South Baltimore Community Land Trust Homeownership Program

What is South Baltimore Community Land Trust Homeownership Program?

South Baltimore Community Land Trust Homeownership Program is down payment assistance for homebuyers in Baltimore, Maryland, administered by South Baltimore Community Land Trust (SBCLT).

• The South Baltimore Community Land Trust (SBCLT) creates permanently affordable homeownership opportunities in South Baltimore's Curtis Bay and Cherry Hill neighborhoods through a community land trust ground-lease model, in which SBCLT retains ownership of the land while the homebuyer purchases the home. All SBCLT homes remain permanently affordable through resale restrictions. SBCLT's Housing Stewardship Coordinator guides buyers through an interest form, intake meeting, homeownership counseling, financing, and closing. Homes target individuals and families at or below 50% AMI in Baltimore City.
• Permanently affordable homeownership through CLT ground-lease model.
• Homes in Curtis Bay and Cherry Hill.
• 15+ units under development.
• Ongoing stewardship and post-purchase support.
• Free homeownership counseling via Druid Heights CDC.
• Community-led and governed.
• Funding comes from Baltimore City Affordable Housing Trust Fund; philanthropic grants.

Do you have to pay it back?

South Baltimore Community Land Trust Homeownership Program is down payment assistance and is repaid under the terms set by South Baltimore Community Land Trust (SBCLT).

• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

South Baltimore Community Land Trust Homeownership Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

South Baltimore Community Land Trust Homeownership Program limits household income to 50% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• All homes available for individuals and families at 50% AMI and below (Baltimore City AMI).
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• 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?

South Baltimore Community Land Trust Homeownership Program caps the purchase price at $160,000.

• Eligible property types include Single Family, Townhouse, and Duplex.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

South Baltimore Community Land Trust Homeownership Program serves buyers purchasing in Baltimore, Maryland.

• The program targets specific areas: South Baltimore neighborhoods of Curtis Bay and Cherry Hill, Baltimore City, MD.
• Targeted neighborhoods: Curtis Bay; Cherry Hill.

How do you apply?

Applications for South Baltimore Community Land Trust Homeownership Program go through South Baltimore Community Land Trust (SBCLT), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through Druid Heights Community Development Corporation (homeownership counseling); SBCLT Housing Stewardship Coordinator (one-on-one guidance).

2. 2

   Contact South Baltimore Community Land Trust (SBCLT) to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served; submit homeownership interest form at sbclt.org/homeowners-application/, and are subject to availability.

3. 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.