Homeownership Programs
Homeownership Programs
The City of Boulder is committed to making homes in our community available to a variety of people. We offer opportunities for homeownership to those with low, moderate, and middle incomes.
We promote homeownership through three programs: Permanently Affordable Homes Program, Downpayment Grant (Solution Grant), and Downpayment Loan (House to Homeownership - H2O). You'll find a summary of programs below, but please read the Homebuyer Handbook for details on each program.
The program maintains strict occupancy and rental restrictions to prohibit the homes from becoming income properties:
•Owner occupancy is required.
•Short term rentals (30 days or less) are never permitted for owners of permanently affordable homes per city ordinance.
•Long term rentals of the entire home are limited to one year out of every seven, but not permitted in the first five years. Licensing regulations must be followed.
•When occupied full-time by the owner, a long-term rental of only one room in the home may be permitted. Please contact us for details. Licensing regulations must be followed.
Free classes are available on-line and in-person to help people better understand the programs and home buying process. If you move forward with an application some of these classes are required.
Permanently Affordable Homes
To make sure a supply of homes in Boulder will always be affordable to those with low to middle incomes, the Division of Housing has created the Permanently Affordable Homes Program. Homes are sold at below market-rate prices to income eligible buyers who intend to owner occupy the home. Homes are permanently affordable and governed by an Affordability Covenant that limits the resale price and places other restrictions on the home. Homes for sale in this program are listed on our website.
Income Max
Homes are available for two income groups
| 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| low/moderate income | $57,990 | $66,220 | $74,525 | $82,755 | $89,385 |
| middle income | $88,430 | $100,980 | $113,645 | $126,195 | $136,305 |
Based on gross income for standard employees and net income for self-employed people.
Assets Max
| 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | each additional person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| low/moderate income | $55,000 | $70,000 | $85,000 | $100,000 | +$15,000 |
| middle income | $140,000 | $155,000 | $170,000 | $185,000 | +$15,000 |
| recently divorced | $85,000 | $100,000 | $115,000 | $130,000 | +$15,000 |
| permanently disabled | $140,000 | $155,000 | $170,000 | $185,000 | +$15,000 |
| retired | $85,000 | $100,000 | $115,000 | $130,000 | +$15,000 |
Exempt Retirement Assets
Retirement assets can be deducted based on this chart. Assets must be in a designated retirement account to be exempted.
| Age | Exempt Amount |
|---|---|
| Under 40 | $30,000 |
| 40-55 | $55,000 |
| Over 55 | $110,000 |
Homeownership Eligibility Status Calculator - Check Your Status Here
Solution Grant: Down Payment Assistance Grant
The Solution Grant assists with down payment and closing costs for buyers that qualify for the low/moderate income program. The grant bridges the gap between money the buyer has available for down payment and closing costs and the minimum required to close. These grants are for buyers purchasing Permanently Affordable homes, or for the Thistle Communities Homeownership Program.
A household that qualifies for the Solution Grant usually has less than $15,000 in assets. There needs to be a demonstrated gap between assets needed to close the transaction and assets available.
Income Max
| 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $57,990 | $66,220 | $74,525 | $82,755 | $89,385 |
Based on gross income for standard employees and net income for self-employed people
Assets Max
| 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | each additional person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Household | $55,000 | $70,000 | $85,000 | $100,000 | +$15,000 |
| Recently Divorced | $85,000 | $100,000 | $115,000 | $130,000 | +$15,000 |
| Permanently Disabled | $140,000 | $155,000 | $170,000 | $185,000 | +$15,000 |
| Retired | $85,000 | $100,000 | $115,000 | $130,000 | +$15,000 |
Exempt Retirement Assets
Retirement assets can be deducted based on this chart. Assets must be in a designated retirement account to be exempted.
| Age | Exempt Amount |
|---|---|
| Under 40 | $30,000 |
| 40-55 | $55,000 |
| Over 55 | $110,000 |
H2O: House to Home Ownership Down Payment Assistance Loan
The H2O program provides a buyer with a second loan to pay some of their down payment. This results in a larger down payment and lower monthly mortgage costs. There needs to be a demonstrated gap between assets needed to close the transaction and assets available.
The maximum loan amount is 15 percent of the purchase price or $50,000, whichever is less. There are no payments for 15 years unless the home is sold or title is transferred. The loan will be due in its entirety plus a percentage of appreciation earned since purchase. H2O can be used to buy most homes in the City of Boulder except those in the Permanently Affordable Homes Program.
