Build Your Own Home

Build Your Own Home

Mutual Self-Help

Building your own home may seem both exciting and daunting. After all, housing construction is not a skill most of us have. But under the mutual self-help model, by building alongside other future homeowners, you will be guided every step of the way.

How it works:

People’s Self-Help Housing secures land and then qualifies people to build their homes together. This amazing program leverages the time, effort, and sweat-equity of neighbors working alongside each other to transform their hard work into the investment of a lifetime. Used in lieu of a cash down payment, and with the help of an affordable mortgage, this collective effort creates a sense of pride and long-lasting connections that result in affordable homeownership.

  • General Requirements*: 
    • Commitment to working 40+ hours a week to building your home
    • Borrower(s) must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
    • Annual household income at least $60,000, good credit and rental history
  • Household Income Limits**:
    • Monterey County:
      • 1-4 people: $115,700
      • 5+ people: $125,000+
    • San Luis Obispo County
      • 1-4 people: $111,300
      • 5+ people: $120,250+
    • Santa Barbara County:
      • 1-4 people: $141,200
      • 5+ people: $152,500+
    • Ventura County:
      • 1-4 people: $119,750
      • 5+ people: $129,350+

*For additional requirements and loan borrower information, please refer to the USDA Fact Sheet.

**Income limits are set by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (Effective May 9, 2025), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (Effective June 18, 2025). They are both updated annually.

Under Construction:

Mission Gardens II

N St & 11th St., San Miguel

This new development will see a group of owner-builders constructing 14 single-story homes located at the end of N Street, south of 11th Street. Each home will have 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a two-car garage. They will also come equipped with energy-efficient features and PV solar. 

Mission Gardens infrastructure improvements are complete. All 14 homebuilders have been identified and the application period is now closed. Home construction will begin as soon as the final funding is approved.

Upcoming Opportunities:

Apple Avenue, Greenfield

We are currently preparing for a new self-help homeownership opportunity in Greenfield, Monterey County. Please sign up for our interest list to be notified of project updates and future opportunities to participate.

In accordance with federal laws and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, People’s Self-Help Housing is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age,
or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination:

• Write to: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Director, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20220
• Email: crcomplaints@treasury.gov