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Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry Homeownership Program

Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry · Bluffton, South Carolina

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Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

What is Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry Homeownership Program?

Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry Homeownership Program is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Bluffton, South Carolina, administered by Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry.

  • Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry builds and renovates homes in Beaufort and Jasper counties, selling them to qualified low-income families with a no-interest, no-profit mortgage. Since 1990, the organization has placed 192+ families in homes. Applicants must have lived or worked in Beaufort or Jasper County for at least 6 months, demonstrate need for safe housing, and have household income between $40,000 and the HUD-published AMI maximum for their family size. Sweat equity and willingness to partner with Habitat are required.
  • 0% interest no-profit mortgage.
  • New construction and renovated homes.
  • Builds in Beaufort and Jasper counties.
  • <2% foreclosure rate.
  • 192+ families served since 1990.
  • Funding comes from Habitat for Humanity donations, grants, revolving mortgage fund.

Do you have to pay it back?

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

  • 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 the Lowcountry Homeownership Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • 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 of the Lowcountry
  • Residency: Must have lived or worked in Beaufort or Jasper County for at least 6 months
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-13): pending review. Applications are accepted only periodically based on build schedule — check site or social media for open application dates. Current housing condition must be substandard (overcrowded, dilapidated, unsafe, or costs >30% of income). Good credit history required (not perfect). Beaufort Office: 701 Carteret Street, Beaufort SC (843) 522-3500. NOTE: 'Beaufort Memorial Employer Assisted' is already in catalog — this is a separate general homeownership program in Beaufort/Jasper counties, not employer-restricted.

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Households above 80% of area median income

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

What are the income limits?

Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry Homeownership Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Household income must be above $40,000 AND below the HUD maximum per family size (Beaufort County 2025: 4-person max ~80% AMI = $88,100). Both Beaufort and Jasper County families may apply (income limits differ by county). Current HUD income limits table published on HFHL website.
  • 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 the Lowcountry 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 the Lowcountry Homeownership Program serves buyers purchasing in Bluffton, South Carolina.

How do you apply?

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

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry.

  2. Contact Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry 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 buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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