Buyer Qualifications

Do You Qualify to Buy?

Buyer Qualifications

Habitat-NYC homes are available to first-time homebuyers who meet all income and credit guidelines. We strongly urge all potential homebuyers to attend a regularly scheduled information session.

Priority is given to families living in substandard or overcrowded housing, or paying more than 50% of their household income on rent.

Families must meet our income guidelines, which are subject to change without notice.*

Applicants must have a FICO Score of 620 or higher. There must be no accounts in collection, charge-offs or unsatisfied public records, and no bankruptcies within the last three years. Upon qualification, applicants must have $2,500 for a good-faith deposit and a willingness to establish a savings account with Habitat–NYC to cover closing costs.

Homebuyers will work alongside Habitat-NYC staff and volunteers to develop their homes. Habitat-NYC requires 200 hours of “sweat equity” from household members over age 16, up to a maximum of 400 hours per household.

Household Size Minimum Income Maximum Income
2 $34,400 $55,000
3 $38,700 $61,850
4 $42,950 $68,700
5 $46,400 $74,200
6 $49,850 $79,700

* Income range for homebuyers is based on 2013 HUD Income Guidelines.