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Is there an affordable way to own a home?

Home ownership has become very expensive and can be even unattainable for some. It can take many years to save up just for a down payment to buy a first home. Some programs can offer an affordable alternative for first-time homebuyers. 

Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa offers people a path to homeownership through their Affordable Homeownership Program. They work together with donors, supporters, and partners to build homes and communities.

How it Works

The program allows first-time buyers to own a home with no down payment. Through this program, qualified participants make affordable monthly mortgage payments while building long-term equity in their home. By removing the significant barrier of saving for a down payment, Habitat opens the door to safe and stable homeownership for more people in our community.

If you or your family have been priced out of the housing market, unable to save for a down payment, you may be a good fit for Habitat Greater Ottawa’s Affordable Homeownership Program.

How to Qualify 

Habitat’s homeownership program is built on partnership. To qualify, applicants agree to contribute volunteer hours and take part in homeowner education sessions. These sessions help future homeowners understand budgeting, mortgages, and home maintenance in Canada.

Habitat works closely with homeowners before and after move-in, providing guidance and ongoing support throughout the mortgage term. Homeowners remain partners with Habitat until they move or have paid off their mortgage. This long-term partnership helps set homeowners up for lasting success and stability.

Here are the steps to qualify:

1. Join the Expression of Interest List - complete the Expression of Interest Questionnaire and get notified if space becomes available for a current or future development.
2. Receive Development Announcement - once a new development is announced, those on the Expression of Interest list will be the first to hear about the eligibility criteria, location and design of units.
3. Application Process - select the community you’re interested in and fill out the pre-qualification form. If you meet the minimum requirements, you’ll receive a link to fill out and submit the full application.
4. Secure First Mortgage - if you’re a good fit for the program, Habitat will connect you with their lending partner to secure your first mortgage. Once your mortgage has been pre-approved, you will be considered for the development. 
5. Selection and Partnership - once selected for the development, you’ll begin the Partnership Process, which includes completing volunteer hours and preparing for homeownership through Habitat’s training courses.
6. Homeownership - once homeownership preparation requirements are complete and the house is built, you will move into your home! 

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered for the program:

• Must have a total household income enough to cover the cost of Habitat homeownership (Total household income requirements may differ depending on the type of build and location.)
• Must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
• Must be a first-time homebuyer and current renter (You’re considered a first-time home buyer if during the past four years and current year, you haven’t lived in a home that you owned, or that your spouse or common-law partner owned, as your primary residence.)
• At least one adult per household must have at least 2 years of full-time employment history in Canada.
• No recent bankruptcies. They require 3 years from a bankruptcy or consumer proposal discharge;
• Must be living somewhere that does not meet the applicant’s needs; and
• Able and willing to contribute 500 volunteer hours on the build site or with other Habitat projects and community activities.

What to Expect 

Education & Long-Term Support
As part of Habitat Greater Ottawa’s Affordable Homeownership Program, future homeowners participate in comprehensive education sessions focused on finances, home maintenance, and the responsibilities of owning a home in Ottawa. These sessions are designed to support first-time homeowners and newcomers by building knowledge and confidence for long-term success. Habitat’s relationship with homeowners continues beyond move-in, providing stability and guidance throughout the mortgage term.

Long-term Affordability
Habitat homes are designed to remain affordable long-term. The program requires no down payment, and mortgages are capped at 30% of household income, helping keep monthly payments predictable and manageable. Habitat offers stability and protection against sudden or significant increases in housing costs that can occur in rental housing.

Volunteer Hours
Habitat Greater Ottawa requires a commitment of 500 volunteer hours as part of the Affordable Homeownership Program. There is no financial compensation for these volunteer hours, and hours accumulate once the applicant is officially accepted into the Habitat Affordable Homeownership Program.

Examples of how to accumulate volunteer hours include: 

• working on the Habitat build site to build your own home or the homes of others
• participating in Habitat media campaign and fundraising events
• office work - volunteering in the ReStores
• attending homeowner training workshops as well as local community volunteerism. 
• children can contribute to volunteer hours through making art, crafts and activities.

Up to five additional family members, other than those who will be living in the home and/or friends, can also contribute to the required hours. Qualified Partners are matched with Family Mentors who support them to complete the volunteer hours and homeownership training.

Blended Mortgage Model

Future Habitat homeowners will purchase their home at fair market value through two affordable mortgages. The first is an interest-bearing mortgage from a financial institution working in partnership with Habitat. The second is an interest-free mortgage provided by Habitat.  A partial interest-free mortgage held by Habitat ensures continued affordability for homeowners.

NOTE: Expenses such as utilities, property taxes, homeowner insurance and other household needs are the responsibility of the family.   

The Affordable Homeownership Program offers more than just housing; it prepares families to be successful homeowners who are invested in their homes and community.  

Annual Income Reviews

As part of the partnership with Habitat, homeowners complete an annual review. This includes providing:

• Notice of assessments for all adults in the household each year
• Proof of Home Insurance
• Proof of payment of Property Taxes

Selling Your Home in the Future
Homeowners can always sell their home, subject to the conditions of their Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Habitat Greater Ottawa has the first right of refusal on the home, meaning that Habitat needs to be notified first if a Homeowner wishes to sell.

Check out the Homeownership FAQ for answers to common questions or reach out directly to the Habitat for Humanity Homeowner Services Team for more information. 

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