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Oconee County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program

Oconee County Habitat for Humanity · Seneca, South Carolina

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Income limit

70% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

What is Oconee County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program?

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

  • Oconee County Habitat for Humanity builds 4 to 5 new homes yearly for low-income families in Oconee County. Homes are sold with a 30-year, zero-interest mortgage with no profit. The average monthly payment is approximately $550 (including property taxes and homeowners insurance). Applicants must have lived in Oconee County for at least one year, have total household income between 40% and 70% AMI, and demonstrate a willingness to complete 250 hours of sweat equity. Applications are accepted only during open periods based on home availability.
  • 0% interest 30-year mortgage.
  • ~$550/month average payment incl. taxes and insurance.
  • New construction energy-efficient home.
  • 250 hours sweat equity.
  • 4-5 homes built per year in Oconee County.
  • Funding comes from Habitat for Humanity donations, grants, and revolving mortgage fund.

Do you have to pay it back?

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

  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Oconee County Habitat for Humanity 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 Free classes on budgeting, home maintenance, and successful homeownership (provided by OCHFH)
  • Residency: Must live in Oconee County for at least 1 full year before applying
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-13): pending review. Applications accepted only during open periods based on housing availability and construction schedule. As of June 2026, site shows 'Now Accepting Pre-Applications' (news post dated Jun 2). Contact OCHFH at (864) 888-2118 to confirm current intake status. Good credit standing required; cannot have unresolved debt judgments or recent bankruptcy. Approval process 4-5 months; total 24-30 months to move-in.

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Households above 70% 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?

Oconee County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program limits household income to 70% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Total household income between 40% and 70% of Oconee County AMI (adjusted for family size). Current income guidelines included in information packet from OCHFH.
  • 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?

Oconee County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program can be used for Single Family.

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

Where does it apply?

Oconee County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program serves buyers purchasing in Seneca, South Carolina.

How do you apply?

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

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Free classes on budgeting, home maintenance, and successful homeownership (provided by OCHFH).

  2. Contact Oconee County Habitat for Humanity 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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