Homeownership Program
Your Path to an Affordable Home
Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity partners with hardworking families to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership.
Step-by-Step
Start Your Journey
From your first inquiry to moving day, here's exactly what to expect and how we walk alongside you every step of the way.
Express Interest & Learn About the Program
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. No commitment required.
Application Window
Applications open periodically. We'll notify you when the next window opens.
Submit a Full Application
When applications open, you'll submit a complete application with financial documents. Our Homeowner Services team reviews every application carefully and fairly.
Selection & Home Agreement
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.
300 to 500 Partnership Hours
Includes building Habitat homes, supporting families, volunteering at the ReStore, and other approved opportunities.
Partnership Hours & Homebuyer Education
Future homeowners complete Partnership Hours by volunteering on Habitat projects, supporting families, serving at the ReStore, and more. Homebuyer education classes prepare families for successful homeownership.
Close on Your Home & Move In
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
Monthly payments never exceed 30% of gross monthly income. No tricks, no balloons, no hidden fees.
What to Expect
Program Overview
Our program is built on three pillars: need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner.
Demonstrated Need
You currently live in substandard, overcrowded, or unaffordable housing.
- Paying more than 30% of income on rent
- Substandard living conditions
- Overcrowded or unsafe housing
Ability to Pay an Affordable Mortgage
You have steady income that supports an affordable monthly mortgage. This is a real mortgage at a low interest rate, not a grant.
- Income within program guidelines
- Low-interest mortgage (no profit to Habitat)
- Payments never exceed 30% of gross income
Willingness to Partner
You commit to Homeowner Partner hours, homebuyer education classes, and building a relationship with our Homeowner Services team.
- 300–500 Homeowner Partner hours
- Homebuyer education coursework
- Regular check-ins with Homeowner Services
Homebuyer Education Classes
Our required education series covers everything from budgeting and credit to home maintenance and community rights.
- Personal budgeting & credit repair
- Home maintenance basics
- Understanding your mortgage
Where We Build and Repair
We serve families in three counties across the Midlands of South Carolina.
Richland
County
Lexington
County
Fairfield
County
Eligibility & Questions
Is Habitat Right for You?
Review the basic eligibility criteria, then check our FAQs. Still have questions? Our Homeowner Services team is happy to talk.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
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.
Income Guidelines
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. Contact us to confirm current limits.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Our Homeowner Services team is happy to do a free, no-obligation pre-screening.
Call Homeowner ServicesFrequently Asked Questions
No, 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.
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: building on-site, volunteering, working at the ReStore. If you have physical limitations, we'll work with you to find appropriate ways to fulfill your hours.
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.
Applications open periodically based on available homes. Submit an interest form now to be first on the list when the next window opens.
Get Started
Express Your Interest
Not sure if you're ready to apply? That's okay. Fill out this short form and our Homeowner Services team will reach out, no pressure, 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.
No Commitment Required
An interest form is just that you show interest.