Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Affordable Homeownership Mortgage
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Affordable Homeownership Mortgage is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, administered by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area.
The program asks for
- First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: No home ownership in past 36 months
- The home is occupied as a primary residence
- On credit: No published minimum credit score; max $2,000 in collections/charge-offs/judgments allowed
- A completed homebuyer education course, through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area homebuyer education
- Residency: Hamilton County resident for at least 12 months
- A home in Hamilton County
It doesn’t cover
- Manufactured homes
- Households above 80% of area median income
- Homes outside Hamilton 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.
Income limit
80% of Hamilton County’s area median income
HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.
Where it applies
Hamilton County’s homesHamilton County’s homes, and the ones this program accepts
- 68% single-familysingle-family
- 4% townhousetownhouse
- 7.2% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 17.6% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 3.2% mobile & othermobile home & other
A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.
$312,800
Hamilton County median home value
48.2%
built before 1980
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Hamilton County
How to apply
How to applyThree steps, in this order
Take a homebuyer education course
Required by the program, through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area homebuyer education.
Contact Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area to reserve funds
Funds are reserved through Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) currently CLOSED; notification list available, and are subject to availability.
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 Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Affordable Homeownership Mortgage?
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Affordable Homeownership Mortgage is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, administered by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga provides 0% interest mortgages on Habitat-built homes to income-qualified households who have been Hamilton County residents for at least 12 months. Buyers must complete 200-400 sweat equity hours and homebuyer education. Max $2,000 in collections/charge-offs/judgments allowed. PQQ is currently closed; prospective buyers can join the notification list. 0% interest mortgage. Homes priced below market. No minimum credit score. Sweat equity replaces down payment. Funding comes from Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area / private fundraising.
Do you have to pay it back?
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Affordable Homeownership Mortgage is a first mortgage and is repaid under the terms set by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area. Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer, or failure to maintain owner-occupancy. 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 Chattanooga Affordable Homeownership Mortgage is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time" has exceptions here: No home ownership in past 36 months. On credit, the program states: No published minimum credit score; max $2,000 in collections/charge-offs/judgments allowed. A homebuyer education course is required, through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area homebuyer education. Residency requirement: Hamilton County resident for at least 12 months.
What are the income limits?
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Affordable Homeownership Mortgage limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. 2026 income guidelines per HUD for Hamilton County; must meet Habitat income band; contact habichatt.org for current limits. 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?
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Affordable Homeownership Mortgage caps the purchase price as follows: Habitat-set pricing; below market value. Eligible property types include Single Family. New construction is eligible. Manufactured homes are not eligible.
Where does it apply?
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Affordable Homeownership Mortgage serves homebuyers purchasing in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The program targets specific areas: Hamilton County, Tennessee.
How do you apply?
Applications for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Affordable Homeownership Mortgage go through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) currently CLOSED; notification list available. 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.
Also for Hamilton County homebuyersOther programs open to Hamilton County homebuyers
- CNE Down Payment Assistance (Regional)Up to $25,000
- CNE Down Payment AssistanceForgivable
- THDA New Start Loan ProgramUp to $200,000
Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.
All 76 programs for Hamilton CountyProgram terms are set by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.