About PCLT

Since 19

99, Portland Community Land Trust has been helping families attain the American dream of homeownership.

Though housing costs in Portland are skyrocketing, PCLT moves working families into homes they can afford:

* PCLT (a state-certified nonprofit organization) invests funds in every transaction, "buying down" the purchase price of the home.

* PCLT and the homeowner enter into a legal agreement upon purchase. This agreement ensures that, if a homeowner decides to sell, the home re-sells at a price working families can continue to afford, while providing the seller with a return on his investment.

PCLT homeowners build equity and financial stability, and Portland gains homes that are affordable for generations to come.

A quick comparison of three home ownership models:

Income qualifications

Portland Community Land Trust: Working families with moderate incomes. Households can earn up to 80% of Portland's median household income to qualify.
Habitat for Humanity: Low to moderate income. Households can earn 30% - 60% of Portland's median household income to qualify.
Community Development Corporation (CDC): Varies, usually low to moderate income.

Re-sale of homes

PCLT: Homeowners gain equity and earn 25% of appreciation. The remaining appreciation re-subsidizes the home, ensuring the home remains affordable for future generations of homebuyers.
Habitat: No appreciation earned if sold within first 5 years. After 15 years the home may be sold at market rate.
CDCs: Primary focus is rental units. Generally, owner-occupied homes are re-sold at market rate.

Does the home remain permanently affordable for the average working family?

PCLT: Yes.
Habitat: No.
CDCs: Usually no.

More information about PCLT and Community Land Trusts:

Publications

Where are we?
How to find -- and park at -- the PCLT office