Buyer
Updates
Check here for updates on new homes for sale, the buying process, and on the lottery for home reservations.
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The Buyer Application period for the first group of Townie Homes is now closed as of March 31, 2025.
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After the applications have been reviewed for eligibility, we will email applicants to let them know the time and other details of the lottery.
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Other prospective buyers are encouraged to fill out the A2CLT Buyer List form so they are on the email list for new housing opportunities, which are coming soon.
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Note about the photos and renderings in Zillow: these are artistic illustrations and some elements would be upgrades at an additional cost: light fixtures, appliances, railings, bronze windows, fencing etc.
A2CLT is pleased to announce Norfolk Homes as the builder of The Townie Homes, coming to vacant residential lots in the City of Ann Arbor in 2025-26
Norfolk Homes, with headquarters in Ann Arbor, has over three decades of experience and 3000+ homes built in the region.
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Townie Homes design by Chris Allen, Architect
A2CLT BUYER ELIGIBILITY
A2CLT'S focus is creating local homeownership opportunities for critical workers. Homes near work offer the benefits of lower commuting costs, walking, biking, or busing to work, lower carbon emissions, more free time, and stronger social ties.
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ELIGIBLE BUYERS
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have at least one household member who has worked full time in person for the previous 12 months as an employee of one of the anchor institutions below.
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have household income 30-120% of the area median income (see Zillow listings for income brackets for each home)
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qualify for a home loan
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City, County, State, or Federal Agencies
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University of Michigan
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Michigan Medicine
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VA Hospital
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Ann Arbor Public Schools
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Ann Arbor District Library
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Ann Arbor Police Department
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Ann Arbor Fire Department
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Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority
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U.S. Postal Service
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Early Childhood/Child Care Workers
LOTTERY Buyers will be selected by lottery. The first round will be for eligible buyers whose workplace is within 2 miles of the home location.
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WHAT ABOUT OTHERS WHO WANT TO BUY AFFORDABLE HOMES?
In the future, A2CLT will explore other solutions within Ann Arbor or bordering townships, such as turning duplexes or potential flips into CLT homes, helping homeowners build ADUs for loved ones, assisting groups in building collective housing or eco villages, or aiding tenants who want to buy their buildings.
A2CLT Homes
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New Homes at Below-Market Rates: CLT homes are sold at prices significantly lower than market rates, making homeownership accessible for the critical workers that power our community.
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Permanent Affordability: A2CLT buyers will purchase homes at below market rates, agreeing to pass that savings on to future buyers. This will keep the homes affordable for future generations.
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Sustainability: A2CLT homes will be built for energy-efficiency, all-electric with solar when possible, with resulting savings on heating and cooling.
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Lower Cost of Living: A2CLT ​​buyers will be able to live close to their work, saving on transportation costs. New homes will need little renovation and maintenance. Residents may collaborate for other savings, with car or bike sharing, community wifi, gardens, childcare, or other needs.
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Financial Security: Homeowners will build equity over time by paying down their mortgage, as well as through a set rate of 1.5% appreciation per year.
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Community Building: With the help of both homebuyers and supporters, A2CLT can become a generator of neighborliness and mutual support--just like great neighborhoods have always been.
A2CLT vs. Market Rate Homes
Is a community land trust home right for you? There are advantages and disadvantages to take into consideration. Here is an example of the options for a $200,000 home purchase. Since there are very few $200,000 homes in Ann Arbor, and they will likely be two bedroom condos with fees or houses requiring significant renovations, a CLT home might be a good choice. A longer commute might provide more buying options in that price range, but they may also require major renovations over the next decade or more. And vehicle ownership is costly--averaging $745 per month over the life of a car with a 50 mile round trip commute. But a market rate home in Ann Arbor has significant upside due to the high historic rate of appreciation. CLT homes at lower or higher sales prices will have other factors to consider. Think it over, talk with trusted advisors, and come to an A2CLT meeting for more information.
OWNER OCCUPANCY CLT homes must be owner-occupied. They may apply to the board for a long-term rental exception for sabbaticals, family obligations, etc.
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RESALE FORMULA A2CLT will have the first right to purchase any CLT home. The resale formula will be set at 1.5% appreciation per year, which is similar to the region, but lower than the City of Ann Arbor’s historic rate of about 5%. Homeowners will build equity with the 1.5% appreciation and paying down their mortgage, and may save on commuting costs, utilities, wifi, etc.
TRANSFER Homeowners may transfer or will their homes to spouses, or to children or immediate family members who are eligible buyers.
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ASSOCIATION FEE A $25/month CLT fee will be assessed by the board to maintain the functions of the CLT. Homes in a condo development will also have a fee for maintenance and capital expenses.
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SCAMS & SCHEMES A2CLT intends to be a community of trust and mutual support. The board of residents and community members will address potential abuses.
HOW IT WORKS
Steps to Purchasing a Home
1: Fill Out the A2CLT Buyer List Form.
Tell us about the housing you need. This will help us plan for future homes, including the needed type, size, and location. ​​​​If you want to buy a home in the next five years, we want to hear from you! We'll use this contact information to send out new information about available homes.​
Optional: Record a Vocal Video testimonial on your phone at the link below. Decision-makers need to hear your story, so they will be moved to take action and BUILD THE HOMES WE NEED. Your voice will make a difference!​​​​
2: Attend an A2CLT Event
Learn more about CLT homeownership by attending an A2CLT event. Read the Homebuyer Packet to understand the deed restriction or ground lease with its 1.5% yearly appreciation cap. Review eligibility requirements to ensure you meet the criteria for income, residency, and commitment to community values. Research other CLTs on YouTube or websites.
3: Become an A2CLT Member
The Ann Arbor Community Land Trust is a new, nonprofit developer created by community members to build the housing we need. Most of our homes will be sold for less than it costs to construct them. We need all potential residents and other community supporters to come together to make this happen. Membership dues are one important way to fund this work, and members can collaborate to get things done.
4: Obtain a Mortgage Pre-Qualification
Work with any lender to obtain a mortgage pre-qualification. You'll need this to apply for an A2CLT home. It will tell you what size loan you can qualify for, if you need a down payment, if you have credit issues to work on, and documents you need. ​​
5: Take a Homebuyer Education Course
First-time buyers must complete any HUD-Certified Homebuyer Education Course. Fannie Mae's HomeView course is free, online, and self-paced. Learn about the many stages of becoming a homeowner, including how much you can afford, the closing process, and the costs of maintaining a home.​​
6: Complete the Buyer Application for an A2CLT Lottery for Homes
When A2CLT has homes available, an email will go out to those on the A2CLT Buyer List. If there are multiple homes and buyers, an application will be required to review eligibility and then a lottery will be conducted. A waitlist will be maintained in case any buyers are unable to close on their loan.
A2CLT members can work together to locate property for additional homes to be built and advocate with our anchor institutions to provide land and funding for more homes. There are frequent opportunities to purchase property with room for 2, 4, 10, or 50 new homes. Now that we have a nonprofit developer dedicated to middle income homeownership, we can take advantage of these opportunities. ​