Durham Community Land Trustees (DCLT) Homeownership

Administered by: Durham Community Land Trustees · Nonprofit · Zero-Interest Loan

Funding status: Active

How much assistance

Below-market home purchase price (land cost removed — buyers purchase the home while leasing the land from DCLT) (Zero-Interest Loan)

Resale restrictions apply to keep the home permanently affordable. Homeowners build equity but resale price is limited per the land trust agreement.

Eligibility

  • Income limits: At or below 80% AMI for Durham County.
  • First-time buyer required: No
  • Geographic restrictions: Homes located in Durham, NC on DCLT-owned land.
  • Homebuyer education required: Yes

How to Apply for Durham Community Land Trustees (DCLT) Homeownership

Step 1: Attend a DCLT Virtual Homebuyer Session (held every 3rd Wednesday at noon).

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education through Reinvestment Partners.

Step 3: Qualify for a mortgage through one of DCLT's lending partners.

Step 4: Apply for an available DCLT home.

Visit program website

Notes

Added March 2026. Community land trust model — DCLT retains ownership of the land and sells the home at a reduced price, making homeownership affordable. Buyers lease the land with a long-term ground lease. Resale price is restricted to maintain permanent affordability. DCLT also runs the CLTplusOne pilot program pairing affordable homeownership with rental on the same lot. Source: dclt.org.

Cities Where This Program Is Available