Qualify to buy future Hayward townhomes being developed by Habitat for Humanity

The application process is now open to qualify to buy 10 townhomes under development in Hayward's Burbank neighborhood exclusively for low-income households.

In a first for Hayward, the new Sequoia Grove by Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley will be entirely and permanently restricted to low-income buyers with household incomes at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) for Alameda County.

The homes are expected to be ready for purchase in 2025 or 2026 and will include eight three-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom units that are approximately 1,341 square feet, and two four-bedroom, two-bathroom units that are approximately 1,553 square feet.

Once chosen, buyers will be required to put down a one-percent down payment, pay for all closing costs and fees, and contribute 250 "sweat-equity" hours. Townhome prices have yet to be established but will be set at rates affordable to low-income buyers.

Interested parties must sign up for the Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program and qualify for it before entering a lottery to purchase a Sequoia Grove home. Qualification is a three-step process that must be completed by Dec. 31. It includes submitting a pre-application, then a full application and receiving approval from Habitat, and attending one Habitat homeowner orientation class. To get started, go online here.