Habitat First-Time Homebuyer Applications Will Not Open Spring 2024
Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg announced this week it will not open applications to the first-time Homebuyer Program in 2024 due to a lack of affordable land available to build new homes.
While work continues on 14 homes for applicants selected in 2022 and 2023, this marks the first time since the local Habitat affiliate started in 1985 that it has not accepted new homebuyer applications.
Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes in partnership with local families. Homes are purchased with a zero-interest, 20- to 30-year mortgage by families with low to moderate incomes.
“The nationwide affordable housing crisis churned into a perfect storm in this region for this year,” said Janet V. Green, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg. “We’re deeply saddened to be in this position, especially when you look at the incredible and growing need here in our local community.”
Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg reported record homebuyer applications in 2022 and 2023.
Available land for home construction is priced too high for Habitat to purchase in 2024.
“We have acquired raw land to prepare for construction, but that process is taking more time that we anticipated,” Green said.
That’s also the case for land provided to Habitat from regional housing authorities.
“Our partners are working to transfer land to us, but that, too, is taking longer to finalize than it has in past years,” Green said.
While applications to the homebuyer program generally open to the public every spring, Green said, it’s possible that the affiliate could accept applications later this year.
“That’s where this great community can help,” Green said. “We need donated lots to build on or homes in need of rehab to sell to more families. Eliminating the cost to purchase land dramatically reduces the cost of affordable homes we can build for qualified homeowners.”
All land and property donations are tax deductible, and some are eligible for tax credits. Donors with land or property in Hampton, Williamsburg, James City County, Newport News, Poquoson, York County, Charles City County or New Kent County are encouraged to contact info@habitatpgw.org or (757) 596-5553.
