Homeownership
We bring the dream of owning a home to reality. Habitat SCNJ provides homeownership opportunities with an affordable, income-based mortgage.
Homeownership Program
No matter who you are or where you come from, everyone deserves a decent, safe place to live. Habitat for Humanity SCNJ provides opportunities for families in need to build brighter futures for themselves and their children.
Through Habitat’s Homeownership Program, individuals who might not otherwise qualify for a traditional mortgage can still achieve the dream of owning a home.
How it Works
The Homeownership Program is designed for low to moderate income families to purchase a home with an affordable mortgage. Our families work hard to create a permanent solution to their housing struggles. Each Habitat partner family must complete hours of “sweat equity” to build their home and the homes of other Habitat families, work in our ReStore, and complete financial, budgeting, and credit education workshops.
What is sweat equity?
Sweat equity is the non-monetary investment someone makes in the building process. It’s about doing the hard work to bring an idea to life. At Habitat for Humanity, that means you’ll likely spend some time helping build your home or another family’s home alongside volunteers and sponsors.
Sweat equity can take many forms for partner families working with Habitat:
- construction work on the build site
- volunteering in a Habitat ReStore
- assisting in administrative duties
- attending an event, and more.
This co-working approach informs Habitat’s emphasis on sweat equity: all of us work together so that homeowners can achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and for their families.
Why buy with Habitat?
At Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey we know that home ownership plays a critical role in breaking the cycle of poverty. As a Habitat homeowner, you’ll not only buy a home, but you’ll gain the stability and security that comes with it and a strong foundation for generations to come.
- Income-based mortgage offers affordable monthly payments set at no more than 30% of your gross monthly household income.
- Homebuyer education classes prepare you for the responsibilities of homeownership.
- Post-purchase support provides maintenance advice, resources, and opportunities to connect with your community.
- We are a trusted partner. For over 30 years, Habitat SCNJ has helped more than 374 families buy an affordable home.
Not financially ready yet? You may be eligible for our Almost Home Program which offers a customized action plan to help you learn to manage your budget, pay off debt, understand credit, and save for your home purchase.
Qualifications
To qualify for our Affordable Homeownership Program, applicants must meet three criteria:
- Need for Housing
- Ability to Pay
- Willingness to Partner (sweat equity!)
Income Limits By Household Size are based of NJHMFA 2025 UHAC Guidelines
Income Guidelines for Burlington & Camden County
| Family Size | Low Income | Moderate Income |
|---|---|---|
| Family Size1 Person | Low Income$41,800 | Moderate Income$66,880 |
| Family Size2 Persons | Low Income$47,800 | Moderate Income$76,480 |
| Family Size3 Persons | Low Income$53,750 | Moderate Income86,000 |
| Family Size4 Persons | Low Income$59,700 | Moderate Income$95,520 |
| Family Size5 Persons | Low Income$64,500 | Moderate Income$103,200 |
| Family Size6 Persons | Low Income$69,300 | Moderate Income$110,880 |
| Family Size7 Persons | Low Income$74,050 | Moderate Income$118,480 |
| Family Size8 Persons | Low Income$78,850 | Moderate Income$126,160 |
Income Guidelines for Mercer County
| Family Size | Low Income | Moderate Income |
|---|---|---|
| Family Size1 Person | Low Income$47,150 | Moderate Income$75,440 |
| Family Size2 Persons | Low Income$53,850 | Moderate Income$86,160 |
| Family Size3 Persons | Low Income$60,600 | Moderate Income$96,960 |
| Family Size4 Persons | Low Income$67,300 | Moderate Income$107,680 |
| Family Size5 Persons | Low Income$72,700 | Moderate Income$116,320 |
| Family Size6 Persons | Low Income$78,100 | Moderate Income$124,960 |
| Family Size7 Persons | Low Income$83,500 | Moderate Income$133,600 |
| Family Size8 Persons | Low Income$88,850 | Moderate Income$142,160 |
Income Guidelines for Atlantic County
| Family Size | Low Income | Maximum (80%) |
|---|---|---|
| Family Size1 Person | Low Income$35,950 | Maximum (80%)$57,520 |
| Family Size2 Persons | Low Income$41,100 | Maximum (80%)$65,760 |
| Family Size3 Persons | Low Income$46,250 | Maximum (80%)$74,000 |
| Family Size4 Persons | Low Income$51,350 | Maximum (80%)$82,160 |
| Family Size5 Persons | Low Income$55,500 | Maximum (80%)$88,800 |
| Family Size6 Persons | Low Income$59,600 | Maximum (80%)$95,360 |
| Family Size7 Persons | Low Income$63,700 | Maximum (80%)$101,920 |
| Family Size8 Persons | Low Income$67,800 | Maximum (80%)$108,480 |