Shared Equity Homeownership

Abstract

Shared equity homeownership (SEH) programs offer an opportunity to effectively provide affordable housing to low-income families, while also allowing for wealth accumulation. Homeownership is often beyond reach for low- and moderate-income households as they are unable to afford entry costs. Additionally, race-based discriminatory policies have denied homeownership access to minority populations. Community land trusts and limited equity cooperatives provide models through which SEH is applied, which ensure continued housing affordability. SEH programs ensure that a public investment will provide the greatest good to the greatest number of people. In addition, SEH programs offer an opportunity for low-income households to become empowered and gain a sense of autonomy.