If you earn 80% or less of the area median income, City of Bridges Community Land Trust (CBCLT) homes make homeownership more affordable by separating the cost of the house from the land. With potential URA subsidies of up to $90,000, owning a home may be within your reach—even if you’re shopping in a lower price range. CBCLT homes provide long-term affordability, stability, and the opportunity to build equity, all while keeping you rooted in your community. This is a great way to achieve your dream of homeownership while contributing to stronger, more inclusive neighborhoods!

 Important Details About Buying A CBCLT Home

  • You may be eligible for up to $90,000 in subsidy grants from the URA, making homeownership possible even if you’re looking in a lower price range. Access to these funds is administered only through First Commonwealth Bank. At the time of preapproval, First Commonwealth will determine if the buyer MAY qualify for grant funds and estimate how much. They handle all applications and administration for the subsidies. The URA makes the final determination of how much a buyer will receive.
  • The Community Land Trust model was created to help keep homes affordable for the long term. Buying a CBCLT home means the buyer becomes a partner in that goal. You buy the house, but the ground is leased for 99 years from the CLT at the cost of $25/mo. The lease can be renewed for an additional 99 years. You will have 30 days to review the ground lease with CBCLT or with your attorney to make sure this model of purchasing is right for you.
  • The home is yours to live in as you please. You can paint, decorate, improve, and enjoy all the benefits of homeownership, including building equity in your home.
  • To keep these homes affordable for future buyers, your equity will grow at a capped growth rate of 1.15% per year or the percentage of AMI increase for the year, whichever is less.
  • When it is time to sell, you must transfer to another 80% AMI buyer. The sale price is determined by your original base price + your years of homeownership x the growth rate. CBCLT reserves the right to purchase the home at the determined purchase price.
  • The home-buying process typically takes at least 90 days, so plan accordingly.
  • Yes, you can use your own real estate agent to help you purchase a CBCLT home. If they have any questions, they should start by reaching out to Christa Ross, RE/MAX Select Realty at christa@greenhomespgh.com.
  • To get started and get all your questions answered, you need to attend a City of Bridges CLT101 Workshop held one Saturday a month; see the calendar below. Get signed up by clicking this link.  If you are not able to attend at scheduled times you can contact Crystal Jennings-Rivera, Director of Stewardship and Community Engagement at crystal@cityofbridgesclt.org or 412-621-1811 x 110 to arrange a time to meet with her and begin the process of buying a CBCLT Home.