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Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis Affordable Homeownership Mortgage

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis Affordable Homeownership Mortgage is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Memphis, Tennessee, administered by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis.

Last verified Source: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis

The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: No home ownership in last 3 years
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Fair or passable credit required; no judgments or liens; no Chapter 13 bankruptcy in last 12 months; no Chapter 7 bankruptcy in last 2 years
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Memphis Habitat multi-week Homebuyer Education Course (100 of required partnership hours)
  • Residency: Shelby County, Tennessee
  • A home in Shelby County

It doesn’t cover

  • Manufactured homes
  • Households above 80% of area median income
  • Homes outside Shelby 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 Shelby 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.

$92,700
Area median income, 4-person household (HUD, 2026)

Where it applies

Shelby County’s homes

  • 66.3% single-family
  • 4.3% townhouse
  • 6.9% 2–4 units
  • 21.2% 5+ units
  • 1.2% mobile & other

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

$249,100

Shelby County median home value

54.5%

built before 1980

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

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Memphis Habitat multi-week Homebuyer Education Course (100 of required partnership hours).

  2. Contact Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Info sessions required prior to application; sessions scheduled periodically, 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 Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis Affordable Homeownership Mortgage?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis Affordable Homeownership Mortgage is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Memphis, Tennessee, administered by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis provides 0% interest 30-year fixed mortgages on Habitat-built homes to households earning less than 80% AMI in Shelby County. Buyers contribute $2,000 toward closing costs and complete 250-300 sweat equity partnership hours. Income guidelines updated annually per HUD. Info sessions required before application. 0% interest 30-year fixed mortgage. Homes priced below market. $2,000 closing cost contribution (payable in increments). No PMI. Funding comes from Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis / private fundraising.

Do you have to pay it back?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis Affordable Homeownership Mortgage is a first mortgage and is repaid under the terms set by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis. 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 Memphis 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 last 3 years. On credit, the program states: Fair or passable credit required; no judgments or liens; no Chapter 13 bankruptcy in last 12 months; no Chapter 7 bankruptcy in last 2 years. A homebuyer education course is required, through Memphis Habitat multi-week Homebuyer Education Course (100 of required partnership hours). Residency requirement: Shelby County, Tennessee.

What are the income limits?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis Affordable Homeownership Mortgage limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Must earn less than 80% AMI for Shelby County. 2026 income guidelines (gross annual): 1-person $33,500-$51,950; 2-person $33,500-$59,350; 3-person $33,500-$66,750; 4-person $35,000-$74,150; 5-person $36,000-$80,100; 6-person $36,000-$86,050; 7-person $36,000-$91,950; 8-person $36,000-$97,900. Minimum income also applies. Guidelines updated annually per HUD. 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?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis Affordable Homeownership Mortgage caps the purchase price as follows: Habitat-set pricing; 30-year fixed rate mortgage. Eligible property types include Single Family. New construction is eligible. Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis Affordable Homeownership Mortgage serves homebuyers purchasing in Memphis, Tennessee. The program targets specific areas: Shelby County (Memphis area), Tennessee.

How do you apply?

Applications for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis Affordable Homeownership Mortgage go through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through Info sessions required prior to application; sessions scheduled periodically. 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 Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.