Can I buy in the affordable housing program?

All affordable housing programs have rules about whether you can apply. Homebuyers have more requirements.

Usually, you can apply for housing in the affordable homebuyer program if you:

  1. Are a first-time homebuyer

    You can’t have owned any residential property anywhere within the last 3 years. 

  2. Are income-eligible

    Your household's total pre-tax (gross) income is compared to San Francisco's Area Median Income (AMI).

    Download the 2022 Area Median Income (AMI) chart by household size

    Income eligibility differs between properties, but generally, it's 100% AMI. (For 2022, 100% AMI for one person is $8083 per month.) It can range from 80%-120% AMI. Please see each BMR listing or City Second listing for details.

  3. Finished homebuyer education approved by MOHCD

    A 2-hour free program orientation and 6-hours total of group workshops which are provided by organizations through HomeownershipSF.org.

    A housing counselor from the organization will then work with you 1-on-1 for 2 hours. They’ll review your financial history and determine your eligibility to apply. The counselors are familiar with our programs, and will help you plan and budget.

    See details about homebuyer education »

  4. Are pre-approved for a mortgage loan by a MOHCD-approved lender

    We have different approved lenders for each program. Your mortgage loan pre-approval letter must be dated within the past 120 days to apply for any homeownership listings.

    The lender will look at your financial situation, using up to:
     
    • 3 months of your most recent bank statements
    • 3 years of your most recent tax returns
    • 3 most recent paystubs

    See list of MOHCD-approved lenders »

  5. Have enough in savings for closing costs and downpayment

    Your housing counselor will help you figure out how much you need. Keep in mind that with mortgage payments, your unit will also have a monthly HOA fee that may go up every year.

For detailed eligibility requirements, refer to the latest Inclusionary Housing Program Manual (page 26)

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