GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – Gainesville has taken a big step toward addressing the issue of affordable housing.  

The city officially unveiled its first home built through a Community Land Trust (CLT) partnership with Bright Community Trust with a ribbon cutting last month.  

The house is a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home on Southwest Second Street, next to Depot Park.  

It’s the first of 10 houses to be constructed in Gainesville on vacant lots previously owned by the city, according to a news release.  

“Two years after launching this partnership with Bright, we’re able to open the doors to the first house in the community land trust,” said Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward. “I’m thrilled to see the trust become a working part of our affordable housing plan and see this home in the Porter’s Community which is so historically significant to Gainesville.” 

Who is eligible to purchase the house? 

The mayor says increasing affordable housing opportunities is part of Gainesville’s comprehensive strategy.  

The income eligibility for homes available through this program can’t exceed 80% of the area median income as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 

In Gainesville that means a family of four whose annual income does not exceed $76,250 can qualify. The income limit for a single applicant is $53,400. 

Additionally, homebuyers can qualify for up to $30,000 towards purchasing a new home in the CLT through the city’s down payment assistance program. 

The big picture 

The city has donated 11 vacant lots to Alachua Habitat for Humanity for construction affordable, single family housing units.  

The city says Bright retains ownership of the lots while income-eligible homeowners purchase the houses with a long-term lease on the land. 

The first 10 homes in the trust are expected to be completed by the end of 2026. 

In order to ensure permanent affordability, Bright restricts current and future sales to income-qualified purchasers. It also requires owner occupancy of these homes. 

Learn more about the program and how to purchase one of the homes on the City of Gainesville’s website.