Units in new Garafraxa Village build still available for purchase

FERGUS – While there is a lot of interest in buying a Habitat for Humanity home in Guelph, Karyn Stokes can’t quite understand why the homes aren’t selling in Fergus.

Twenty of the 36 affordable town homes on Garafraxa Street are available for eligible occupants. The deadline for applications is Feb. 1.

“I think there are still misconceptions about Habitat for Humanity,” said Stokes, director of community engagement and housing partnerships for the Guelph Wellington chapter.

“That, and the economy, which might make people nervous about buying a home right now.”

There are two, three and four-bedroom townhouses available in Garafraxa Village in Fergus and some are accessible units designed to meet individuals with diverse needs. They’ll be ready for occupancy this winter or early in the spring.

The homes are intended for individuals and families currently living in unsafe, unsuitable or unaffordable housing who are unable to access home ownership through conventional financing.

Habitat’s program addresses some of the usual barriers to home ownership such as the challenge of saving for a down payment, not qualifying for a conventional mortgage and the overall high cost of homes.

With Habitat for Humanity, mortgage payments are tailored to fit the applicant’s budget, and Habitat offers a second mortgage at 0% interest.

And instead of a financial down payment, successful applicants partner with Habitat through volunteering and community ambassadorship.

Households with a current combined income between $64,500 and $130,000 are encouraged to apply.

“These incomes are affordable as based on the provincial policy statement and are aimed at the so-called ‘missing middle,’” Stokes said.

The agreements are generally for 20 years but can be changed as life’s circumstances change, she said.

In these cases, the house returns to Habitat to sell and the homeowner keeps the equity.

“The opportunity to build long-term stability through homeownership remains within reach,” officials state in a press release.

Those unsure about eligibility are encouraged to complete the eligibility questionnaire (takes about 10 minutes) as a first step toward understanding what may be possible.

Learn more and apply by Feb. 1 at habitatgw.ca.