Applications

We build affordable homes for qualifying families earning between 50-80% Area Median Income in San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties.

To qualify you must show a need for housing, be willing to partner with us by contributing sweat equity in the construction of your home and demonstrate the ability to pay.

Learn more below about the details of our program and fill out an interest form.

Fill out the interest form

Program Guidelines

To be eligible for a Habitat Greater San Francisco home, applicants must meet our income and credit guidelines, in addition to other requirements, such as being willing and able to perform up to 500 hours of sweat equity (volunteer hours) on the construction site, attending workshops, and volunteering in other programs.

Our selection process includes a review of your finances and credit, employment history, residency, and other qualifications.

Approved homeowners qualify for a monthly housing payment (mortgage, property tax, insurance, HOA fee—if applicable) capped at 30% of their gross monthly income. Read below to learn more about the process and fill out the interest form to be notified when new homes become available.

Basic requirements

Homeownership History — Applicants cannot have owned a primary residence in the past 3 years.
Credit, Debt, and Income — Borrowers and household must be within income guidelines and have a history of reliable payments on credit reports.
Titleholders must be permanent residents or U.S. citizens.
Household must have lived together consistently for the past twelve months at time of application.
Sweat Equity — Each household must complete up to 500 volunteer hours towards construction, education, and other opportunities.
Demonstrate a willingness to partner and share your story through our website, interviews, videos, and more.

Steps to becoming a homeowner

Step 1

Application

Submit your screening form online. (It is highly recommended you attend an information session or Homebuyer Readiness session prior to doing so)

Step 2

Lottery

We use a randomized lottery process to determine the order in which applications are processed.

Step 3

Qualification & Selection

You provide a full application, and we look at your income, credit and other requirements to determine if you qualify.

Step 4

Up to 500 Hours of Sweat Equity

Once your household has been selected, it’s time to put in up to 500 hours of sweat equity.

Step 5

Escrow Closing

One last income, credit and requirements review to requalify you for your loan and start the escrow process.

Step 6

Move Into Your New Home!

Enjoy the security and stability that comes with owning your own home.

Applications are only available when homes are available and we do not have a waitlist. If you have applied in the past, you will need to submit a new application each time we have homes available. All applications that are received on time and filled out completely will be entered into a lottery. The lottery ONLY determines the order in which your application will be reviewed. It does not guarantee you a home.

To get in touch regarding homeownership please email: homeownership@habitatgsf.org or call 415 625 1041.

Homeownership-Application-Form-cta-image

Fill out our Homeownership Interest form

If you are interested in future homeownership opportunities, please fill out the short inquiry form below. When new homeownership opportunities become available we’ll get in touch!

Fill out the form

Affordable Homes in Redwood City

The City of Redwood City provides an online resource for those looking for affordable homes in the city. This includes listings as well as information about different housing options, including homeownership.

Visit the site

Find partner resources

We are piloting a partnership with My Home Pathway, a mobile app that provides guidance, education and resources to first-time home buyers. Get started on your path to homeownership.

Learn more

Questions?

Please contact Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco at homeownership@habitatgsf.org