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Sussex County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity (SCHFH) · Georgetown, Delaware

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See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Shared appreciation

Settled on the terms set by Sussex County Habitat for Humanity (SCHFH)

What is 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.

Do you have to pay it back?

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.

Who qualifies?

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: Need-based Habitat program
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Minimum credit score of 640 at time of pre-application and throughout the program
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through SCHFH monthly financial coaching and pre-purchase education sessions; one-time post-purchase education class
  • Residency: Must live and/or work in Sussex County with steady, reliable income
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-14): pending review. 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.

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Households above 80% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

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.

What kind of home can it be used for?

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.

Where does it apply?

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

How do you apply?

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.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through SCHFH monthly financial coaching and pre-purchase education sessions; one-time post-purchase education class.

  2. Contact Sussex County Habitat for Humanity (SCHFH) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Pre-application questionnaire, then full application, and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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