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At Community Home Trust, we know firsthand how life-changing permanently affordable homeownership can be for families in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and beyond. A recent blog post from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) highlights the power of the community land trust model, and why it’s such an important tool for keeping homeownership within reach for working families.

Affordable housing isn’t just about prices, it’s about keeping families, workers, and neighbors rooted in the communities they help build. Across North Carolina, home prices have risen more than 50% in five years, putting traditional homeownership out of reach for many.

Community land trusts (CLTs) offer a community-centered solution to this ongoing affordability crisis.

Through the CLT model, a nonprofit (like Community Home Trust) holds ownership of the land and sells the home at a reduced price through a long-term ground lease. By removing the cost of land, homes are typically priced 30–50% below market value, and resale protections ensure they stay affordable for future buyers.

CLTs also do more than make housing affordable upfront. They provide ongoing homeowner support and education, help families build generational wealth, and keep homes affordable for years to come.

Across the state, CLTs are growing and helping hundreds of families access stable homeownership. Together, we’re proving that housing affordability is strongest when it’s rooted in community.

We’re honored to be part of this movement and deeply grateful for your partnership and support.

With gratitude,

Kimberly Sanchez, President and CEO

​​P.S. April 29 is NC Housing Day 2026! Join CHT and other partners as we meet with legislators to advocate for affordable housing. Together, we’ll make it clear that affordable housing matters in North Carolina, and that the state has a critical role to play in making it a reality. Learn more and register here.