A Community Land Trust, or CLT, is a way to help people buy homes at prices they can afford. The trust owns the land, and the homeowner owns the house on it. This keeps the cost lower because the buyer doesn’t have to pay for the land. If the homeowner decides to sell, the CLT helps make sure the next buyer can also afford it. This helps keep homes affordable for many families over time.

The Trust Owns the Land – The CLT buys and holds land to keep it affordable.

Homeowners Buy the Home – Buyers purchase the house at a lower price but lease the land from the CLT.

Affordability Lasts – When selling, homeowners agree to a resale formula that keeps the home affordable for the next buyer.

Non-resident cosigners are not permitted on mortgage loans. The primary applicant and co-applicant must reside at the property and be income verified for our program.

ALT encourages all buyers to utilize a licensed Georgia real estate agent, however it is not a requirement. You can use a licensed Georgia real estate agent of your choice. We invite all agents to become familiar with the Community Land Trust model by attending a virtual Community Information Session or continuing education course. View a list of ALT Approved Real Estate Agents.

No, buyers MUST utilize an ALT-approved lender. The list of ALT-approved lenders is provided to homebuyers once they have submitted a Program Application. ALT lenders provide conventional financing and portfolio loans. ALT-approved lenders have been trained by ALT and understand how to underwrite mortgages for the unique community land trust dual ownership structure.

Yes, downpayment assistance is available for those who qualify through three partner organizations: Atlanta Housing, Invest Atlanta, and the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc. During your pre-approval process, you can consult with an ALT-approved lender about downpayment assistance programs that may be available to you.

Area median income — often referred to as simply AMI — is a key metric in affordable housing. Area median income is defined as the midpoint of a specific area’s income distribution and is calculated on an annual basis by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. A household's income is calculated by its gross income, which is the total income received before taxes and other payroll deductions. View the 2023 AMI for the Atlanta metro area.

No, land trust properties cannot be rented for ANY period of time. The home must be the primary residence of the homeowner. As an owner-occupant, the Homeowner may rent or lease a bedroom within the home, subject to all requirements of local ordinances concerning the renting of residential property.

No, there is no minimum or maximum time to remain in your home.