Habitat Charlotte Region Homebuyer Program
How much assistance
Affordable home with 0% interest mortgage. No traditional down payment — sweat equity (200-400 hours) substitutes for down payment. (Zero-Interest Loan)
Not a forgivable loan. 0% interest mortgage with affordable monthly payments (typically 25-30% of gross household income). Full repayment required over loan term.
Eligibility
- Income limits: Household income between $45,000 minimum and 80% AMI maximum for Mecklenburg County
- First-time buyer required: No
- Geographic restrictions: Charlotte region (Mecklenburg County and surrounding areas served by Habitat Charlotte Region)
- Homebuyer education required: Yes
Notes
Full homeownership program — Habitat builds or rehabs the home, not just DPA. Requires 200-400 hours of sweat equity (helping build/rehab homes). No traditional credit score minimum; Habitat uses alternative assessment including debt ratios, payment history, and willingness to partner. May overlap with NCHFA Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP) which provides subordinate financing for Habitat homes in NC. Habitat's own homebuyer readiness program satisfies education requirement. Rolling applications accepted.