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Habitat for Humanity Detroit Homeownership Program

Habitat for Humanity Detroit Homeownership Program is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Detroit, Michigan, administered by Habitat for Humanity Detroit.

Last verified Source: Habitat for Humanity Detroit

The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: Must not have owned a home within the last three years
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Lenders typically require 580-600 minimum credit score; each lender sets their own minimum
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through HFHD HomeEd classes (in-person, Detroit); HUD-approved agencies
  • Minimum $100,000 pre-approval required from any lender before full application. 150 sweat equity hours required. Timeline typically 6-18 months. Contact: homes@habitatdetroit.org. Income limits subject to change.
  • A home inside Detroit city limits

It doesn’t cover

  • Manufactured homes
  • Households above 80% of area median income
  • Homes outside Detroit

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

Income limit

80% of Wayne County’s area median income

HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.

$104,800
Area median income, 4-person household (HUD, 2026)

Where it applies

Detroit’s homes

  • 64.3% single-family
  • 7.1% townhouse
  • 8.9% 2–4 units
  • 19.3% 5+ units
  • 0.4% mobile & other

A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.

$83,900

Detroit median home value

90.3%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Detroit

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through HFHD HomeEd classes (in-person, Detroit); HUD-approved agencies.

  2. Contact Habitat for Humanity Detroit to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider 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 homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Questions about this program

What is Habitat for Humanity Detroit Homeownership Program?

Habitat for Humanity Detroit Homeownership Program is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Detroit, Michigan, administered by Habitat for Humanity Detroit. Habitat for Humanity Detroit offers newly built and rehabbed affordable homes in Detroit's Morningside and Berg-Lasher neighborhoods. Partner homebuyers must be first-time buyers at or below 80% of Wayne County AMI, save $2,000 toward down payment, and contribute 150 sweat equity hours. Habitat provides affordable mortgage financing. Affordable warrantied homes (new or rehabbed). Homebuyer coaching and education. Sweat equity builds skills. Flexible lender choice.

Do you have to pay it back?

Habitat for Humanity Detroit Homeownership Program is a first mortgage and is repaid under the terms set by Habitat for Humanity Detroit. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Habitat for Humanity Detroit 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: Must not have owned a home within the last three years. On credit, the program states: Lenders typically require 580-600 minimum credit score; each lender sets their own minimum. A homebuyer education course is required, through HFHD HomeEd classes (in-person, Detroit); HUD-approved agencies. Minimum $100,000 pre-approval required from any lender before full application. 150 sweat equity hours required. Timeline typically 6-18 months. Contact: homes@habitatdetroit.org. Income limits subject to change.

What are the income limits?

Habitat for Humanity Detroit Homeownership Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Maximum income is 80% of Wayne County AMI. 1-person: $58,700; 2: $67,100; 3: $75,500; 4: $83,850; 5: $90,600; 6: $97,300; 7: $104,000; 8: $110,700. 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?

Habitat for Humanity Detroit Homeownership Program can be used for Single Family. New construction is eligible. Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Habitat for Humanity Detroit Homeownership Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Detroit, Michigan.

How do you apply?

Applications for Habitat for Humanity Detroit Homeownership Program go through Habitat for Humanity Detroit, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. 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.

Program terms are set by Habitat for Humanity Detroit and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.