So, What's It All About?

Habitat carries out its work through affiliates that are independent, locally run, non-profit, community-level groups. Each affiliate co-ordinates all aspects of Habitat home building in its area.

Habitat works with each selected family to assess their individual situation, and arranges an affordable repayment plan that fits their needs. Repayments are related to each family’s weekly income at an affordable level although there is a minimum repayment amount which is usually significantly lower than the normal private rental for houses in the area.

Initially, families are placed on a special tenancy period of up to 5 years. This period is used to confirm that the family is meeting the partnership requirements (regular on-time payments, looking after the house etc). At the end of the period, a Sales Agreement is signed and rent received over the period (less outgoings and the cost of house repairs) is credited over time to reduce the amount of the loan. Regular payments continue and eventually families will own the house.  Families are encouraged to settle with Habitat once they are financially able to service a commercial loan.

The repayments are reinvested into the programme to build more houses with families in need. This creates a ‘revolving account’ where the money is recycled.

Habitat build and renovates homes thanks to the support of individuals, companies, churches and other organisations who donate money and gifts-in-kind, as well as their time and expertise.

Habitat also receives building materials at discounted prices. Those gifts are made to the organisation, not an individual family. Habitat is entrusted with these gifts and the value of these is included in the price paid by the family for their house.

This is a general guide to the application process only. Each Habitat affiliate reviews and processes applications independently. Habitat reserves the right to change application criteria without notice. Habitat’s decision on which families are selected is final and no correspondence or discussion will be entered into.

If you have further questions please contact your local affiliate.