Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh — Homeownership Program

What is Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh — Homeownership Program?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh — Homeownership Program is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, administered by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh.

• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh's Homeownership Program offers first-time, low-income homebuyers in Allegheny County an affordable path to ownership. Selected households complete 350 hours of sweat equity and financial literacy courses, then purchase a Habitat-built or rehabbed home with a $950 down payment and a 30-year, 0% interest mortgage with payments capped at 30% of household income. Households must earn 40-60% AMI, currently live in substandard housing, never have owned a home, and reside or work in Allegheny County. Applications are accepted during open rounds (current round April 22 - May 22, 2026 for a home in McKeesport).
• 30-year, 0% interest fixed-rate mortgage.
• payments capped at 30% of household income.
• low $950 down payment.
• financial literacy and homeownership training.
• Funding comes from Sponsors, donors, and recycled homeowner mortgage payments (revolving fund); homes built/rehabbed by Habitat.

Do you have to pay it back?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh — Homeownership Program is a first mortgage and is repaid under the terms set by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh.

• 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?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh — 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?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh — Homeownership Program limits household income to 60% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Household income must be between 40% and 60% AMI (HUD 2025, Pittsburgh MSA). Both a floor and ceiling apply, varying by household size (e.g., HH of 1: $30,044-$45,066; HH of 4: $42,920-$64,380; HH of 8: $56,654-$84,982).
• 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 of Greater Pittsburgh — Homeownership Program can be used for Single Family.

• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh — Homeownership Program serves buyers purchasing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

How do you apply?

Applications for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh — Homeownership Program go through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh, 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 Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh (~30 hours of financial literacy: debt management, predatory lending, credit repair, savings, budgeting)..

2. 2

   Contact Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Open application rounds announced periodically (current round April 22 - May 22, 2026 for a home in McKeesport). Download and submit paper 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.