Homeownership Program
Our Homeownership Program is designed to prepare, educate, and assist individuals in their journey to becoming Habitat homeowners in New Castle County. Our vision is where everyone has a decent AND AFFORDABLE place to live.
ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF A FIRST-TIME HABITAT HOMEBUYER
We believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live, and that homeownership makes a difference—in communities, and families alike. Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County provides a hand-up not a hand-out to qualifying families who may not be able to qualify for traditional mortgage options. Our homeownership program is designed to prepare, educate, and assist individuals in their journey to becoming Habitat homeowners.
We understand that each family has different and unique circumstances; Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County looks at two important qualifications:
- Willingness to Partner
- Ability to Pay
Along with those 2 components there are other application requirements you should know while considering our program:
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Must live and/or work in New Castle County Delaware consecutively within the past year.
- Must provide verifiable and documented source of income for 12 Consecutive months.
- Must be willing to complete Sweat equity hours.
- Must have a minimum credit score of 620.
- Household Income must Fall within the HUD income guidelines.
Household income is calculated based on the gross income of all adults. The income is based on 35-80% of the current HUD Area Median Income (AMI) for New Castle County.
2026 Statewide Income Guidelines for New Castle County
Register today for our Homebuyer Seminar 7/18
Sunday, September 20th • 2:00 to 3:30 PM
Rt 9 Library and Innovation Center
You’ll learn about:
Habitat’s 0% Mortgage Program
Program requirements & application process
Wealth building through homeownership
Community impact & sustainable housing
Pre-registration is required!
What properties are currently available?
New Construction
2200 Block of Lamotte Street, Wilmington, DE – two 3 bedrooms 1.5 baths
2200 Block of Carter Street, Wilmington, DE – five 3 bedrooms 1.5 baths
Coming in 2026!
To learn more about our program requirements, our designation process, benefits to you as a prospective homeowner and how to move forward please attend one of our FREE First-Time Homebuyer Seminar. Please click on a link below that works best for you. A new date will be added every 1st of the month. If you have any additional questions please contact familyservices@habitatncc.org.
Click the link below for our First Time Homebuyer Program Fact Sheet
In need of additional resources?
Here Are A Few Who Can Help
FAQs
How can I apply for the Home Ownership Program?
You can download the application by clicking the text here: HFHNCC Full Application Packet
Once you fill out the application, please print and submit in person at our home office at Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County, 1920 Hutton Street, Wilmington, DE 19802.
"Do you have to have a family to apply?
No. You can be a single person when applying for our homeownership program.
"Can you apply if you receive social security?"
Yes. Anyone with verifiable income can apply for the homeownership program; however, they must fall with the HUD income guidelines.
"Do you have to attend a Habitat First-Time Homebuyer seminar to apply?"
No. However, we highly recommend and encourage all serious and interested person(s) to attend the seminar to learn more about our program qualifications, requirements, and benefits to the program. If you would like to apply without attending the seminar, please click below to download the pre-qualification application.
For English CLICK HERE
"Is There A Waiting List?"
No. There is not a waiting list, we approve qualified applicants according to the current builds.
"Can I receive a home just by Volunteering?"
No. Volunteering is about the partnership with habitat for humanity which includes helping build your home and your neighbor’s home.
"Can my application be transferred to another habitat?"
No. Each habitat has its own requirements and processes.
"Can I request where I want to live?"
No. You would only apply if you were ready to live where we are currently building.
"Do you offer emergency housing?"
No. We understand that homelessness is increasing and that unforeseeable situations occur; however, our homeownership program is a partnership and takes time before you get your home.
"Will my sweat equity go towards my settlement?"
No. Settlement cost is money that should be set aside to help cover the cost of going to settlement with an attorney.