Understanding Community Land Trust Homes

For many families in Washington, the dream of homeownership feels out of reach. Rising home prices can make it difficult to save for a down payment or qualify for a mortgage. Community Land Trust (CLT) homes offer a different path, one designed to make homeownership more affordable and accessible.

The Community Land Trust model separates ownership of the home from ownership of the land. When you purchase a CLT home, you own the house and everything inside it, but the land remains under the stewardship of the Community Land Trust through a long-term ground lease. Because you are not purchasing the land, the home's purchase price is significantly lower than a comparable market-rate home.

As a homeowner, you can build equity through mortgage payments and a portion of the home's appreciation over time. In return, the home remains affordable for future generations of buyers. This creates a lasting community asset and helps preserve affordable homeownership opportunities in places where housing costs continue to rise.

Community Land Trust homes are real homes with the same responsibilities and benefits of traditional homeownership. Homeowners maintain their property, enjoy stability, and have the opportunity to put down roots in their community.

If you're new to the concept of Community Land Trusts, the video below provides a simple overview of how the model works and why it has helped thousands of families achieve homeownership across the country.

Ready to learn more? Start here to explore eligibility requirements, the homebuying process, and what to expect as a Community Land Trust homeowner.