OwnPGH Construction Financing

Please note, OwnPGH applications for construction financing are due on March 15, 2024.

About the Program

The OwnPGH Homeownership Program (OwnPGH) was designed to promote homeownership within the City of Pittsburgh. Made possible by Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, OwnPGH provides grants to both nonprofits and for-profit developers with nonprofit partners to finance the new construction or rehabilitation of single-family homes. Upon completion, homes must be sold affordably to homebuyers at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).

The purpose of the program is to increase the supply of affordable housing for homeownership and to eliminate substandard housing by ensuring compliance with applicable codes and standards.

Financing Amount

The maximum available amount of OwnPGH construction grant funding per unit will be determined by the gap between the developer’s construction loan provided through the traditional financial institution of their choice, plus other committed sources (outside grants/loans secured by the developer), and the total project costs. All project development budgets are subject to URA underwriting and verification.

Program Requirements

• All applicants will comply with the applicable Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements.
  
  
• Homes assisted with OwnPGH construction financing will be sold to households at or below 80% of AMI for no more than 95% of the appraised post construction value and at prices that result in a first mortgage payment that is affordable to households at or below 80% of AMI. 
  
  
• A 40-year affordable deed restriction will be added to the property upon entering into agreement with the developer at the construction finance closing.
  
  
• The total OwnPGH construction grant amount is subject to compliance with HUD’s Substantial Rehabilitation Threshold Guidelines within the calendar year that the work is being undertaken.
  
  
• Applicants must agree to pay Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wages and State Residential Prevailing Wage to the extent required by the Federal Government and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Program Timeline

Projects must have completed underwriting by the URA and funds committed by April 1, 2024. Construction must begin by December 1, 2024. Units assisted must be completed and deed restricted by June 30, 2026.

How to Apply

1. Please review the program guidelines, linked below, before applying.
   
   
2. Download the application attachment checklist and prepare all documents as part of your application.
   
   
3. Download the Excel Workbook and complete.
   
   
4. Submit your application via the online form, by clicking the "Apply" button below.
   
   

APPLY

Program Materials

Program Guidelines

Application Attachment Checklist

Download Excel Workbook

For information about OwnPGH Homeownership Program grants and Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance for homebuyers, please visit the OwnPGH Homeownership Program page.