AUSTIN, TX – In honor of National Homeownership Month this June, 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. 

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the completion of these homes with Austin Habitat for Humanity, marking another step toward expanding affordable housing opportunities in Austin. Homeownership is a vital part of our commitment to providing stability and accessibility for residents,” explains Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director for the Housing Department.  

Michele Anderson, CEO for Austin Habitat for Humanity, says that as the city’s population grows and housing prices increase, it’s essential to provide opportunities for low- and middle-income families to own their own homes. Providing affordable ownership units helps reduce the gap between wages and housing costs, provides long-term financial stability for residents, fosters a sense of community and personal investment in the future. 

“Affordable ownership units are crucial because they provide opportunities for residents to build wealth through homeownership, especially in a market where housing prices are rising. These units enable lower-income families to enter the housing market and establish long-term stability, which benefits both individual residents and the broader community,” explains Anderson. 

Scenic Point 

Caption: Image of homes in the Scenic Point development. Courtesy of Austin Habitat for Humanity
 

Address: 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). 

Total construction costs  were offset by $3.1 million in funding from the Austin Housing Finance Corp. (AHFC), through the Ownership Housing Development Assistance (OHDA) program using 2022 General Obligation (GO) Bonds ($1.48 million), from the Housing Trust Fund ($252,328.30); money from the Corporate Fund ($36,612.70) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds ($1.36 million).  

Montopolis Townhomes 

Caption:  Two-story duplex at Montopolis Townhomes. Image courtesy of Austin Habitat for Humanity. 
 

Address: 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. 

The development, which sits on .61 acres, received funding from multiple sources including funding from the Austin Housing Finance Corp. (AHFC), through the Ownership Housing Development Assistance (OHDA) program: predevelopment funds totaling $277,610 from the Housing Trust Fund in 2021; and two construction loans totaling $654,000, with $294,000 from the 2018 General Obligation (GO) Bonds in 2022 and $360,000 from 2022 GO Bonds in 2024. 

Whisper Valley 

Caption: Rendering courtesy of Austin Habitat for Humanity

Location: 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. 

The Whisper Valley development was launched by developer Taurus, which acquired the land in 2006 and started delivering homes in 2017.

“The community has a covenant of affordability. AHFH found that our clients can greatly benefit from the amenities in the community and decided to engage in a partnership to deliver Whisper Valley’s Affordable ownership homes,” says Billy Whipple, Chief Impact Officer for Austin Habitat for Humanity, adding that AHFH’s latest community has been awarded $1.92 million in funding from Travis County. 

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

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About the City of Austin Housing Department 

The City of Austin Housing Department provides equitable and comprehensive housing solutions, community development, and displacement prevention services 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.  
 

About the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)  

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is working to boost the supply of affordable homes and lower housing costs for all, so that every family has access to the affordable housing they deserve. HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.  More information about HUD and its programs is available at www.hud.gov. 
 

Austin Habitat for Humanity 

Austin Habitat for Humanity has been developing and constructing affordable homes in Austin and Central Texas for almost 40 years. It has built more than 525 homes as a nonprofit developer and developed more than 20 properties into affordable housing communities. It has also provided access to nearly 500 additional affordable homes through our work with private developers who wish to offer affordable housing but do not have the infrastructure to deliver qualification services, financial counseling and education, and connections to affordable lenders.