Can You Get a Home for 30% of the Price?
- Rowan Davenport-Smith
- May 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 4
The Affordable Housing Option You Might Already Qualify For
In the face of California’s rising housing costs, Below Market Rate (BMR) housing programs offer a meaningful solution. These programs provide affordable homes to individuals and families who meet specific income requirements, often allowing qualified buyers or renters to pay as little as 30% of a home’s retail market price.
BMR housing refers to homes that are intentionally priced below market value. These homes are made available through local government programs and are typically aimed at low to moderate-income households. Many cities implement inclusionary zoning ordinances, which require developers to designate a percentage of units in new housing projects as BMR. This ensures that a portion of new construction remains accessible to working families.
Eligibility is based on household income, often calculated as a percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI). Those earning between 50% and 120% of the AMI may qualify, depending on the city or county's guidelines. BMR programs can be for rentals or homeownership, and many ownership programs prioritize first-time buyers.
Programs such as the City of San Francisco’s BMR Ownership Program help eligible residents purchase homes at below-market prices. These homes remain in the BMR system, meaning they can only be resold at restricted prices to keep them affordable for future qualified buyers.
BMR housing represents a powerful and practical approach to addressing California’s affordability crisis. It is designed to help people—educators, healthcare workers, public employees, and others who form the backbone of our communities—put down roots in the places where they work and live. Affordable housing is more than a policy—it's an opportunity to create stability, equity, and lasting impact for families across California.
Don’t let the high cost of housing keep you or a loved one from achieving stability and homeownership. Reach out to your local experts to guide you towards the first step toward building a more secure future.
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