Become a Homebuyer

Accepted applicants purchase an affordable mortgage with the responsibility of an affordable interest, monthly mortgage payments, and home maintenance. Complete an interest form to get started.

Share Your Interest

Basic Requirements

HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency

The Habitat homeownership program (also known as Habitat University) includes financial counseling and home maintenance education that gives buyers the tools to be successful in this life-changing endeavor. Accepted applicants invest 200 partnership hours by completing Habitat U classes and volunteering on Habitat homes. Homebuyers then purchase their home with the responsibility of an affordable interest, monthly mortgage payments, and home maintenance. 

  • You must be a US citizen or permanent resident
  • You must have lived or worked in the Greater Indy Habitat service area for the past 12 months
  • Attend a counseling session with a HUD-certified Housing Counselor
  • If married, you must apply with your spouse
  • You must have two years of verifiable income and the ability to repay the mortgage
  • You must have 12 months of stable rental history
  • Must be applying to purchase what will be the applicant’s primary residence

Steps of the Program

Eligibility

We look for three things when determining eligible applicants: need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner. A family with these three things must meet income guidelines, program requirements, and the mandatory details needed to qualify for a mortgage.

Habitat University Courses

Complete and graduate from Habitat University’s financial and home maintenance courses.  

Partnership Hours

Work alongside sponsors and volunteers to complete 200 partnership hours by working on the build site of their own home and others or through volunteering at the ReStore. 

Purchase

The home is sold to the family via a long-term, affordable interest mortgage.

Value

The family then owns a decent home that meets their needs and pays affordable monthly mortgage payments that goes into a revolving fund that is used to build homes for more families. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Habitat for Humanity give homes away? 

No, Habitat homeowners have an affordable mortgage, pay modest closing costs and complete 200 partnership hours including homeownership classes through Habitat University, construction on their home and the houses of other future Habitat homeowners. Families and individuals must meet three criteria to qualify for the program: need, affordability, and willingness to partner.  

Do you have to be a Christian to become a Habitat homeowner?

Habitat homeowners are chosen without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, familial status, disability, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, source of income or other characteristics in keeping with U.S. law and with Habitat’s abiding belief that God’s love extends to everyone. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace Habitat’s goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.

Who actually builds the homes?

Homes are built by a mix of skilled contractors and professionals, dedicated volunteers, and future homeowners. All projects are overseen by construction staff to ensure quality and safety.

Who actually buys Habitat homes?

Our program helps families step into homeownership now—offering affordable mortgages with the lowest possible interest rates so dreams don’t have to wait. The truth is, Habitat homebuyers aren’t strangers; they are the essential workers, caregivers, and neighbors we rely on every day, representing a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences.

Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity is committed to equal housing opportunity and ensures fair and equitable access to our programs and services for all, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, familial status, disability, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, source of income, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Meet the real people behind the stories of our homes and what they do.

 

Faces of Habitat
What if my finances aren’t perfect?

You don’t need perfect credit to qualify. Habitat looks at your overall financial picture, including income history, stability and willingness to address and improve credit challenges. Financial coaching and education are part of the process.

If approved as a homeowner, what areas are the homes built in?

Applicants have the flexibility to choose from the available home addresses we’re building at during the time of entry into the program. Our affiliate serves Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, and Shelby counties; however, historically, the majority of our home builds are located in Marion County, across a variety of townships.

Meet our homeowners

Why Partner with Habitat

Begin your journey!