How Our Land Trust Works
One Roof’s Community Land Trust program allows lower income home buyers to purchase Land Trust homes for a significantly reduced price.
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In exchange for this assistance, One Roof maintains ownership of the land, which homeowners lease for a small fee.
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When homeowners move, they agree to pass on the benefits they received by selling their home below market price to another income-qualified buyer.
How the Land Trust Resale Formula Works
When Land Trust homeowners sell their homes, they receive:
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The amount they originally paid for the house, plus
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25% of how much the property (house and land) appreciated in value.
That new amount is what the next buyer pays for the house and the leasehold interest in the land.
Recycling the Investment
Because of the Land Trust resale formula:
- One Roof’s initial investment (down‑payment and rehab assistance) is recycled and stays with the home every time it is sold.
- To date, One Roof has resold over 260 Land Trust homes and recycled more than $25 million in investment to benefit future homeowners.
Purpose of the Community Land Trust
The Community Land Trust model is designed to:
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Provide access to land and housing to people who might otherwise be denied access.
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Increase long-term community control of neighborhood resources.
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Empower residents through involvement and participation in the organization.
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Preserve the affordability of housing permanently.
Community Land Trusts Nationwide
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Currently, there are an estimated 12,000 community land trust homes nationwide.
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To learn more about the history of Community Land Trusts and to find other CLTs around the country, visit Grounded Solutions Network and explore this interactive map of land trusts.
Available One Roof Land Trust Homes
View current and upcoming Land Trust homes available for purchase.
Apply Now
Are you ready to apply? Complete our online application.
Testimonials
Playlist
COMMUNITY LAND TRUSTS – A WISE INVESTMENT
Putting Down Real Roots
Listen to the stories of how our Community Land Trust homeowners are able to invest in themselves and our community.
Jonathan & Molly’s Story
The Community Land Trust program is just one resource provided by One Roof Community Housing. One Roof helps hardworking families achieve the dream of homeownership, Jonathan and Molly’s story is just one example.
Alyssa’s Story
Alyssa became a Community Land Trust homeowner at the end of 2014. Looking for an opportunity to start over, Alyssa discovered One Roof’s Home Buyer workshop and counseling program, and realized that she had the resources to begin a new life.
“I never thought owning a home was possible on my income as a single mother. Since purchasing our home it has become our safe haven. It’s a comfort to know that I could provide a home for my son while paying less than I had been paying for rent.”
“Now that my son has celebrated his second birthday in our home, I’m so thankful this is the place where he turned one, took his first steps, said his first words and learned to use utensils. I can see in my son’s innocent eyes and hear in his sweet giggle how comfortable and happy he is here.”
“I tell anyone I know who is considering buying a house about One Roof’s Community Land Trust program because I know how much it means to me. It gave me the chance to start over and has been one of the best choices I ever made.”