Homeownership Program
Your Path to an Affordable Home
Habitat for Humanity Central South Carolina partners with hardworking families to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership.
Homeownership Program
Habitat for Humanity Central South Carolina partners with hardworking families to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership.
Step-by-Step
From your first inquiry to moving day, here's exactly what to expect and how we walk alongside you every step of the way.
Fill out our interest form and attend a free Homebuyer Information Session. You'll learn about eligibility requirements, our Homeowner Partner program, and what it means to be a Habitat homeowner.
Information Sessions
Held monthly free and open to anyone interested in learning more. No commitment required.
Application Window
Applications open periodically. We'll notify you when the next window opens so you're ready to apply.
When applications open, you'll submit a complete application along with financial documents. Our Homeowner Services team reviews every application carefully and fairly.
Families are selected based on need, ability to pay an affordable mortgage, and willingness to partner. If selected, you'll sign a partnership agreement and begin your hours as a Homeowner Partner.
Homebuyer Committee
An independent committee reviews applications to ensure a fair, unbiased process for all families.
300 to 500 Partnership Hours
Includes helping build Habitat homes, supporting Habitat families, volunteering at the ReStore, and other approved opportunities supporting Habitat's mission.
Future Habitat homeowners complete Partnership Hours by volunteering on Habitat projects, supporting other families, serving at the ReStore, and participating in other approved activities. Homebuyer education classes help prepare families for successful homeownership, including budgeting, home maintenance, and mortgage responsibilities.
Once your home is built and all requirements are met, you'll close on an affordable, low-interest mortgage and get your keys. No rent. Your home. Your future.
Low-Interest Mortgage
Your monthly payments stay affordable never more than 30% of your gross monthly income. No tricks, no balloons, no hidden fees.
What to Expect
Our program is built on three pillars: need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner. Here's what makes the Habitat model unique.
You currently live in substandard, overcrowded, or unaffordable housing. "Need" is about your current situation not a judgment of your character or choices.
You have steady income employment, self-employment, or benefits that supports an affordable monthly mortgage payment. This is not a grant; it's a real mortgage at a low interest rate.
You commit to Homeowner Partner hours, homebuyer education classes, and building a relationship with our Homeowner Services team. This investment is what sets Habitat homeowners apart.
Our required education series covers everything you need to be a confident, successful homeowner from budgeting and credit to home maintenance and community rights.
We serve families in three counties across the Midlands of South Carolina.
Richland
County
Lexington
County
Fairfield
County
Eligibility & Questions
Review the basic eligibility criteria, then check out our frequently asked questions. Still have questions? Contact our Homeowner Services team we're happy to talk.
Demonstrated Housing Need
Current housing is substandard, unsafe, overcrowded, or consumes more than 30% of your gross income.
U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
You must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent legal residency status.
Live or Work in Our Service Area
Richland, Lexington, or Fairfield County, South Carolina.
Income Within Program Guidelines
Generally 30–80% of Area Median Income (AMI). Specific limits vary by household size.
Willingness to Partner
Commit to Homeowner Partner hours, homebuyer education, and working with our Homeowner Services team.
Acceptable Credit History
No active bankruptcies. Previous credit challenges do not automatically disqualify you.
FY2026 Annual Income Range (30% – Low Income)
Columbia, SC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: U.S. HUD FY2026 Adjusted HOME Income Limits. Effective June 1, 2026.
Figures are approximate. Income includes wages, tips, self-employment, Social Security, disability, and other regular income sources. Contact us to confirm current limits.
Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity annually updates our Homeownership Program income requirements based on area market conditions. We reserve the right to revise these criteria at any time.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Our Homeowner Services team is happy to do a free, no-obligation pre-screening to help you understand if and when you might qualify.
Call Homeowner ServicesNo, this is not a grant it's a real low-interest mortgage loan. You purchase the home and make monthly mortgage payments to Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity. The payments are affordable and go toward paying off your home, which you fully own.
We look at your overall financial picture, not just your credit score. Past credit challenges don't automatically disqualify you. However, active bankruptcies or foreclosures typically do. If you have credit concerns, talk to our Homeowner Services team we may be able to connect you with resources to help you prepare.
Up to 24 months.
Homes are assigned based on family size and available builds. While you may not choose a specific neighborhood, you will know the general service area Richland, Lexington, or Fairfield County.
Homeowner Partner hours are the hands-on investment you make in your home and the Habitat community. This includes working on your own home construction, volunteering on other Habitat builds, and working at the ReStore. If you have physical limitations, we'll work with you to find appropriate ways to fulfill your hours office support, childcare for other families, and more.
Yes you own the home and can sell it. However, there may be a shared equity or resale restriction agreement that ensures the home remains affordable for future buyers. Your Homeowner Services staff will explain all terms clearly before you close.
Applications open periodically based on available homes. Even when applications are closed, you can submit an interest form to be notified when the next application window opens. We encourage you to express interest now so you're first to know.
Get Started
Not sure if you're ready to apply? That's okay. Fill out this short interest form and our Homeowner Services team will reach out to answer your questions with no pressure and no commitment.
If applications are currently open, we'll let you know how to take the next step. If not, you'll be first on the list when they do open.
Your Information is Safe
We never share your information with third parties. Full stop.
We'll Respond Within 5 Business Days
Our Homeowner Services team reviews every inquiry personally.
No Commitment Required
An interest form is just that interest. You can decide later if you want to formally apply.
Prefer to talk to someone?
Call or email our Homeowner Services team directly:
(803) 555-1234 HomeownerServices@habitatcsc.org