Apply Now: Become a First-time Homeowner Through the Austin Community Land Trust

We are accepting applications for the Austin Community Land Trust (ACLT), a homeownership program designed to make housing permanently affordable for first-time homebuyers. Administered by the Austin Housing Finance Corporation, the ACLT offers a unique opportunity for low- to moderate-income households to build equity and stability through homeownership. 

Through the ACLT model, homeowners purchase the home, but the land remains in the trust. This structure significantly lowers the purchase price and keeps the home affordable for future buyers by removing the cost of land from the equation. When the homeowner decides to sell, a resale formula ensures the home stays affordable while still allowing the seller to earn limited equity. 

How to Apply

The application portal remains open until the current inventory is sold. Eligible applicants must have household incomes at or below 80% of the Median Family Income (MFI). The application process includes a lottery system to prioritize eligible households. Those who applied in a previous round do not need to reapply.  

Down Payment Loan Assistance Program

The ACLT program provides assistance with certain closing costs. Also, the City’s Down Payment Loan Assistance program provides up to $40,000 in assistance, covering down payment and closing costs, including pre-paid expenses associated with home buying.

Homes for Sale

All ACLT homes are priced according to “right-sizing” standards, meaning the household size should align with the number of bedrooms. All homes are modernized, energy-efficient, and subject to residency requirements and resale restrictions outlined in a long-term Ground Lease agreement. To view the full list of available properties, visit www.aclt-homes.org. Explore other homebuyer resources at www.austintexas.gov/homebuyer. 

Questions? Please email info@aclt-homes.org.

New Affordable Rental Housing Community Opens in North Austin - The Rhett

We celebrated the opening of The Rhett, a 215-unit affordable multi-family rental housing community for households earning between 30% and 80% median family income (MFI). Located in District 1 at 1000 East Yager Lane, the apartments consist of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, providing an affordable and diverse selection of household sizes in North Austin. Additional community amenities include a fully furnished clubhouse featuring a community room, a kids' playroom, an after-school tutoring program, a business center, a fitness center, a pool, and an outdoor playground, with Wi-Fi available in all common areas. 

Resources for affordable housing are available online at www.austintexas.gov/housing.
To learn more about homelessness in Austin, please visit www.austintexas.gov/homelessness. 

City of Austin and Austin Habitat for Humanity Create Affordable Housing Communities Together

The City of Austin Housing Department proudly highlights its ongoing partnership with Austin Habitat for Humanity (AHFH), a collaboration that continues to make significant strides in providing affordable housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income residents. Through this partnership, two new housing communities have been successfully developed, with construction on a third soon to start. These homes align with the Housing Department's mission to create and provide affordable housing options for those who need it. 

Own a Home in Southeast Austin - Starting at Just $152K! Persimmon Point | 7051 Meadow Lake Blvd, District 2, Southeast  

Austin Habitat for Humanity is now accepting interest for Persimmon Point, a new affordable homeownership community in Southeast Austin. With prices starting at just $152,000, these 2-3 bedroom flats and townhomes (952–1,320 sq. ft.) are built to Austin Energy Green Building 3-Star standards and located less than a mile from Perez Elementary and close to high-frequency transit routes. See floor plans and photos here: https://austinhabitat.org/programs/apply/persimmon-point/ 

Head to the Austin Habitat Homeownership page: https://austinhabitat.org/programs/apply/ to take the first step toward owning a home at Persimmon Point. 

Scenic Point | 6304 Farrell Glen, near the intersection of Johnny Morris and Loyola, District 1, Northeast  

The completion of the latest ownership property, Scenic Point. Located in District 1, near the intersection of Johnny Morris and Loyola, the affordable single family home community is the result of years-long collaboration between Austin Habitat for Humanity and the Austin Housing Finance Corp. (AHFC). The development is comprised of 67 single family ownership units for households at or below 80% MFI: 8 two-bedroom apartments, 28 three-bedroom apartments; and 15 four-bedroom apartments. It is located less than a mile from transit. The final homes constructed range in size from 900 to 1,024 square feet, consist of 2 bedroom 1 baths and 2 bedroom 1.5 baths, and are priced from $180,000 to $183,000.  

These affordable homes have been built and sold in phases, with the first one sold in June of 2018. The final two homes are being built and are expected to be completed by October of this year, with the homes being closed by the end of the year (spaces are currently filled, no reservations are available). 

Montopolis Townhomes |  6301 Circulo de Amistad 

Austin Habitat for Humanity recently wrapped up another community in District 3 called Montopolis Townhomes. Also located on the northeast side of Austin, the community features 12 newly constructed homes, all of which were sold to families earning up to 80% of the median family income (MFI). There were six two-bedroom units (approximately 1,104 square feet); four three-bedroom units (approximately 1,300 square feet); and two four-bedroom units (approximately 1,662 square feet). Home sales prices ranged from $145,000 to $200,000. All homes have been sold. 

