Can You Use Section 8 to Buy a House?

Some Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) participants can use their voucher to help buy a home instead of renting, through what’s commonly called the Section 8 homeownership program—but it is not offered everywhere and comes with extra rules. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only; you must use official housing authorities or HUD resources to apply or take action.

This article explains when buying is possible, who usually qualifies, and how to start if your area offers the program.

Fast Answer: When Section 8 Can Be Used to Buy a Home

The standard Housing Choice Voucher program helps low‑income households rent. However, HUD allows local public housing agencies (PHAs) to choose whether to offer a voucher homeownership option.

You can typically buy a home with Section 8 only if all of these are true:

Your local PHA runs a Section 8 homeownership/voucher homeownership program.
You already have a voucher (or you apply and are approved for one under your PHA’s rules).
You meet extra homeownership requirements, such as income, employment history, and first‑time homebuyer status.
You can qualify for a mortgage from a lender willing to work with the program.

If your PHA does not offer the homeownership option, you cannot use your voucher to buy a house through Section 8 in that area.

Key Terms You’ll See

PHA (Public Housing Agency): Local office that manages Section 8 vouchers and decides whether to offer homeownership.
Housing Choice Voucher: The standard Section 8 rental subsidy; in some areas it can be converted to homeownership assistance.
First‑time homebuyer: Typically means you have not owned a home in the last 3 years (HUD definition), with some exceptions.
Homeownership counseling: Required education class or program about budgeting, mortgages, and maintaining a home.

Does the Section 8 Homeownership Option Apply to You?

Not everyone with a voucher can or wants to use it to buy. PHAs often add their own rules on top of HUD’s basic requirements, but these are common eligibility clues:

1. Your local PHA must offer it

Not all PHAs participate. The program structure and rules often vary by state, county, or city, so the first step is verifying that your specific PHA runs a homeownership option.

Do this next: Visit your PHA’s website or call and ask: “Do you administer a Housing Choice Voucher homeownership program?”
If you are unsure who your PHA is, you can search the HUD PHA contact tool on the official HUD website (hud.gov) under “Public Housing Agencies.”

2. Voucher and income basics

PHAs commonly require:

You have a current Housing Choice Voucher in good standing (no serious program violations).
Minimum income level (varies by PHA and family type). For some non‑disabled, non‑elderly households, HUD sets a minimum often linked to full‑time work at minimum wage or higher, but local rules can be stricter.
Stable income source that is expected to continue (employment, disability benefits, etc.).

3. First‑time homebuyer status

Typically, you must be a first‑time homebuyer as HUD defines it, which usually means:

You have not owned a home in the past 3 years, OR
You are a single parent or displaced homemaker who only owned a home with a former spouse, OR
The home you previously owned was not permanently affixed to a foundation (such as some manufactured homes) and you did not own the land.

4. Work and credit expectations

Most PHAs require:

Full‑time employment for at least 1 year (for non‑elderly, non‑disabled adults), with exceptions for elderly and disabled households.
Acceptable credit history for mortgage approval. There is no single credit score requirement set by HUD; lenders make that decision, but PHAs may require that past debts related to housing be addressed.

Real‑world friction to watch for: people often get stuck when they assume that because they qualify for a rental voucher, they automatically qualify to buy; PHAs and lenders look more closely at income stability, old housing debts, and unpaid collections before approving homeownership.

What You’ll Need Ready Before Exploring Homeownership

PHAs and lenders typically request detailed proof that you can manage a mortgage and home costs. Having documents organized speeds up the process.

Common documents and information include:

Identity and household details
- Government‑issued ID, Social Security cards (or proof of eligible immigration status) for household members.
- Current lease and voucher information.
Income and employment
- Recent pay stubs (usually last 4–8 weeks).
- Benefit award letters for SSI, SSDI, TANF, pensions, etc.
- Last 2 years of tax returns and W‑2s (if you file taxes).
- Employer contact information and typical hours worked.
Debts and assets
- Current credit report (many PHAs will pull this, but reviewing your own first can help).
- Statements for credit cards, car loans, student loans, and personal loans.
- Bank statements, retirement accounts, and any savings.
Housing‑related history
- Any prior eviction records or unpaid landlord/bill balances and proof of repayment plans.
- Documents from any previous mortgage, if applicable.

