What is the Turn the Key Initiative?
Turn The Key Initiative will help up to 1,000 Philadelphia families buy new affordable homes and build equity for their futures. Income-qualified buyers may be eligible for mortgage “buy-down” assistance funds up to $75,000. Learn more about Turn The Key.
How are homebuyers selected for Turn The Key?
You can move through the process by becoming income-certified along with receiving your housing counseling certification and documented mortgage approval. Your information will be sent to developers based on the neighborhoods for which you have expressed interest. Developers will have a member of their sales team contact you directly to tour the various properties.
Can grant programs be used toward the purchase of workforce homes?
Yes, workforce housing works with the Turn the Key Initiative, Philly First, and lender first time homebuyer programs. Programs can be layered.
If I have bad credit, can I buy a home?
We can direct you to resources who can help you improve your credit so that you may qualify in the future.
What is the difference between workforce housing and affordable housing?
Although workforce housing and affordable housing are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not actually the same. Affordable housing in the traditional sense refers to housing that’s affordable to low-income families, typically through government subsidies. Workforce housing is housing that’s affordable to the local workforce, and is aimed at middle-income households that earn too much to qualify for traditional affordable housing subsidies. The availability of workforce housing enables families and city employees to live in their preferred communities, resulting in shorter commute times and improved quality of life.
Who is this for?
This program is for people who want to live and work in Philadelphia. These properties are intended for homeowner occupancy, and are not intended to be utilized as rental properties.
Does workforce housing have income guidelines?
Income Guidelines (100% AMI)
| Family Size | Maximum Annual Household Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $80,100 |
| 2 | $91,550 |
| 3 | $103,000 |
| 4 | $114,400 |
| 5 | $123,600 |
| 6 | $141,900 |
| 7 | $151,050 |
| 8 | $160,200 |
| More than 8 add per person | $9,150 |
For a family size of one, a person can make a maximum of $73,780. If you exceed this amount, you no longer qualify. However, you can make less if you qualify for a mortgage.
What are the deed restrictions on workforce homes?
• Homebuyers are expected to reside in the home for 15 years as an owner occupant.
• Home is not permitted to be a rental property or Airbnb.
Can I sell my workforce home in the future?
If the first homebuyer resells the property before the 15-year compliance period, then they must come back to the Land Bank and a.
a. The Land Bank will calculate the resale price based on the recorded Declaration of Restrictive Covenants (DoRC); Also,
b. The second homebuyer must be income-qualified by the Land Bank before any sale can happen.
c. Second homebuyer must accept the 15-year resale restriction.
Can I rent out my workforce home?
No, you cannot rent out the property while you are within the 15-year deed restriction period.
May I make exterior and interior renovations on the home?
Yes, you may make exterior renovations such as painting or interior renovations such as changing the flooring.
May I take out a loan against the equity in the home?
You may refinance to lower the mortgage payment.
