Homeownership FAQs

Applications are screened for eligibility based on three basic criteria: 

1. The applicants ability to make affordable monthly payments towards the mortgage  
2. The applicant’s overall  housing need 
3. The applicant’s willingness to contribute volunteer hours and partner with Habitat Greater Ottawa;  

Families must meet the following Eligibility Criteria in order to qualify for a Habitat home:

• A total household income sufficient to cover the cost of Habitat homeownership;
• Canadian citizen or a permanent resident;
• Must be a first-time homebuyer and current renter*;
• At least one adult in household with a minimum 2 years of full-time employment history in Canada;
• No recent bankruptcies. We require 3 years from a bankruptcy or consumer proposal discharge;
• Living somewhere that does not meet the family’s needs; and
• Able and willing to contribute 500 volunteer hours on the build site or with other Habitat projects and
  community activities (350 for Single Parent Families).

*Total household income requirements may differ depending on type of build and location.

**You’re considered a first-time home buyer if during the past four years (and so far this year), you haven’t lived in a home that you owned, or that your spouse or common-law partner owned, as your primary residence.

The application process is thorough, and screening can take 6-12 weeks. 

Habitat Greater Ottawa requires two-parent family to commit 500 volunteer hours. There is no financial compensation for these volunteer hours. Volunteer hours accumulate once the applicant has officially been qualified to join the Habitat Affordable Homeownership Program.
Examples of how to accumulate volunteer hours include: working on the Habitat build site to construct one’s own home or the homes of others; participating in Habitat media campaign and fundraising events; office work; volunteering in our ReStores; attending homeowner training workshops as well as local community volunteerism. Children can contribute to volunteer hours such as through art, crafts and activities.
Up to five additional family members other than those who will be residing in the home and/or friends can also contribute to the required hours. Qualified Partners are matched with Family Mentors who support qualified partners to complete the volunteer hours and homeownership training.

Monthly mortgage payments are geared to no more than 30 percent of household income, which includes mortgage payment, property taxes and condo fees, if applicable.

Blended Mortgage Model

Habitat families will purchase their home at fair market value through two affordable mortgages. The first is an interest-bearing mortgage that will come from a financial institution working in partnership with Habitat, with a second interest-free mortgage provided by Habitat. 

This new model will see improved, long-term benefits for families while ensuring Habitat for Humanity can continue to serve even more local families in a sustainable and effective manner.   

Benefits of the Blended  Mortgage Model    

• Families approved into our program partner with Habitat to purchase their home at fair-market value.  
• Affordable monthly mortgage payments are capped at 30 percent of household income.   
• There is no down payment required, removing a significant barrier to homeownership for many families.    
• The model allows homeowners to build a formal credit history through a partial interest-bearing mortgage provided by a financial institution, making it easier for families to move onto market homeownership should they choose to.   
• A partial interest-free mortgage held by Habitat ensures continued affordability for homeowners.  
• Expenses such as utilities, property taxes, homeowner insurance and other household needs are the responsibility of the family.   

Our Affordable Homeownership Program offers more than just housing; it sets families up to be successful homeowners who are invested in their homes and in their community.  

We recently broke ground on a 2-unit duplex development at our existing Nantes community. Click here to find out more information on the Nantes Development.

Click here to see previous developments.

Habitat Greater Ottawa looks at total gross household income. This does not include Child Tax Benefits, Child Support or Spousal Support. Applicants must disclose all income of all family members 18 years of age and older.

We have a basic house design that adheres to local planning and building codes. At times, there may be an option to choose a specific colour palette for the home. These are not custom homes and come as-is.

Habitat Greater Ottawa typically builds two, three and four–bedroom homes.

Depending on the development, we may be able to take special needs and accessibility into consideration.

Most townhomes built by Habitat have a basement, this would be confirmed once a build is released. Habitat’s stacked townhomes and accessible units do not always include a basement.

Additions to the house can be built by the homeowner, but only with the permission of Habitat Greater Ottawa and with the necessary approvals and City of Ottawa building permits, and only once title has been transferred to the homeowner. Condo developments would also require approval from the Condo Board.

Homeowners are always able to sell their home, subject to the conditions of their Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Habitat Greater Ottawa has first right of refusal on the home, meaning that Habitat needs to be notified first if a Homeowner wishes to sell.

Yes, when the Habitat mortgage has been paid in full. The home may be left in a will just like any other home.

This depends on the timing of the bankruptcy and when the applicant submitted their application with Habitat Greater Ottawa. Each condition will be assessed fairly and the circumstance for bankruptcy will be reviewed, however more recent bankruptcy will require additional investigation.

At least one applicant requires a formal credit history.

With the Blended Mortgage Model program, the 1st Mortgage will be submitted to the Credit Bureau. To date, Habitat mortgage payment records are not submitted with the Credit Bureau.