Shared Equity Homeownership: Local Perceptions, National Performance, and Considerations for Growth

Abstract

This dissertation contains three articles on shared equity homeownership (SEH). SEH is resale-restricted, owner-occupied housing for lower income households that remains affordable in perpetuity. To examine the viability of SEH in a relatively affordable locality, the first article presents findings from focus groups with potential SEH beneficiaries in Nashville, TN. The study found that the majority of participants expressed an interest in SEH and perceived benefits of SEH relative to existing rental and homeownership options. The second article presents national performance data on SEH. Based upon data from a national survey of community land trusts (one form of SEH), the study found that owners of community land trust homes were substantially less likely to be seriously delinquent or in foreclosure proceedings than owners in the conventional market at the end of 2010. The final article reviews problems in the current landscape of SEH, which are hindering sector formation and growth; it puts forth recommendations to overcome these obstacles in order to take the sector to scale.