Single-Family Homes

The Homeland Program

Through the Homeland Program, ACCT is authorized to grant first-time homebuyers 20% of the purchase price (up to $40,000) of a modest house. At closing, the buyer signs a covenant with the Trust, and the house is theirs until they decide to sell it or transfer it to their family by will or operation of law. Under the terms of the covenant, the buyer is entitled to 25% of the appreciation should they decide to sell the house. The Trust purchases the house for the initial price plus 25% of the appreciated value, and then sells the house to another low- or middle-income buyer for this below-market price, thus keeping the house affordable. The Homeland Program is administered by the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board and funded by the State of Vermont.

A condo added to Addison County's affordable housing stock through the Homeland Program in 2007.

Most often, participants in the Homeland Program identify a home from offerings on the private market and are encouraged to negotiate the best deal they can. Eligible properties include single-family homes (excluding rental properties and duplexes) and some condominiums. Buyers can also choose from offerings on our For Sale page. In some cases, ACCT partners with other developers and non-profits to offer new affordable homes through the Homeland Program.

In 2007, Vermont's Homeland Program achieved national recognition when the U.S. Congress passed The National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007, based largely on Vermont's success in delivering homeownership affordably to middle- and low-income people.

Learn more about Green Woods Village, a community of affordable, green, smart growth homes in Shoreham with Homeland grants specifically set aside for purchases made here.

ACCT also supports homeownership through Vermont's Habitat for Humanity.