Charleston Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program

What is Charleston Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program?

Charleston Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Charleston, South Carolina, administered by Charleston Habitat for Humanity.

• Affordable homeownership program for first-time, low-to-moderate income families in the greater Charleston area. Selected partner families purchase a Habitat-built home with a 0% interest affordable mortgage (monthly payment $500-$600 plus escrow). Eligibility is based on need, ability to repay, and willingness to partner (400-500 sweat-equity hours). A dedicated Veterans Build / Veterans Cottages track serves U.S. veterans with higher income limits.
• 0% interest affordable mortgage.
• Monthly payment ~$500-$600 plus escrow.
• Dedicated Veterans Build track.
• Builds generational wealth for LMI families.
• Funding comes from Private donations, ReStore proceeds, sponsors/grants.

Do you have to pay it back?

Charleston Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is a first mortgage and is repaid under the terms set by Charleston Habitat for Humanity.

• Repayment is triggered by Affordable monthly mortgage payment ($500-$600 + escrow); standard Habitat resale restriction on sale/transfer.
• 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?

Charleston Habitat for Humanity 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?

Charleston Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program limits household income to $94,000.

• 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?

Charleston Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program caps the purchase price as follows: Not applicable - Habitat builds/sells the home.

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

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

Charleston Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program names veterans among the groups it serves.

• Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

Charleston Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program serves buyers purchasing in Charleston, South Carolina.

• The program targets specific areas: Charleston, North Charleston, West Ashley and listed East Cooper/Sea Island communities.

How do you apply?

Applications for Charleston Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program go through Charleston Habitat for Humanity, 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 Charleston Habitat (20 hours of financial education required)..

2. 2

   Contact Charleston Habitat for Humanity to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Application cycle + eligibility quiz + selection (standard cycle CURRENTLY CLOSED; Veterans Build / Veterans Cottages ongoing)., 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.