Mapping Permanently Affordable Homeownership:
Limited-Equity Co-ops across the U.S.
Affordable
HDFC
Limited-equity
Senior
Student
We continue to update the map with support from our partners across the country. If you would like to submit an addition or correction to the map, please contact us at info@uhab.org with “National Map” in the subject line.
About This Map
UHAB and our national partners are committed to identifying all the affordable co-ops in the country and creating opportunities for more affordable cooperative ownership.
Through a national census in 2015-2016 conducted with the support of the Ford Foundation, we found over 3,000 housing co-ops. These co-ops represent approximately 300,000 units of housing.
Our national research aims to identify not only all affordable co-ops in the county, but the organizations and institutions that work to develop, manage, and sustain housing co-ops.
A little over half of these co-ops (166,000 units) remain limited-equity and thus affordable to future generations. An unknown number of co-ops, estimated around 35,000 units, remain very affordable despite the expiration of their limited-equity restrictions.
What is UHAB National?
UHAB National helps local organizations and City agencies explore affordable housing co-ops as a viable affordable housing model across the United States. We have decades of experience consulting with municipalities to expand affordable homeownership, training lenders to finance co-ops, and resourcing community based organizations to support affordable housing co-ops.
UHAB National was established in order to share UHAB’s* expertise in limited-equity housing co-op development and stewardship with communities and other stakeholders. Our goal is to empower local organizations to develop ecosystems that replicate our capabilities, and support the growth and flourishing of limited-equity co-ops as a solution for permanently affordable housing throughout the U.S.
*UHAB National is a division of UHAB, the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board based in New York City. Since 1973, UHAB has empowered New York City residents to create over 1,300 limited-equity housing co-ops totaling over 30,000 homes for more than 50 years.
Our Services
To request our services please fill out the intake form below.
Incubator
12 sessions covering a range of topics on creating, stewarding and strengthening affordable housing co-ops.
Training for Trainers
Four day in-person course that equips participants to train co-op members to develop your own locally tailored curriculum.
Co-op University
A ten week advanced online training for co-op board members or members considering running for their co-op board.
Cooperative Development Consulting
Direct assistance with UHAB experts on the critical stages of developing your first co–op, including marketing, training, and overall development support as required by lenders.
Get In Touch
Are you interested in developing or preserving affordable co-ops in your area? We have been creating and preserving limited-equity co-ops for more than 50 years, and we have the tools to help your organization do the same.
Contact dean@uhab.org to learn more about our incubator series and other consulting services we offer.
Resources
Getting Started
Seabury Housing Cooperative
This short video highlights how Seabury Housing Co-op in New Haven, Connecticut came back from the brink of foreclosure after securing technical assistance, training, and a $500,000 bridge loan from UHAB in 2019.
Seabury Housing Cooperative
This short video highlights how Seabury Housing Co-op in New Haven, Connecticut came back from the brink of foreclosure after securing technical assistance, training, and a $500,000 bridge loan from UHAB in 2019.
Why Limited Equity?
In this video, a NYC shareholder in an HDFC co-op explains what the limited-equity model means to them.
Upcoming Events
UHAB National’s May Incubator 2025
Join the Next Cohort of UHAB’s National Incubator for Permanently Affordable Co-op Housing Practitioners
Learn from Others
Our Intro to Limited Equity Cooperatives
This presentation includes comprehensive information about NYC housing history, HDFCs, shareholder education, and more.
Resource Library
Browse our resources for sample documents or other helpful materials
Our Partners
Support for this website was provided in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.