Homeownership
Stable Home. Brighter Future.
Habitat for Humanity of Metro Louisville is a housing ministry that works in partnership with families and individuals in need of decent, affordable housing. Habitat provides all the materials, land, and expertise to construct the homes. Homebuyers agree to help build their own home, in partnership with community volunteers, where Habitat owns land. Once the home is complete, the homebuyers buy the homes from Habitat at an affordable mortgage.
When can I apply for Homeownership through Habitat?
Habitat for Humanity of Metro Louisville Mortgage Applications are available only during the Open Application Period.
Next Application Period | July 2023 | Location |
Information Sessions (choose 1) Please email svance@louisvillehabitat.org to reserve your spot | Wednesday July 5th @ noon | Jane & Jewell Center 1620 Columbia Street Louisville, KY 40203 |
Wednesday July 5th @ 6 pm | Habitat Restore 4044 Taylorsville Rd Louisville, KY 40220 | |
| Jane & Jewell Center 1620 Columbia Street Louisville, KY 40203 | |
Saturday July 8th @ 10 am | ||
Applications Available for Pickup and Return Only from 1pm to 6pm | Monday July 17th through Saturday July 22nd | Jane & Jewell Center 1620 Columbia Street Louisville, KY 40203 |
Become a Homeowner
At Habitat Louisville, we empower low-income families and individuals to reach their full potential through decent, affordable homeownership. These hard-working homebuyers are provided a hand up, not a hand out. Homeownership unlocks the ability to build financial stability, to excel at work and school, and to grow up in a healthier environment.
Through partnering with Habitat, you’ll not only buy a home, but you’ll gain new friends, new skills and a new sense of community and belonging. The security and stability a Habitat home provides will help you take the first steps towards a brighter future.
Continue down this page to learn more about Habitat’s program guidelines and how to begin your homeownership journey!
Step-by-Step Process To Homeownership
Program Criteria
Habitat partners with low-income families and individuals who are in need of decent, affordable housing.
Did You Know?
Habitat homeowners monthly mortgage payments are reinvested into our mission to help fund the construction of additional homes.
All Habitat homes are energy star compliant and HERS rated between 50 – 60.
Frequently Asked Questions
No! Habitat partners with families to provide affordable mortgages. Homebuyers can expect to pay no more than 30% of their income towards their housing costs.
Habitat for Humanity of Metro Louisville offers a variety of different housing solutions. Habitat houses are sold to Habitat Homebuyers at fair market cost with an affordable first mortgage between $95,550 and 165,900 in 2023. Prices vary, but you will know more prior to signing any contract. Habitat homes are sold to our homebuyer families for no profit and are financed with an affordable mortgage. The cost of the homes may be different depending on the size of the house, taxes, and insurance. Closing costs are $2,000, which are payable on an installment basis during your time in the program. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Monthly mortgage payments vary depending on the length of the mortgage, but will not be more than 30% of a homeowner’s monthly income. Monthly mortgage payments include an escrow for homeowner’s insurance and taxes.
Applications are considered based on three main criteria:
- Demonstrated Need, such as overcrowded conditions, unsafe housing, and financial burden of more than 30% of income spent on housing.
- Ability to Pay a reasonable mortgage. Total cost of housing (mortgage, taxes, and insurance) cannot exceed 30% of all household income.
- Willingness to Partner. Homebuyers must attend all workshops and scheduled meetings, complete 400 hours of sweat equity, and pay $2,000 in closing costs.
Applications are typically offered once or twice each year. Once you submit your completed application, you can expect the approval process to take at least 90 – 120 days. You will be contacted throughout the process to update you on the status of your application. Prompt attention to any requests for information is very important.
Habitat is a nonprofit organization that provides three distinct services in the homeownership process: home construction, mortgage financing and mortgage servicing. These services would normally be given by for-profit real estate businesses. Additionally, Habitat staff members serve as housing mentors, here to support our homeowners in learning the ins and outs of homeownership, getting through challenging times and celebrating successes.
By providing all of these services, Habitat is able to offer its homeowners a substantial amount of savings. We are able to open the door to homeownership for those who would not be able to buy a home through more traditional means.
Since Habitat builds homes with affordability in mind, Habitat homeowners have more limited choices about their homes than someone buying from a traditional homebuilder. While Habitat homeowners are able to choose things like the exterior paint color of the home, the homeowner will have limited choices about things such as the location of the home or the number of bedrooms and bathrooms inside the home.
Approved homebuyers can expect to be a part of the homeownership program for 8-16 months after orientation.
Home builds are located throughout Louisville, Jefferson County and Oldham County. Habitat builds affordable homes in West Louisville neighborhoods, Sheppard Square, in Santa Fe Crossing, a development at Cane Run and Lower Hunters, and in Park Springs, a development in east Louisville off of Westport Rd. Locations are based on the availability of land, and house prices vary based on location.
Take a look at our Where We Build page to see where Habitat is currently building and rehabbing homes.
Habitat for Humanity is not like a traditional bank or real estate agent. We build and rehab quality homes in areas where we can find affordable land. For specific information, please contact a member of the Homebuyer Services staff.
Yes! Habitat does build houses that are ADA compliant. We have a great deal of experience working with homebuyers with a variety of different needs. For more information, or if you have specific ADA needs, please contact Homebuyer Services staff. Approved homebuyers should notify staff as soon as possible if they have specific needs.
Habitat for Humanity, with its partners, builds safe, decent, affordable housing. Our homeowners feel comfortable and secure in their new homes. However, Habitat is not a custom home builder.
A basic Habitat house includes:
| Approximately 1100 sq. ft. | One coat closet and one linen storage area | Smoke detectors |
| Covered front porch | Sidewalk at front of house | Steel entry doors with deadbolts |
| Central Air Conditioning | Refrigerator and electric range | Wood interior doors |
| Insulated windows with screens | Residential carpet and vinyl flooring | 2nd entrance |
| Lawn graded, seeded and strawed | Self-contained security system | Washer and electric dryer hookup |
| Bracing for ceiling fans | Five jacks- at least one phone jack | Handicap accessible bathrooms |
| Detached Storage Building | Shrubs and plant bed for front of house | Water heater and furnace |
| Mini-blinds in bedrooms and baths |
A basic Habitat house does NOT include:
| Blinds in living room, dining area, kitchen | Dishwasher (optional) | Security system monitoring |
| Ceiling Fans | Fences | Special cabinets |
| Concrete driveway | Chest Freezer | Special doors or trim work |
| Curtains | Garage or carport | Washer/Dryer |
| Custom floor plans | Garbage disposal | Custom cabinetry or fixtures |