Harris County Single Family New Construction Program (SFNCP) matches individuals and families with opportunities to purchase affordable new homes in growing communities throughout the county. The goal of this program is to narrow the financial divide between a homebuyer’s affordability and the cost of their preferred home.
The aspiration for homeownership is universal, yet it may pose greater challenges for those with limited income. Fortunately, individuals who meet the criteria and qualify for the Harris County Single Family New Construction Program are significantly closer to transforming this dream into reality. This home buying program offers various advantages, such as a potential 45% reduction in sales price, assistance with closing costs, a buydown of mortgage rate points, and the opportunity to receive up to $35,000 in down payment assistance on an as-needed basis.
We have listed below requirements for the Harris County Single Family New Construction Program.
Eligibility Home Buyer Requirements
- Hold U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or an Eligible Immigrant Status
- Eligible Immigrant Status include Permanent Resident, Asylum Pending, and Asylum Granted
- Other scenarios will have to be reviewed on an individual basis
- Homebuyer’s household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Harris County as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- Minimum Credit Score of 580
- Buyer will not pay more than 39% of their income toward housing costs. These include: Mortgage principal and interest, Private mortgage insurance, Property taxes, Homeowners’ insurance, HOA fees
- Buyers will not pay more than 49% of their income towards housing costs and other debts, which may include: Car payments, Revolving loans (credit card monthly payment), Student loans, Child Support & Other Obligations, Other Loans
- Must attend a first time homebuyer course that is HUD-certified (8-hours) and complete a Budget Worksheet
- Must be able to qualify for a mortgage through a select group of participating lenders
- Must not have an existing mortgage that is unable to be paid off or have an existing lien on a property
- If applicable, the homebuyer must be current on child support payments and property taxes
Area Median Income Limits for Harris County 80% AMI (Effective June 15, 2022)
| Persons in Household | HUD Income Levels |
| 1 | $49,600 |
| 2 | $56,700 |
| 3 | $63,800 |
| 4 | $70,850 |
| 5 | $76,550 |
| 6 | $82,200 |
| 7 | $87,900 |
| 8 | $93,550 |
Eligibility Property Requirements
- The home purchased must be the primary residence for 5 or 10 years
- Located outside the city limits of Houston, Pasadena, or Baytown and within the unincorporated area of Harris County, Texas or within the Harris County cooperative cities of Deer Park, Galena Park, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, La Porte. Morgan’s Point, Seabrook, Shoreacres, South Houston, Tomball, and Webster.
- Must Meet Harris County’s acceptable property standards
Once a home buyer meets the requirements, becomes eligible for the Harris County Single Family New Construction Program, finds a property, and is approved to move forward with the purchase of a home, they need to be prepared for a lengthy closing process. Typically, closing on a home takes around 30 days, allowing all those involved in the loan to prepare the necessary paperwork. Closing on a property with the Harris County Program can take around 90 days.
After closing, homebuyers must live in and maintain the home for an affordability period of 10 years following the purchase. If a homeowner moves out before the affordability period is up, they will be required to pay back a prorated amount of the assistance provided, possibly with interest. So new home buyers need to make sure they can not only commit to a home financially but also for the designated amount of time required to maintain it.
If you are interested in learning more or want to find out if you are eligible for the Harris County Single Family New Construction Program, fill out the form below.
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