Whisper Valley | Near F.M. 973 and Braker Lane 

Austin Habitat for Humanity also has plans to add affordable housing to the Whisper Valley development, located just east of the State Highway 130 toll road. Site preparation has already begun, but home construction will start later in 2025.  

The initial phase will include 48 homes, with more to come in subsequent phases. The new homes will have 3 or 4 bedrooms, range in size from 1,280 to 1,490 square feet and range in price from $230,000 to $245,000. Austin Habitat for Humanity is actively recruiting homeowners for this new community and those interested must earn at or below 80 percent MFI (median family income) to quality. 

More highlights about the Whisper Valley community can be found on Austin Habitat’s website: austinhabitat.org/programs/apply/whisper-valley/.

I Belong In Austin- Rental Assistance Application 

The application portal for the I Belong In Austin (IBIA) rental assistance program is currently open through Thursday, August 7 at 5 p.m. The program is administered by El Buen Samaritano and provides financial assistance with rent, moving, storage, and relocation costs for tenants at risk of eviction. Check eligibility and apply for assistance at www.AustinTexas.gov/rent.   

The application portal will open each month while funds are available to allow for an efficient and equitable program administration. A high volume of applications is anticipated. If applicants are not selected and assistance is still needed, applicants are encouraged to reapply when the portal reopens. 

Disaster-Related Exemptions Available to Help Property Owners 

Central Texas property owners who suffered damage to buildings, mobile homes, or business personal property due to the recent storms and floods may be eligible for temporary relief on their 2025 property taxes. To be eligible, a property must have suffered damage that totals a minimum of 15% of the property’s improvement value. This includes structures on the property, such as homes and buildings. Damage to landscaping or trees on a property cannot be included in determining eligibility for the exemption. The temporary exemption lasts until the property is reappraised.

More information, including a calculator to help property owners estimate if they qualify for this exemption, can be found on the Travis CAD website at traviscad.org/disasters.

Upcoming Community Events

District 10 Budget Town Hall and Resource Fair

It’s budget season in Austin, and City Hall is faced with a difficult choice: changing its spending habits or raising taxes. We want to hear from residents like you! Join us for a Budget Town Hall to learn more, ask questions, and share your priorities for our community.

📆 August 6, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

📍 Northwest Hills United Methodist Church (7050 Village Center Dr, Austin, TX)

🆓 The event is open to the public. Refreshments and snacks provided.

Veterans Resource Fair

Hosted in partnership with the City of Austin, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Texas Veterans Commission, this monthly event takes place every second Wednesday and is open to veterans, surviving spouses, veteran dependents and general public. 

📆 August 13, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

📍 Austin VA Outpatient Clinic - Room 1G-101 (7901 Metropolis Dr, Austin, TX 78744)

🆓 The event is open to the public. Free lunch, world famous Round Rock donuts and refreshments are provided.

City of Austin | Austin Resource Recovery

Join Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) for summer Zero Waste Resource Fairs providing information on composting for multifamily properties. You can pick up a free kitchen compost collector (one per household) and enjoy compostable snacks while supplies last! Also, meet with other City of Austin departments to learn about their programs, including some that promote zero waste and sustainability. More info at www.AustinRecycles.com. 

📆August 17, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.   

📍Dittmar Recreation Center (1009 W. Dittmar Rd., Austin, TX 78745)   

🆓 Free and open to the public 

Imagine Austin Speaker Series: Austin Working for YOU

Join the City of Austin at ACC’s Highland Campus to learn how the City is putting Imagine Austin into action. The family-friendly event will feature activities, popsicles, and light refreshments. Imagine Austin provides a roadmap that guides City decision-making when setting goals and policies.

📆 August 23, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

📍 Austin Community College Highland Campus

🆓 The event is open to the public.

Opening the Door to New Co-op Housing Opportunities

Changes to Austin's residential property rules allow for new, smaller-scale cooperative housing options. The City of Austin Economic Development Department has partnered with Austin Cooperative Business Association for training. Property and homeowners as well as architects and developers can learn how to create and finance one! Get practical tactics and real examples on:

• Developing small-scale co-ops by adding units to your lot under new HOME provisions;
• Using extra units from HOME to develop community-oriented cottage courts and pocket neighborhoods; and
• Crowdfunding housing development through selling shares of a Cooperative Housing Development Corporation.

📆September 17, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  

📍Free and online

🆓 Register for Co-op Housing Training!

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