Your path to homeownership with Habitat for Humanity Canada
We believe everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.
Our program is rooted in partnerships with families. Together, we build homes, communities, and hope.
Anyone can apply to become a Habitat homeowner, but you must be:
- In need of more suitable housing: This could be due to poor housing conditions, over-priced rentals, or an overcrowded home that doesn’t have enough space for your family.
- Willing to partner with us: Habitat homeowners commit to being active participants in building their homes and their futures. This means completing at least 500 volunteer hours, attending homeowner education classes, and staying engaged with your local Habitat community.
- Able to make affordable mortgage payments: To ensure your long-term stability and success as a homeowner, you must be able to make mortgage payments that don’t exceed roughly 30% of your gross household income.
What you can expect from Habitat homeownership
Becoming a Habitat homeowner takes commitment, hard work, and a willingness to partner with your local Habitat – but the rewards can be life-changing.
Our model bridges the gap for working families who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to own a home. Here’s what you can expect as a Habitat homeowner:
- Affordable financing: There is no down payment, and your mortgage will always be geared to your income.
- Annual income review: Your income is reviewed with us each year to ensure payments remain affordable, helping to safeguard your financial stability.
- Community contribution: Volunteer hours with Habitat include helping to build homes, supporting local Habitat ReStores, and participating in homeowner education classes that cover budgeting, home maintenance, and financial literacy.
- Must be your main home: The Habitat home must be where you live most of the time, not a vacation home or rental property.
- Right to buy back: Habitat has the option to buy the home back from you if you decide to sell it. This keeps the home within Habitat’s supply for future partnerships with other families seeking affordable homeownership. A formula decides how any increase or decrease in the home’s value is shared.
Why partner with Habitat?
When you partner with Habitat, you’re building a future where your family can thrive.
Homeowners in Habitat’s affordable ownership program tell us their lives have changed for the better since partnering with us:
- Half of families say their children are doing better in school since moving into a Habitat home
- Half of families take part in more community events
- Half of families say their financial security is better
- 83% of families say their happiness has improved
- 79% of families say their mental health is better
Removing barriers to homeownership
Becoming a Habitat homeowner is about more than just owning a home – it’s about transforming your future. Learn more about how our approach makes homeownership accessible and equitable for everyone.
Many of our homes are designed to meet the needs of people living with disabilities.
Energy-efficient and sustainable building models reduce long-term costs for families.
Mothers parenting on their own are under-represented as homeowners. We are helping to change that.
We’re working to improve homeownership rates among Black families who are historically excluded from the benefits of owning a home.
Local Habitats across Canada are ready to help you determine our affordable homeownership program is right for you and to guide you through every step of the journey. To learn more about the application process, eligibility criteria, and current opportunities in your area, find and contact your local Habitat.