Habitat Homeownership Program
Habitat for Humanity Victoria provides a pathway to homeownership for hard-working families who would not normally qualify for a traditional mortgage but are ready for the challenges and responsibilities of owning a home.
Our partner families demonstrate a need for safe and affordable housing and can qualify for their mortgage payments. They are willing to partner with us as ambassadors for the program. Our families volunteer 500 hours, referred to as service hours, before moving into their home, by volunteering on the construction site to build their home or a home of another family, in our ReStores or with event and/or office support.
To partner with Habitat Victoria, you must meet the following criteria:
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One or more of the following must apply to your family:
The percentage of income you currently spend on housing is too high (over 30% of gross income).
Your family has medical disabilities and general health conditions that are made worse by your current housing.
Your home is overcrowded for the number of people living in the space.
Your home requires major repairs.
Your home or neigbourhood is not safe.
You would otherwise be unable to purchase a home.
Your net assets are less than $100,000.
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Your annual gross household income must be less than $120,000.
You must have a decent credit rating and a balance between debt and income.
You must be servicing any debt you currently have.
Any bankruptcy has been discharged for at least 3 years.
You have steady income that is enough to cover the cost of mortgage payments, taxes, utilities, insurance and maintenance expenses of the home.
Approved homeowners purchase their home through two mortgages – the first mortgage is through a traditional lender (bank) with market interest rates, and the second mortgage which covers the majority of the home value is through Habitat Victoria with no interest.
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Each family selected for homeownership with Habitat is called a "Future Homeowner". Habitat Victoria Homeowners are considered our greatest Ambassadors and as such are expected to help with a variety of initiatives that advance our mission. You must be willing to partner with us by participating in Habitat Victoria projects, community activities and publicity.
Personal references, employment and credit checks must be provided.
You must contribute 500 volunteer hours within two years.
You are willing to work towards building solid relationships with volunteers, donors, community members and neighbours as a Habitat Victoria homeowner.
You are willing to live in a community with families from a variety of ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.
You are willing to accept all the responsibilities of homeownership including insurance, taxes, utilities, maintenance and other common homeowner expenses.
You appreciate that the community has come together to build your family a home by donating their time and finances. Habitat Victoria homes are not custom built homes and you must not expect a perfect aesthetic.
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You are able to provide proof of being either Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada and proof of residency in the Capital Regional District for at least two years. All family members who would live in the house fall under the same criteria.
You have primary care and guardianship of a child (aged 12 or younger) or a child with a disability who could not live alone (aged 16 or younger).
You do not currently own a home, vacation property or land anywhere in the world.
Complete Our Expression of Interest
