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Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia Homeownership Program

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia Homeownership Program is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, administered by Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia.

Last verified Source: Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia

The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia pre-homeownership counseling sessions and monthly workshops
  • Applicants must complete a minimum of 125 hours of sweat equity, attend monthly workshops, complete pre-homeownership counseling, and pass a review of household finances, credit, employment, and residency. Applications accepted only during open application cycles.
  • A home inside Philadelphia city limits

It doesn’t cover

  • Households above 80% of area median income
  • Homes outside Philadelphia

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 Philadelphia 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.

$122,700
Area median income, 4-person household (HUD, 2026)

Where it applies

Philadelphia’s homes

  • 8.5% single-family
  • 55.6% townhouse
  • 14.4% 2–4 units
  • 21.1% 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.

$243,100

Philadelphia median home value

83.3%

built before 1980

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

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia pre-homeownership counseling sessions and monthly workshops.

  2. Contact Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Homeownership Program?

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia Homeownership Program is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, administered by Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia. Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia's Homeownership Program builds and rehabilitates homes in the Philadelphia area and sells them to income-eligible families with an affordable 30-year mortgage, structured so payments do not exceed 30% of the buyer's gross monthly income. The program serves households earning 30%-80% of AMI who may not otherwise qualify for a traditional mortgage. Participants must complete a minimum of 125 hours of sweat equity, attend monthly workshops, and complete pre-homeownership counseling. Affordable 30-year mortgage capped at 30% of gross monthly income. Access to homeownership for households that may not qualify for a traditional mortgage. Pre-homeownership counseling and workshops.

Do you have to pay it back?

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia Homeownership Program is a first mortgage and is repaid under the terms set by Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia Homeownership Program is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time homebuyer" usually means not having owned a home in the last three years, but the program sets its own definition. A homebuyer education course is required, through Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia pre-homeownership counseling sessions and monthly workshops. Applicants must complete a minimum of 125 hours of sweat equity, attend monthly workshops, complete pre-homeownership counseling, and pass a review of household finances, credit, employment, and residency. Applications accepted only during open application cycles.

What are the income limits?

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia Homeownership Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Serves households earning between 30% and 80% of Area Median Income (AMI); in Philadelphia cited as approximately $39,100-$62,560. 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?

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia Homeownership Program can be used for Single Family. New construction is eligible.

Where does it apply?

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia Homeownership Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

How do you apply?

Applications for Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia Homeownership Program go through Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, 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.

Also for Philadelphia homebuyers

Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.

All 75 programs for Philadelphia

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