Common snags (and quick fixes):

Missing tax returns → contact the IRS or a tax prep provider to get transcripts or file missing years.
Old utility or landlord debts → set up payment plans and keep written agreements.
No credit history → some lenders and PHAs allow “alternative credit” like on‑time rent, utility, and phone payments, so gather proof of those.

Your Next Steps if You Want to Buy With Section 8

If your area offers the voucher homeownership option, the process usually follows a sequence. The PHA and lender each have specific roles.

1. Confirm the program in your area

Identify your PHA.
- Use HUD’s “Public Housing Agency Contact Information” search tool on hud.gov, or check your city/county housing authority website.
Contact the PHA.
- Phone script example: “I receive (or am applying for) a Housing Choice Voucher and I’d like to know if you offer a Section 8 homeownership or voucher homeownership program and how to be screened for it.”
Ask for written guidelines.
- Request any brochures or policy documents describing eligibility, income minimums, and time limits.

What to expect next: If they have the program, many PHAs will add you to an information session or orientation list or schedule an appointment to screen your basic eligibility.

2. Complete required homeownership counseling

If you appear eligible, PHAs typically require HUD‑approved homebuyer education:

Enroll in the class or counseling recommended or approved by your PHA.
Attend all sessions and keep proof of completion (certificate or letter).
Use the counseling to check your budget, understand closing costs, and review how the voucher payment will work with your mortgage.

What to expect next: The PHA may not move you forward in the process until they have proof that you completed counseling.

3. Get pre‑qualified with a lender

Ask your PHA for a list of lenders that have experience with Section 8 homeownership, if they maintain one.
Contact at least one lender and say: “I’m interested in the Section 8 homeownership program and need to see if I qualify for a mortgage that can work with my voucher.”
Provide income, debt, and credit information so the lender can estimate how much you might be able to borrow and under what terms.

What to expect next: The lender will typically do a credit check and give you a pre‑qualification or pre‑approval letter, or tell you what must be improved before you can qualify.

4. Work with the PHA on voucher calculations

Submit the lender’s pre‑approval to your PHA.
The PHA calculates how much of your mortgage payment it can typically subsidize based on its rules, payment standards, and your income.
They also specify time limits (for example, how many years they can provide homeownership assistance) and any maximum purchase price or property conditions.

What to expect next: You’ll know approximately what price range you can shop in and how long the voucher could assist with mortgage payments.

5. Search for an eligible home and close

Find a property that:
- Meets your PHA’s and HUD’s housing quality standards, and
- Fits within the price and payment limits they provided.
Submit the property for PHA approval. They often inspect it and review the purchase contract.
Once approved, you close on the home with the lender.
The PHA then begins sending their portion of the monthly payment directly to the lender, and you pay your share.

What to expect next: You will typically sign agreements with the PHA confirming ongoing responsibilities like living in the home as your primary residence, keeping it in acceptable condition, and reporting income changes.

Avoid Mistakes and Scam Warnings

Anytime housing assistance and home purchase are involved, fraud risk increases. A few safety checks help protect you:

Never pay anyone to “speed up” a voucher or guarantee approval. PHAs may charge standard fees (like background checks) but not “expediting” or “priority” fees.
Only work with your official PHA and HUD‑approved counselors. Check that websites end in .gov or match your known city/county housing authority.
Do not share Social Security numbers or bank details over text, social media, or unofficial messaging apps with people claiming to be “voucher specialists.”
If something feels off, verify directly with the PHA using a phone number from an official government website, not from an ad or social media post.
You can dial 211 in many areas or visit the official 211 website (211.org) to be connected with trusted local housing and counseling resources.

Because PHAs can change policies and funding levels, no one can legitimately guarantee you will be approved for the homeownership option, a mortgage amount, or a specific timeline.

Quick Summary: Using Section 8 to Buy a House

Yes, it’s sometimes possible to buy a home with a Housing Choice Voucher, but only where PHAs offer a voucher homeownership program.
You usually must already have a voucher, meet additional income, employment, and first‑time homebuyer rules, and qualify for a mortgage.
Key steps: confirm your PHA offers homeownership, complete required counseling, get lender pre‑approval, then work with the PHA on limits and subsidy amounts.
Rules vary by PHA, so always check your local housing authority’s written guidelines.
Scam check: only trust information and applications from official housing agencies, HUD‑approved counselors, and government websites.

Once you know whether your local PHA offers the homeownership option and you understand its specific rules, you can decide whether using Section 8 toward buying a house is realistic for your situation.