City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date: Jul. 21, 2025
Contact: Housing Department 5129743100 Email
Visit www.aclt-homes.org to learn more about the ACLT and its homebuying opportunities
AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin Housing Department is now 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.
“This long-term benefit makes Community Land Trusts a highly efficient use of affordable housing subsidies,” said Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director of the Housing Department and AHFC Treasurer. “The model creates lasting affordability and strengthens communities by ensuring future generations can access homeownership.”
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.
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be contacted by the Housing Department approximately 2–3 weeks after. To prepare, gather the following documentation:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, permanent resident card, etc.)
- Social Security card
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs or profit & loss statements)
- Proof of household size (tax returns or custodial documents)
- Proof of generational ties (past addresses, school records, etc.)
- Recent utility bill
- Last 6 months of bank statements
- Mortgage lender pre-approval letter
- HUD-approved Homebuyer Education Certificate
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80% MFI (Median Family Income) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Number of people living in household |
1 person |
2 people |
3 people |
4 people |
5 people |
6 people |
|
Annual income at 80% MFI or less |
$72,950 |
$83,400 |
$93,800 |
$104,200 |
$112,550 |
$120,900 |
“Homes through the ACLT are an affordable and sustainable path to homeownership,” said Chanda Gather, Housing Development Manager. “You own the home and lease the land from the trust, keeping your costs down and your investment secure.”
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. Homebuyer education classes are required to guide you through the process. Additionally, there are other programs that can assist, such as:
Be sure to speak to your mortgage lender about any other opportunities that may be available.
Homes for Sale
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 |
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Austin Community Land Trust homes for sale |
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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.
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Right-Sized Pricing Chart for 80% MFI |
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|---|---|---|---|
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Number of bedrooms |
2 bedrooms |
3 bedrooms |
4 bedrooms |
|
Home price |
$207,654 |
$234,260 |
$261,078 |
Note: this chart depicts the price of the home according to the number of bedrooms.
About the City of Austin Housing Department
The City of Austin Housing Department provides equitable and comprehensive housing, community development, and displacement prevention to enhance the quality of life of all Austinites. To access affordable housing and community resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/housing.
About the Austin Housing Finance Corporation
The Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) was created as a public, non-profit corporation and instrumentality of the City of Austin. The mission of the AHFC is to generate and implement strategic housing solutions for the benefit of low- and moderate-income residents of the City of Austin.