we are launching a new homeownership program!
Thank you for your interest in Sussex County Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership Program! We’re excited to welcome you as you explore the possibility of owning a safe, affordable home.
Beginning February 2, 2026, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity is launching an updated Homeownership Program, with requirements designed to better support individuals and families as they prepare for homeownership and long‑term stability.
qualifying for a home
Sussex County Habitat partner families are qualified through an extensive application process that considers the family's ability to pay an affordable mortgage, need for adequate housing, and a willingness to partner by completing all program requirements needed to be a Habitat partner family. The applicant must live and/or work in Sussex County and maintain a steady and reliable source of income.
ability to pay
The ability to pay an affordable mortgage is demonstrated by having a gross income within the following guidelines:
- House cost burden ratio - no more than 30% of gross monthly income
- Total debt to income ratio - no more than 43% of gross monthly income
- Between 30-80% of the AMI for Sussex County as set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
2025 HUD Annual Income Guidelines
| Family Size | Not Less Than (≥ 30% AMI) | No More Than (≤ 80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,490 | $54,600 |
| 2 | $23,400 | $62,400 |
| 3 | $26,340 | $70,200 |
| 4 | $29,250 | $78.000 |
| 5 | $31,590 | $84,250 |
| 6 | $33,930 | $90,500 |
| 7 | $36,270 | $96,750 |
| 8 | $38,610 | $103,000 |
need for adequate housing
The need for simple, decent, and affordable housing can be demonstrated in a number ways, including:
- Substandard living conditions: Structural defects, failure of one or more essential systems in the house (plumbing, heating, and electrical), or unsafe or unhealthy living conditions (mold, pests, etc.)
- Overcrowding: The presence of more people or things in a space than is comfortable, safe, or permissible
- Homelessness: Persons who are sleeping in emergency shelters or places not meant for human habitation, persons graduating from transitional housing programs or discharged from an institution or foster care, or victims of domestic violence
- Cost-Burden: More than 30% of gross monthly income is spent on shelter
willingness to partner
Families demonstrate their willingness to partner through these requirements:
- Complete 200 sweat equity hours per household (minimum of 100 construction, maximum 50 friends & family, maximum 50 other opportunities)
- Have $4,000 in a checking and or savings account at time of pre-application questionnaire submission to contribute to closing costs
- Deposit an additional $2,000 throughout the duration of the program
- Have no delinquent debt at time of pre-application questionnaire submission and duration of program
- Have a minimum credit score of 640 at time of pre-application questionnaire submission and duration of program
- Have two open and active trade lines for a minimum of 12 months
- Be willing to enter into a land lease agreement. This means the land beneath the home will remain owned by Sussex County Habitat for Humanity, while the homeowner owns the structure. The initial lease has a term of 99 years and is renewable for successive 99-year terms.
- Attend monthly financial coaching and pre-purchase education sessions
- Attend a mandatory one-time post–purchase education class
- Serve as a positive Habitat ambassador in the community
Click here for the link to our fillable pre-application in English.
Click here for the link to our fillable pre-application in Spanish.
Click here for the link to our fillable pre-application in Creole.
Questions? Fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page and our Homeowner Services department will be happy to help!
schfh uses a land lease model to develop permanently affordable homes in sussex county.
- In partnership with SCHFH, the prospective homeowner will need to qualify for a mortgage under guidelines established by SCHFH. The process of buying a home is separate from ownership of the land.
- Because SCHFH retains ownership of the land, we are able to greatly reduce your initial purchase price, which is not included in the price of the home. SCHFH uses volunteer labor to keep the construction costs down. Additionally, SCHFH’s affordable mortgage program allows you to save a great deal of money on your mortgage loan. In short, you pay much less to own your home than you would if you purchased a market rate home.
- For many, the land lease model is the first step to homeownership. Later they may move on to market rate homes. For others, land lease homeownership—and the community support that it brings—is the way they want to own a home.
- A 99-Year renewable lease means long-term security for the homeowner and permanent affordability for future homeowners.
- Homeowner participates in a shared appreciation model – When the homeowner decides to sell, they keep a portion of the proceeds, based on a simple formula that ensures affordability for the next family.
- Check back to view our full land lease guide here.
Equal Housing Opportunity
Sussex County Habitat for Humanity does business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law (Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988). We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, familial status, age, marital status, or source of income. We are committed to providing equal housing opportunities for all.
start preparing today!
We encourage you to take steps towards homeownership now. Our Financial Coach is here to help you plan ahead by reviewing your budget, credit, and savings goals.
Connect with Paula today at 302-855-1153 ext. 212 or Paula@sussexcountyhabitat.org.
Click here for more information about our financial literacy program.