HOME Homeownership Value Limits

Description

Section 215(b) of NAHA requires that the initial purchase price or after-rehabilitation value of homeownership units assisted with HOME funds not exceed 95 percent of the area median purchase price for single family housing, as determined by HUD. Historically, HUD used the FHA Single Family Mortgage Limit (known as the 203(b) limits) as a surrogate for 95 percent of area median purchase price. However, statutory changes require the 203(b) limits to be set at 125 percent of area median purchase price. Consequently, participating jurisdictions (PJs) can no longer use the 203(b) limits as the HOME Program homeownership value limits (i.e., initial purchase price or after rehabilitation value).

In Section 92.254(a)(2)(iii) of the Final Rule published on July 24, 2013, HUD established new homeownership value limits for HOME (PJs. This new Rule was effective August 23, 2013.

Newly Constructed Housing. The new HOME homeownership value limits for newly constructed HOME units is 95 percent of the median purchase price for the area based on Federal Housing Administration (FHA) single family mortgage program data for newly constructed housing. Nationwide, HUD established a minimum limit, or floor, based on 95 percent of the U.S. median purchase price for new construction for nonmetropolitan areas. This figure is determined by the U.S. Census Bureau. HUD has used the greater of these two figures as their HOME homeownership value limits for newly constructed housing in each area.

Existing Housing. The new HOME homeownership value limits for existing HOME units is 95 percent of the median purchase price for the area based on Federal FHA single family mortgage program data for existing housing and other appropriate data that are available nationwide for sale of existing housing in standard condition. Nationwide, HUD has established a minimum limit, or floor, based on 95 percent of the state-wide nonmetropolitan area median purchase price using this data. HUD has used the greater of these two figures as their HOME homeownership value limits for existing housing in each area.

PJ Determined Limits. In lieu of the limits provided by HUD, a PJ may determine 95 percent of the median area purchase price for single family housing in the jurisdiction annually in accordance with procedures established at § 92.254(a)(2)(iii). The PJ must submit these limits as part of its Consolidated Plan/Annual Action Plan.

The effective date of the 2023 Homeownership Value Limits is July 1, 2023. These limits remain in effect until HUD issues new limits..

Historical HOME Maximum Purchase Price or After-Rehab Value Limits and Guidance

Current Section 203(b) mortgage limits exceed the 95 percent maximum purchase or after rehabilitation value limits authorized by the HOME statute.

In accordance with the guidance provided in HUD's January, 2009 HOMEfires Vol. 10 No. 1 (which supersedes HOMEfires Vol. 9, No. 3), Participating Jurisdictions are authorized to use either the Section 203(b) mortgage limits established as of February 2008 or the actual 95 percent of median sales price limits for their areas, whichever is higher.

Participating Jurisdictions also have the option of determining their own limits in accordance with the procedures described in the HOME regulations at 24 CFR 92.254.