Sussex County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is a shared-appreciation loan for homebuyers in Georgetown, Delaware, administered by Sussex County Habitat for Humanity (SCHFH). Sussex County Habitat for Humanity launched an updated Homeownership Program on February 2, 2026. Income-qualified Sussex County families purchase a Habitat-built home with a 0% interest affordable mortgage under a land-lease (community land trust) model: SCHFH retains land ownership under a 99-year renewable lease, lowering the purchase price, and a shared-appreciation formula preserves long-term affordability. Requires 200 sweat-equity hours, $4,000 at pre-application plus $2,000 during the program, 640+ credit, and financial education. 0% interest mortgage. Reduced purchase price via land lease. Permanent affordability. Financial coaching. Available in English, Spanish, Creole. Funding comes from Habitat for Humanity (donations, ReStore proceeds, volunteer/sweat-equity construction); community land trust land retained by SCHFH.

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is a shared-appreciation loan and is repaid under the terms set by Sussex County Habitat for Humanity (SCHFH). The assistance is recorded in First position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time" has exceptions here: Need-based Habitat program. On credit, the program states: Minimum credit score of 640 at time of pre-application and throughout the program. A homebuyer education course is required, through SCHFH monthly financial coaching and pre-purchase education sessions; one-time post-purchase education class. Residency requirement: Must live and/or work in Sussex County with steady, reliable income. Land-lease model means the homeowner does not own the land. 200 sweat-equity hours required (min 100 construction). $4,000 savings at pre-application plus $2,000 during program. Max 43% total DTI; housing cost burden no more than 30% of gross monthly income. No delinquent debt; two active trade lines for 12+ months. Updated program effective February 2, 2026.

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Gross income must be between 30% and 80% of Sussex County AMI as set by HUD. 2026 30%/80% by family size - 1: $21,700/$57,800; 2: $24,800/$66,050; 3: $27,900/$74,300; 4: $33,000/$82,550; 5: $38,680/$89,200; 6: $44,360/$95,800; 7: $50,040/$102,400; 8: $55,720/$109,000. The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s. The program lists a maximum household size of 8. Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program caps the purchase price as follows: Purchase price reduced via land lease (land not included in price). Eligible property types include Single Family. New construction is eligible. Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Georgetown, Delaware.

Applications for Sussex County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program go through Sussex County Habitat for Humanity (SCHFH), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through Pre-application questionnaire, then full application. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.