Official Program Indian River County HFA
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Indian River County Housing
Alternative Homeownership Path

Indian River Habitat for Humanity
Homebuyer Program

A unique path to homeownership featuring 0% interest mortgages and no traditional down payment, built on partnership and sweat equity.

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What You Get

Zero-Percent Interest Mortgage

Homes are purchased through a 0% interest mortgage with Habitat. This significantly lowers your monthly payment compared to traditional financing.

No Down Payment Requirement

Instead of a cash down payment, Habitat requires "sweat equity" hours (300-500 hours) contributed toward building your home and others.

Full Ownership

You own the home and the land after closing. Habitat keeps no ownership interest once the closing is complete.

Affordable Payments

Selection is based on need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner. Payments are structured to be affordable for your income level.

Core Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for consideration, you must meet these baseline criteria.

  • Residency: Live and/or work in Indian River County for 12 consecutive months prior to applying.
  • Work History: Worked continuously at least 6 months in the same type of work, with no job gaps longer than 2 weeks in the past year.
  • First-Time Buyer: Cannot have owned a home within the last 3 years.
  • Financial Health: Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio under 41%. No bankruptcy in the last 3 years.
  • Legal/Status: Permanent resident of the US. No sex offender registry. No repossessions within last 3 years. No judgments/garnishments.

Financial Readiness Standards

Indian River Habitat looks for specific signs of "ability to pay":

  • Adequate income for mortgage, utilities, and maintenance.
  • Less than $3,000 delinquent non-medical debt in past 24 months.
  • Timely rent payments and stable income for 1 year.
  • Willingness to pay off all non-medical delinquent debt prior to purchase.

Sweat Equity & Cash

Sweat Equity Hours

300 hours (single-adult) or 500 hours (dual-adult). Friends/family can help with up to half.

Savings Requirement

Minimum $2,500 saved toward closing costs (funding an escrow account).

Education

Must complete 12 mandatory financial literacy + homeowner education classes.

2026 Income Limits

Minimum household income required: $36,000

Household Size Maximum Income (2026)
1 Person$52,100
2 Persons$59,950
3 Persons$67,000
4 Persons$74,400
5 Persons$80,400
6 Persons$86,350
7 Persons$92,300
Income can be from employment, child support, alimony, SSA/SSI, or retirement.

How the 0% Interest Mortgage Makes Housing Affordable

One of the most powerful aspects of the Indian River Habitat for Humanity program is the 0% interest mortgage. In a traditional housing market where interest rates fluctuate, this benefit locks in long-term affordability.

Traditional Mortgage

With a typical 6-7% interest rate, a significant portion of your monthly payment goes toward interest, meaning you pay hundreds of thousands of dollars more than the home's price over 30 years.

Habitat 0% Mortgage

With Habitat's 0% interest loan, 100% of your principal payment goes toward paying off the home. This keeps monthly payments dramatically lower and ensures you build equity faster.

Your monthly payment will also include property taxes and homeowners insurance (escrow), ensuring your total housing costs remain manageable.

Your Down Payment is Your Participation: Sweat Equity

Instead of a large cash down payment, Habitat for Humanity requires "sweat equity"—volunteer hours invested in building your home and the homes of others.

300
Hours for Single Applicant

If you are a single applicant, you are required to complete 300 hours of sweat equity.

500
Hours for Dual Applicants

Households with two adult applicants must complete a total of 500 hours combined.

50%
Friends & Family Help

Friends and family can help you reach your goal by contributing up to half of your required hours.

What counts as Sweat Equity?

  • Construction labor on Habitat homes (yours and others).
  • Volunteering at the Indian River Habitat ReStore.
  • Attending the 12 mandatory homeowner education classes (financial literacy, maintenance, etc.).
  • Participation in Habitat community events.

How It Works

1

Application & Selection

A family selection committee evaluates applications based on need, willingness to partner, and ability to repay.

2

Sweat Equity & Savings

Applicants begin their 300-500 sweat equity hours and start saving their $2,500 contribution.

3

Site Selection

After completing 60% of sweat equity and savings, applicants may be invited to select a site/lot from available lots.

4

Closing & Move-In

The overall timeline can be up to a year or longer. Once complete, you close on your home with a 0% interest mortgage.

Check Your Eligibility for Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Indian River Habitat for Humanity Homebuyer Program work?
The program offers a 0% interest mortgage to eligible homebuyers. Instead of a traditional down payment, applicants contribute "sweat equity" hours helping to build their home and others. You purchase the home at an affordable price and own it fully after closing.
What are the income limits for the Indian River Habitat for Humanity program in 2026?
For 2026, the minimum household income is $36,000. Maximum limits depend on household size, ranging from $52,100 for a single person to $92,300 for a household of seven.
Do I need a down payment for the Indian River Habitat for Humanity mortgage?
No large cash down payment is required. Instead, you must save approximately $2,500 towards closing costs (escrow) and complete 300–500 hours of sweat equity labor.
What is "sweat equity" in the Indian River Habitat Homebuyer Program?
Sweat equity is the volunteer labor you contribute. Single applicants must complete 300 hours, and dual applicants must complete 500 hours. Friends and family can help contribute up to half of these hours.
Can I apply for Indian River Habitat if I have bad credit?
Habitat evaluates your "ability to pay" and willingness to partner rather than just a credit score. However, you must have less than $3,000 in delinquent non-medical debt and a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio under 41%.
How long does the Indian River Habitat for Humanity process take?
The process typically takes 12 months or longer from application to closing. This timeline allows you to complete the required sweat equity hours and financial education classes.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer for Indian River Habitat?
Yes, typically you cannot have owned a home within the last 3 years to qualify for the program.
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