Development Incentives for Affordable Home Ownership Units

Information
Home ownership programs – Development incentives for affordable housing units that are being developed and will be sold to eligible homebuyers. Find information and how to apply.
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Note for Inclusionary Housing projects:

Is the project a residential development with 20 or more new units that may be subject to Inclusionary Housing?

If yes, please see incentive programs and forms for Inclusionary Housing.


System Development Charge (SDC) Exemption

Home Ownership Program

More program details    SDC Administrative Rules    Download form to apply

ProgramSDC Exemption
Purchase Price CapSet annually by PHB through City Council**
Household Income Restriction100% MFI for a 4-person household, adjusted upwards**
Term LengthInitial Sale
Application Fee$1,200
IncentiveExemption of SDC fees for restricted units
City CodePCC 30.01.095

**Income limits and sale price cap adjust annually and are based on review of median sale price and HUD income for the Portland Metropolitan area.

Homebuyer Opportunity Limited Tax Exemption (HOLTE)

Home Ownership Program

More program details    HOLTE Interim Administrative Rules    HOLTE forms

ProgramHOLTE
Unit RequirementsMust have 3+ Bedrooms (some exceptions for 2 bedroom units apply)
Purchase Price Cap (2023)$455,000
Household Income Restriction100% MFI for a 4-person household, adjusted upwards**
Term Length10 years
Application Fee (2023)Developer: $850
Homebuyer: $900
Incentive10-year Property Tax Exemption on structural improvements
City CodePCC 3.102

** Income limits and sale price cap adjust annually and are based on review of median sale price and HUD income for the Portland Metropolitan area.

Deeper Housing Affordability (DHA) Programs

Home Ownership Program

Developers can earn bonus density, which is determined and applied by Bureau of Development Services, Planning and Zoning, by restricting units to be sold at or under the prescribed affordability levels for the DHA Programs outlined below.  Applicants should confirm with their Planning and Zoning planner which program is available for their property before applying.

Affordability Requirements    DHA Administrative Rules    Download form to apply

Program /
Dwelling Type /
DHA
Single-Dwelling Zones
DHA
Single and Multi-Dwelling Zones
Three-Bedroom Bonus Program
Multi-Dwelling Zones
Minimum # of restricted units1 unit50% of units in Building50% of units in Building must be 3‑BR and restricted
Purchase Price Cap80% MFI for Unit Type*80% MFI for Unit Type*100% MFI for Unit Type*
Household Income Restriction80% MFI80% MFI100% MFI
Term Length10 years10 years10 years
Application FeeTBDTBDTBD
IncentiveFAR Bonus under PCC 33.110.210 D.1FAR Bonus under 
PCC 33.110.265 F. and PCC 33.120.211 C.2
FAR Bonus under PCC 33.120.211 C.3
City CodePCC 30.01.140PCC 30.01.140PCC 30.01.160

*Purchase price caps adjust annually and are based on the MFI development levels and income levels determined using HUD’s annually published Median Family Income and Rent chart for the Portland Metropolitan area. The annual schedule of sale price caps is published by June of each year.