DCLT Permanently Affordable Homeownership Program (Community Land Trust)

What is DCLT Permanently Affordable Homeownership Program (Community Land Trust)?

DCLT Permanently Affordable Homeownership Program (Community Land Trust) is a shared-appreciation loan for homebuyers in Durham, North Carolina, administered by Durham Community Land Trustees, Inc.

• Durham Community Land Trustees provides permanently affordable homeownership through the community land trust shared-equity model. DCLT retains ownership of the land (leased to the homeowner for 99 years, renewable, at a low monthly fee) while the buyer owns the home. A resale formula limits the seller's share of appreciation (25-45%) so homes stay affordable. Buyers must earn at or below 80% AMI for Durham County, occupy as primary residence, qualify for a partner-lender mortgage, and complete land trust orientation plus HUD-certified homebuyer education.
• Below-market purchase prices on permanently affordable homes.
• low monthly land-lease fee.
• build limited equity (25-45% of appreciation).
• ongoing DCLT stewardship.
• Funding comes from Partners include City of Durham, Durham County, NC Dept of Housing, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, Coastal Credit Union Foundation, Burt's Bees Foundation, The Conservation Fund, NALCAB.

Do you have to pay it back?

DCLT Permanently Affordable Homeownership Program (Community Land Trust) is a shared-appreciation loan and is repaid under the terms set by Durham Community Land Trustees, Inc..

• Repayment is triggered by Resale of the home; DCLT retains a repurchase option. Homeowner receives original price plus 25-45% of appraised appreciation.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

DCLT Permanently Affordable Homeownership Program (Community Land Trust) is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

DCLT Permanently Affordable Homeownership Program (Community Land Trust) limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Total household income at or below 80% AMI for Durham County. 2026 80% AMI limits: 1=$71,200; 2=$81,400; 3=$91,550; 4=$101,700; 5=$109,850; 6=$118,000.
• 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?

DCLT Permanently Affordable Homeownership Program (Community Land Trust) caps the purchase price as follows: Set per home; current listings $248,000-$280,000 (resale-restricted). No published program-wide max.

• Eligible property types include Single Family and Townhouse.
• New construction is eligible.

Where does it apply?

DCLT Permanently Affordable Homeownership Program (Community Land Trust) serves buyers purchasing in Durham, North Carolina.

• The program targets specific areas: DCLT properties concentrated in Durham neighborhoods: West End, Southside & Hayti, East Durham, Central Durham, Lakewood Park, plus Everton, Carpenter Falls, ECO Grace.

How do you apply?

Applications for DCLT Permanently Affordable Homeownership Program (Community Land Trust) go through Durham Community Land Trustees, Inc., 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 DCLT land trust orientation plus HUD-certified homebuyer education (locally led by DHIC).

2. 2

   Contact Durham Community Land Trustees, Inc. to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Attend a free homebuyer info session, complete land trust orientation and HUD-certified homebuyer education, then apply; waitlist available., 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.