Homeownership

Our Homeownership Program offers opportunity and guidance to buying a home with an affordable mortgage. We sell affordable, site-built homes to individuals and families who demonstrate a need for housing, are willing to partner with us, and have the ability to sustain a monthly mortgage payment.

Families demonstrate their commitment through “sweat equity,” contributing time and effort toward building their home and investing in their future. Sweat equity can be earned by volunteering on a worksite, assisting in the office, or completing educational courses such as First-Time Homebuyer, Financial Literacy, and Credit Counseling classes. Because every family’s situation is unique, our staff provides personalized support to help them succeed as homeowners.

A home is considered affordable when you pay no more than 30% of your income toward rent or mortgage.

general criteria

Must be a resident (or employed in) Lake or Sumter County for 6 months minimum
Must have verifiable income
Credit matters – target score of 640
Must be at or below 80% AMI
Must be willing to partner for up to 12 months with Habitat Lake-Sumter

Maximum Income Guidelines

80% AMI Sumter County

1 Person: $53,550
2 People: $61,200
3 People: $68,850
4 People: $76,500
5 People: $82,650

80% AMI Lake County

1 Person: $59,050
2 People: $67,450
3 People: $75,900
4 People: $84,300
5 People: $91,050

*Please note that income limits change annually based on USDA guidelines of the Area Median Income calculations. Figures above last released April 2025.

For questions about Homeownership, reach out to Veronica at 352-483-0434 or Veronica@habitatLS.org.

Applications Open

Tavares 55+ Neighborhood

We’re excited to announce that applications are now open for Habitat Lake-Sumter’s 55+ community, The Cottages at Heritage Grove in Tavares, FL!

This is a unique opportunity to apply for one of the final triplex units in this beautiful neighborhood designed for comfort, connection, and community.

To qualify, at least one applicant must be 55 years of age or older, and no minors may reside in the household.

apply now for 55+ housing

Habitat Lake-Sumter’s 55+ community is available in a triplex floor plan…

Birch, Cypress, Poplar

(left to right)

Birch – 704 living sq ft, 2 bed, 1 bath
Cypress – 719 living sq ft, 2 bed, 1 bath
Poplar – 704 living sq ft, 2 bed, 1 bath

(left to right)

Contact Veronica at Veronica@habitatls.org for more information!

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.