Houston Community Land Trust - Homebuyer Choice Program
Taking applicationsCity of Houston
- Meant for
- Income-qualified buyers choosing a home in the City of Houston that meets HCLT criteria
- How much
- Up to $150,000 in financial assistance grants
- Kind of help
- Grant, nothing to repay
- Fine print
- Land placed in trust under a ground lease; buyer contributes at least $70,000 (usually a mortgage), more at higher incomes; housing costs 28-33% of income; resale price capped (initial price + 1.25%/year); must use a licensed realtor
Shared-equity land trust model. Income limits not published on the pages read.
Fact-checked November 2026 · our sources
Could I get this? →How a land trust purchase works
You pick a home in the city that meets the land trust's criteria. HCLT grants cover a large share of the cost, and the land goes into the trust under a ground lease while you own the house. You bring at least $70,000 of your own, usually as a mortgage, and higher-income buyers contribute more. The goal is that housing costs land at about 28% to 33% of your income.
The resale trade-off
This is shared equity, not a free grant. When you sell, the price is capped at your purchase price plus 1.25% for each year you owned it, which keeps the home affordable for the next buyer. You give up most market appreciation in exchange for a much lower entry cost. For some buyers in Harris County, that trade is worth it; for others who plan to move soon or want to build equity fast, a standard program fits better.
Who qualifies?
Buyers must be income-qualified and must buy within the City of Houston using a licensed realtor. HCLT's income limits were not published on the pages we reviewed, so confirm them with the trust before you house-hunt. With the city's main Homebuyer Assistance Program closed, this is one of the few large Houston programs currently open. Whether it can be paired with TSAHC or TDHCA help is something a participating lender and HCLT confirm together.
A ground lease means you own the house while the trust holds the land beneath it, so ask HCLT and your lender to walk you through the lease terms before you commit. Since the grants can reach $150,000, the purchase price you can reach is much higher than your own $70,000 or more contribution would allow alone, and the 28% to 33% target keeps the payment in a range most households can sustain.
How to start
Contact HCLT through its Homebuyer Choice page, confirm your income fits, and get a mortgage pre-approval for your required contribution. Work with a realtor who understands ground leases. Read the assistance types guide to weigh shared equity against other options, and check your eligibility for the state programs as a comparison.
County guides for the area it serves: Harris County.
Reader questions on Houston Community Land Trust - Homebuyer Choice Program
How much does the Houston Community Land Trust provide?
Up to $150,000 in financial assistance grants toward a home in the City of Houston.
Can I sell a land trust home for market price?
No. The resale price is capped at the initial price plus 1.25% for each year of ownership.
How much do I have to contribute?
At least $70,000, usually through a mortgage, and more at higher incomes.
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