How does CLT homeownership work?

When an individual or a family buys a home on the community land trust (CLT) model, they purchase only the house and enter into a long-term agreement – usually a 99-year ground lease – with the CLT to lease the land. By taking the cost of land out of the real estate transaction, CLTs greatly decrease the cost of homeownership, which is often prohibitive for lower and middle income people seeking to buy a home.

When the CLT homeowner chooses to sell, they work with the CLT to ensure the home is sold at an affordable price to the next qualifying homebuyer. By the CLT holding the land “in trust,” the home stays affordable for future generations.

As a CLAM homeowner you agree to:

  • Occupy the home full time.

  • Maintain the home and keep it in good shape.

  • Sell the house to another income-qualified household at a price that keeps the house affordable forever. (CLAM assists with this process.)

Read more: What is a Community Land Trust?

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Am I eligible to buy a CLAM home?