for 2 years after the decision is made and may be considered for future homeownership opportunities.
PLEASE NOTE: Habitat staff are available to assist applicants with completing their applications.