How to Buy a Home with Your
Section 8 Voucher
Did you know you can use your Section 8 voucher to buy a home instead of renting? Many people think Section 8 is only for renting, but the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Homeownership Program can help you become a homeowner with financial assistance.
If you’re currently on Section 8 rental assistance, this program can help you transition from renting to owning a home, building equity, and creating financial stability.
What is the Section 8 Homeownership Program?
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Homeownership Program allows eligible Section 8 recipients to use their housing voucher to pay a mortgage instead of rent. This means that, instead of paying a landlord, your housing assistance helps you cover the cost of buying and owning your home.
🏡 Key Benefits of the Program:
Turn your Section 8 voucher into a home purchase
Use financial assistance to cover your mortgage payments
Build equity and generational wealth
Lock in stable housing costs and avoid rising rent
Potential access to down payment and closing cost assistance
Not all Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) offer this program, so you’ll need to check if it’s available in your area.
📌 Who Qualifies for the Section 8 Homeownership Program?
To qualify, you must:
Be a current Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) recipient
Be a first-time homebuyer (haven’t owned a home in the last 3 years)
Have a stable income and meet minimum earnings requirements
Be employed full-time (30+ hours per week) for at least one year (unless elderly or disabled)
Complete a homeownership counseling program through your PHA
Each PHA has its own eligibility rules, so be sure to check with your local housing office.
How to Afford a Home with Section 8 Assistance
One of the biggest concerns for first-time buyers is affording a home. The good news is that Section 8 assistance can help reduce your mortgage payments, and there are additional programs that provide financial help.
🏠 What Costs Can Section 8 Assistance Cover?
Mortgage principal & interest (your monthly house payment)
Property taxes & homeowners insurance
Utilities & maintenance in some cases
💵 Do You Need a Down Payment?
Most home loans require a minimum down payment, but you may qualify for:
FHA loans (require as little as 3.5% down)
USDA & VA loans (0% down for eligible buyers)
Down payment grants and first-time homebuyer assistance
Check with your lender and PHA to explore assistance options.
How to Buy a Home with Your Section 8 Voucher
📌 Step 1: Check Program Availability
Contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) to confirm if they offer the Section 8 Homeownership Program.
📌 Step 2: Meet Eligibility Requirements
Verify you meet income, employment, and credit requirements
Complete a PHA-approved homebuyer education course
📌 Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Work with a PHA-approved lender to check loan options
Determine if you qualify for an FHA, Conventional, USDA, or VA loan
📌 Step 4: Find a Home That Meets Program Rules
Work with a Realtor experienced in Section 8 home purchases
Choose a home that meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
📌 Step 5: Close on Your Home & Move In!
Finalize your mortgage and closing paperwork
Start making mortgage payments with Section 8 assistance
Build equity and secure financial stability!
If you’re using Section 8 and want to increase your income and save for a down payment, you may also qualify for the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program.
💡 How It Works:
As your income increases, your rent doesn’t go up. Instead, the PHA puts the extra amount into a savings account for you.
After 5 years, you can use that savings to buy a home!
The program provides free financial coaching, career development, and homeownership education.
🏡 How to Use the FSS Program with the HCV Homeownership Program
Enroll in FSS and start saving money while working toward homeownership
Complete the PHA’s homebuyer education program
Use your FSS savings for a down payment or closing costs
Transition to the HCV Homeownership Program and buy your first home
Many participants graduate from the FSS Program with $10,000+ saved!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use my Section 8 voucher to buy a house?
Yes! If your PHA participates in the HCV Homeownership Program, you can use your voucher to help cover mortgage payments.
Will I need to pay a down payment?
Most home loans require some down payment, but many buyers qualify for down payment assistance, grants, or zero-down loan programs.
How long does the PHA help with my mortgage?
Up to 15 years for loans over 20 years
Up to 10 years for shorter loans
No time limit for elderly or disabled homeowners
What if I don’t complete the FSS Program?
If you don’t finish, you won’t get the escrow savings, but you can still apply for the HCV Homeownership Program.
How do I find out if my local PHA offers this program?
Contact your Public Housing Authority and ask if they provide Section 8 homeownership assistance.
Still have questions?
Speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor or mortgage lender to explore your options.
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Legal Disclosures: Acre Mortgage & Financial Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender. We fully comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and all other Federal regulations. All applicants applying for credit from Acre Mortgage & Financial Inc. will never be discouraged on on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, military status ,marital status, age, or because you get public assistance. All information we request is voluntary, and will be kept confidential. For more information on the ECOA, please visit: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/ecoa.shtm