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Sea Island Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program

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

Last verified Source: Sea Island Habitat for Humanity

The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Credit score of 600 or above required.
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Sea Island Habitat for Humanity homeownership preparation.
  • Residency: Serves Sea Islands / greater Charleston area (Johns Island, Wadmalaw, Kiawah/Seabrook area).
  • 300-400 hours sweat equity; minimum 600 credit score; income within HUD guidelines; family selection committee approval.
  • A home in Charleston County

It doesn’t cover

  • Manufactured homes
  • Homes outside Charleston County

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

Where it applies

Charleston County’s homes

  • 58% single-family
  • 6.9% townhouse
  • 6.8% 2–4 units
  • 23.3% 5+ units
  • 4.9% mobile & other

A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.

$489,100

Charleston County median home value

34.5%

built before 1980

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

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Sea Island Habitat for Humanity homeownership preparation..

  2. Contact Sea Island Habitat for Humanity to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Application + family selection committee review., 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 Sea Island Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program?

Sea Island Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Johns Island, South Carolina, administered by Sea Island Habitat for Humanity. Affordable homeownership program for income-qualified families in the Charleston Sea Islands. Partner families purchase a Habitat-built home with a 0% interest, 30-year mortgage. Applicants must have income within HUD guidelines, a credit score of 600+, and complete 300-400 hours of sweat equity. 0% interest 30-year mortgage. No conventional mortgage required. Affordable monthly payment. Homeownership for low-to-moderate income families. Funding comes from Private donations, ReStore proceeds, corporate/foundation grants.

Do you have to pay it back?

Sea Island Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program is a first mortgage and is repaid under the terms set by Sea Island Habitat for Humanity. Repayment is triggered by Affordable 30-year 0% mortgage repaid monthly; sale/transfer typically triggers Habitat right of first refusal / shared-equity recapture (not published on site). 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?

Sea Island Habitat for Humanity 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. On credit, the program states: Credit score of 600 or above required. A homebuyer education course is required, through Sea Island Habitat for Humanity homeownership preparation. Residency requirement: Serves Sea Islands / greater Charleston area (Johns Island, Wadmalaw, Kiawah/Seabrook area). 300-400 hours sweat equity; minimum 600 credit score; income within HUD guidelines; family selection committee approval.

What are the income limits?

Sea Island Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program sets its income limit as follows: Household income must fall within HUD guidelines adjusted for family size (low-to-moderate income); specific dollar table not published on the homeownership page. 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?

Sea Island 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.

Where does it apply?

Sea Island Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Johns Island, South Carolina. The program targets specific areas: Sea Islands of Charleston County (Johns Island and surrounding).

How do you apply?

Applications for Sea Island Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program go through Sea Island Habitat for Humanity, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through Application + family selection committee review. 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.

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