Income Max
| 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $60,880 | $69,520 | $78,240 | $86,880 | $93,840 |
Based on gross income for standard employees and net income for self-employed people.
Assets
| 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | each additional person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Household | $55,000 | $70,000 | $85,000 | $100,000 | +$15,000 |
| Recently Divorced | $85,000 | $100,000 | $115,000 | $130,000 | +$15,000 |
| Permanently Disabled | $140,000 | $155,000 | $170,000 | $185,000 | +$15,000 |
| Retired | $85,000 | $100,000 | $115,000 | $130,000 | +$15,000 |
Exempt Retirement Assets
Retirement assets can be deducted based on this chart. Assets must be in a designated retirement account to be exempted.
| Age | Exempt Amount |
|---|---|
| Under 40 | $30,000 |
| 40-55 | $55,000 |
| Over 55 | $110,000 |
Home Repair Programs
If you own a home in the City of Boulder that needs repairs, but you don’t have the cash or equity to finance them, the Division of Housing may be able to help! We offer low-interest loans for health and safety repairs and energy conservation measures of up to $25,000 for single family homes. Repayment of the loan is deferred for fifteen years or until you sell your home, whichever comes first.
To qualify for home repair loans:
- You must own and occupy your home and it must be your primary residence.
- Your home must be located in the City of Boulder.
- You must have lived in your home for one year.
- You must demonstrate a financial need.
- Your assets can not exceed $50,000 (excluding the value of your home). Some retirement assets are exempt.
The amount of interest you are charged is based on your annual income which can not exceed the following:
| Household Size | 1% Interest Loan | 3% Interest Loan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38,050 | $50,350 |
| 2 | $43,450 | $57,550 |
| 3 | $48,900 | $64,750 |
| 4 | $54,300 | $71,900 |
| 5 | $58,650 | $77,700 |
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying to the Home Repair Program, please call our partner, Longs Peak Energy Conservation at 720-864-6401.
Mobile Home Repair Program
Funding is also available for repairs to mobile homes located within the City of Boulder. For details about the Mobile Home Repair Program and to apply, please contact our partner, Longs Peak Energy Conservation, or call at 720-864-6401.
EnergySmart - Your Efficiency Solutions
EnergySmart is available to help residents and businesses in all Boulder County communities submit rebate applications, select energy efficient equipment, and find qualified contractors. Sign up today at www.energysmartyes.com or call 303-544-1000 for homes or 303-441-1300 for businesses.
Other Program Requirements
Other eligibility requirements are summarized below:
For All Programs:
- Completion of city orientation and homebuyer education class
- One member of the household must work 30 hours/week unless retired or disabled
- Have a minimum of $2,000 toward down payment/closing costs (these costs will likely exceed $2,000)
- Qualify for a first mortgage loan
- Total debt to income ratio should not exceed 42 percent
- May not own another home at time of purchase
- Home must be owner-occupied, rental restrictions apply
- Number of bedrooms may only exceed number in household by one
- Minimum work history of one year within the most recent 12 months
- Agree to all covenant restrictions
Additional Requirements for Down Payment Assistance:
- H2O: You must be a first-time home buyer, which is defined as not owning a home within the previous 3 years, unless divorced within that period.
- H2O: you must work in the city of Boulder.
- H2O and Solution Grant: funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
PARTNER PROGRAM
Buyers in our programs also may take advantage of these partner programs when buying a home.
Metro Mortgage Assistance Plus (MMAP) Downpayment Grant
MMAP, administered by the City of Denver, makes available to income eligible people buying in Boulder a non-repayable grant for up to 4 percent of the home’s purchase price. Please talk to your lender about this possibility or visit www.denvergov.org and search for “Metro Mortgage Assistance Plus”.
Match for Down Payment Savings (6 month lead time needed)
The Boulder County Personal Investment Enterprise program will give qualified applicants a $4 match for every dollar they save for down payment up to $1000 ($4000 match). Funds need to be saved in a special account and require a six month saving period. For more information www.bouldercountypie.org
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The City of Boulder, Division of Housing does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation or military status in any of its programs, services or activities. For more information on legal notices and resources, visit: bouldercolorado.gov/housing/legal-notices