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Prince Wiliam County Affordable Dwelling Unit For-Sale Program

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

  1. What are Affordable Dwelling For-Sale Units?

Affordable Dwelling For-Sale units are units that are developed under the auspices of the Affordable Dwelling Unit (AfDU) Ordinance which became effective on December 1, 2025.  These units may be the result of a rezoning, subdivision and/or site plan process in which the developer voluntarily used the AfDU Ordinance to get bonus-density in exchange for dedicating affordable for-sale units available to households with incomes up to, either, 50% or 80% of the current Area Median Income (AMI), as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development annually. 

  1. Does Prince William County own the Affordable Dwelling For-Sale Units?

No, the units are built by private sector developers, owned by private entities and sold to qualified buyers by their owners in accordance with the provisions of the AfDU Ordinance. 

  1. Does Prince William County qualify potential buyers for the purchase of Affordable Dwelling Units?

Yes, Prince William County has a process that results in a qualified buyer holding a “Certificate of Eligibility” issued by the Prince William County Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD).  Certificate holders will be able to apply for and participate in drawings to purchase specific for-sale units once those units become available to be sold.  The process of obtaining a “Certificate of Eligibility” is outlined in the following graphic:

  1. When will the Affordable Dwelling units be available?

This depends on when the development is constructed and becomes available to the public.  Generally, Affordable Dwelling For-Sale Units will be available at the same time as market rate units become available in the specified developments according to project phases of construction.  Since the Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance became effective December 1, 2025,  it will take some time for private sector developers to plan, finance, develop, construct and make available the for-sale units under the auspices of the AfDU Ordinance. 

  1. What are the eligibility requirements to qualify for these units?

Eligibility requirements include combined gross household income limits that do not exceed 50% or 80% AMI, depending on the affordability level of the designated units.  Also, buyers must be able to obtain a mortgage loan from a private mortgage lender, and current owners of real property are not eligible to apply for the Program.

  1. What is Area Median Income (AMI)

Area median income is defined as the midpoint of a specific area's income distribution and is calculated on an annual basis by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  HUD refers to the figure as median family income based on a four-person household.

  1. Do the affordable dwelling units have restrictive covenants?

Yes, affordable dwelling units are subject to restrictive covenants to include affordability periods, sales price restrictions, and occupancy requirements.  Detailed program information will be provided during the Program orientations.

                                            Coming Soon!

Ability to view Lists of Affordable Dwelling For-Sale Units on OHCD’s Website