For Homebuyers
The Department of Housing offers a number of programs and services to prospective home buyers in the city of Chicago.
For more information, contact 312.744.0281.
Affordable Homeownership Opportunities
Affordable homeownership opportunities are created through various programs and listed on this page as they become available for sale.
Building Neighborhoods and Affordable Homes Program
The Building Neighborhoods and Affordable Homes program helps residents purchase newly-built affordable homes in five targeted areas.
Chicago Bungalow Association
The City of Chicago established the Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative in 2000 to help foster an appreciation of the Chicago Bungalow as a distinctive housing type, to encourage sympathetic rehabilitation of Chicago bungalows, and assist bungalow owners with adapting their homes to modern and energy efficiency needs, which in turn helps to strengthen Chicago neighborhoods.
Chicago Housing Trust
The Chicago Housing Trust is a partner in the ownership process, giving homeowners access to many of the benefits of traditional ownership, along with a network of support to help ensure their ongoing success.
City Lots for Working Families
The City Lots for Working Families (CL4WF) program provides vacant, City-owned lots to developers of affordable single-family homes and two flats for $1 each.
Housing Counseling Centers
Housing Counseling Centers provide counseling to help Chicago residents purchase homes and reduce the number of properties that are lost as a result of foreclosure.
Neighborhood Lending Program Home Purchase and Purchase/Rehab
Through the Neighborhood Lending Program, the City of Chicago and Neighborhood Housing Services provide first and second mortgage loans or the purchase and purchase/rehab of 1-4 units for homeowners who might otherwise not be able to purchase a home.
Request Home Ownership Kit
The City has several programs to assist in the purchase of 1-to-4-unit residential properties in Chicago.
TaxSmart
TaxSmart is a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program administered by the Department of Housing that provides a federal income tax credit to qualified homebuyers.