Homeownership | Habitat for Humanity

Interested in Becoming a Habitat Home Owner?

Helping People Help Themselves

Our homeowners receive financial education, attend classes that teach about maintaining a home, work alongside staff and volunteers to build their home and neighbors’ homes, and when it’s time to move in, pay an affordable mortgage payment. The process is straightforward and our dedicated staff will work alongside you in every step you take.

Please take a moment to review the income guidelines and requirements to qualify below. From there, view our Information Session video and complete the self-evaluation form to see if you are eligible for Habitat homeownership.

Henderson County Thermal Belt Homeowner FAQs

2025 Income Guidelines

household size	minimum annual income	maximum annual income
1	$26,175	$52,150
2	$29,900	$59,800
3	$33,650	$67,300
4	$37,400	$74,800
5	$40,375	$86,750
6	$43,375	$86,750
7	$46,375	$92,750
7	$49,375	$98,750

Qualifications for Homeownership

Habitat requires that all applicants meet the following criteria:

Residency
- Live and/or work in Henderson County, Polk County, or Landrum, SC
- Be a US Citizen or Permanent Legal US Resident
Need
- Living in overcrowded housing
- Living in substandard housing
- Living in temporary, subsidized, or public housing
- Paying more than 30% of gross income towards rent
Credit
- No more than $1,500 in total balances delinquent debt
- No more than $2,500 in total balances revolving debt
- No more than $2,500 for medical condition debt less than 3 years old
Willingness to Partner
Applicants must complete at least 300 Sweat Equity hours, meet document deadlines (including tax returns, birth certificates, bank statements, and proof of citizenship), authorize credit and criminal background checks, and pay a non-refundable $30 application fee (check or money order only).

2025 Polk County, NC Income Guidelines

household size	minimum annual income	maximum annual income
1	$13,100	$34,800
2	$17,420	$39,800
3	$21,960	$44,750
4	$26,500	$49,700
5	$31,040	$53,700
6	$35,580	$57,700
7	$38,550	$61,650
7	$41,000	$65,650

2025 Landrum, SC Income Guidelines

household size	minimum annual income	maximum annual income
1	$14,250	$38,050
2	$17,420	$43,450
3	$21,960	$48,900
4	$26,500	$54,300
5	$31,040	$58,650
6	$35,580	$63,000
7	$40,120	$67,350
7	$44,660	$71,700

Qualifications for Homeownership

Habitat requires that all applicants meet the following criteria:

Residency
- Live and/or work in Henderson County, Polk County, or Landrum, SC
- Be a US Citizen or Permanent Legal US Resident
Need
- Living in overcrowded housing
- Living in substandard housing
- Living in temporary, subsidized, or public housing
- Paying more than 30% of gross income towards rent
Credit
- No more than $1,500 in total balances delinquent debt
- No more than $2,500 in total balances revolving debt
- No more than $2,500 for medical condition debt less than 3 years old
Willingness to Partner
Applicants must complete at least 300 Sweat Equity hours, meet document deadlines (including tax returns, birth certificates, bank statements, and proof of citizenship), authorize credit and criminal background checks, and pay a non-refundable $30 application fee (check or money order only).

How long is the process?

The application process takes about 3-6 months, and the sweat equity requirement takes 8-12 months. Overall, it usually takes 12-18 months to complete the entire process from application to closing.

What if I’m not approved?

If applicants do not meet the criteria for homeownership, they will receive a letter explaining why and a list of HUD-approved Financial Counselors or a referral to another organization.

How many times can I apply?

As many as you like. There is no limit to how many times an individual can apply for a Habitat home.

Who can I talk to about the application process?

For questions or concerns regarding the application process, please call (828) 694-0340 ext. 115 or email Homeowner Services.

Homeowner Information Session

Watch our Homeownership Info Session to learn about our program, how to apply and how to qualify. Then complete the self evaluation tool below to see if you qualify.

Find out if you’re eligible

Henderson County & Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity is pledged to the letter and spirit of the U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation.

We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to becoming a homeowner due to race, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

Office Locations

Hendersonville Administration Office

1111 Keith St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
(828) 694-0340 | Fax: (828) 696-9657
Mon-Fri: 8:30am – 5:00pm | Sat / Sun: Closed

Interested in Becoming a Habitat Home Owner?

Helping People Help Themselves

2025 Income Guidelines

Qualifications for Homeownership

2025 Polk County, NC Income Guidelines

2025 Landrum, SC Income Guidelines

Qualifications for Homeownership

How long is the process?

What if I’m not approved?

How many times can I apply?

Who can I talk to about the application process?

Homeowner Information Session

Henderson County & Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity is pledged to the letter and spirit of the U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation.

Office Locations

Hendersonville Administration Office

Thermal Belt Administration Office

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