Interested in learning about our homeowner program?
Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity provides affordable Mortgage loans. Monthly mortgage payments are typically around 30% of the homeowner’s gross monthly income. Habitat homes are sold to first time home buyers and are not connected with any rental assistance program.
To qualify, applicants shall have at least 2 years of stable income ranging from 50% to 80% of Bernalillo County’s median income. Accepted applicants are required to contribute “sweat equity,” which includes volunteering at the construction site, helping at the ReStore, and completing a financial education course.
Each family is evaluated on need for housing, ability to pay & willingness to partner.
To qualify for our program, you must answer “YES” to all of the following questions:
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Have you lived or worked in Bernalillo or south Sandoval County for the past year?
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Are you a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent resident?
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Do you have 2 years of stable income with no employment gaps?
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Can you provide a 12-month rental payment history?
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Does your gross income fall between the guidelines? Click HERE to view the HUD income requirements. *Please note: this chart is based on gross income, your income before taxes.*
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Are you a first-time homebuyer?
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Are you willing to consent to a background, credit, and sexual offense check?
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Are you willing to Partner? Applicants will need to complete sweat equity hours of volunteer work on their home.
How does the Habitat Homeowner program work?
Our Habitat homeownership program partners with families to help build their homes, and in return, they receive an affordable mortgage. These loans are made more affordable because they are interest-free.
Selected families must complete homeowner education classes and contribute sweat equity by helping build their own home as well as the homes of others. The selection process is fair, transparent, and open to all who meet the program qualifications.
I'm interested in the Habitat Homeownership program, what should I do next?
Please visit our website to review the program requirements. If you meet all the criteria, complete the inquiry form. Once you have filled out the inquiry form an application will be sent to you in November 2025. More information will be provided in the application packet.
Your information states that you have expanded your program income guidelines. What does that mean?
Expanding our program income guidelines means that we are now able to serve a broader range of families. In addition to low-income households, families with moderate incomes may also qualify for the program, as long as you are a first-time homebuyer. This allows more people the opportunity to achieve safe, affordable homeownership while still ensuring the program remains sustainable and effective.
The upper limit of our homeowner income eligibility has increased from 60% to 80% of the Median Income in the Albuquerque area. Actual income limits vary depending on family size, and detailed qualification information is available on our website.
Where will these new homes be located, and are they currently under construction?
We are in the early planning stages for our next two neighborhoods, which will be located on the Northwest side of Albuquerque. Both neighborhoods are currently in the design phase, collaborating with civil engineers, construction leadership, home designers, and the City of Albuquerque. Over the next several years, we expect to build a total of sixteen homes across these two neighborhoods.
Do Habitat families actually own their homes, and what are some of the requirements in the process?
Yes, families selected for Habitat homes go through a qualification process and must apply for and be approved for a mortgage, just like any other homebuyer. At closing, they sign a mortgage with Habitat as the lender, which carries a 0% interest rate, making homeownership more affordable to entry-level buyers.
Eligibility requirements are listed on our website and include:
- Annual gross income within 50% to 80% of the HUD Area Median income (AMI) for Bernalillo County.
- Demonstrated steady and stable employment.
- Creditworthiness.
- Passing required background checks.
- You must be a first-time homebuyer.
I've read that people selected for Habitat homeownership have to work on the construction of their own homes? How does that work? What if I have no construction skills?
Those selected to become Habitat homeowners are required as part of the agreement to help build their own homes alongside volunteers (sweat equity), and accumulate a certain number of hours in construction of their home along with hours spent on education sessions regarding homeownership, preparation to be a homeowner, personal financial management, etc. No prior construction skills or experience are required.
What are the requirements and benefits for Habitat homeowners once their home has been competed and they have moved in?
Habitat homeowners are just like any other homebuyer. They have a mortgage that requires a monthly payment due regularly. They pay property taxes and home insurance. They show pride in ownership by keeping their property well-maintained. They have neighbors who helped each other build their homes and a neighborhood bond to enjoy. They also know that every mortgage payment goes towards accumulating equity in their residence, while owning their home provides security and comfort for themselves and their family.