Click on the button above and we’ll let you know if you are eligible for our Empowerment Services. It’ll only take a few minutes. Questions: call or text Kate on 0416 196 912.

What is the Wollongong Affordable Housing and Home Ownership Program? 

The Wollongong Affordable Housing and Home Ownership Program is provided in partnership with the Wollongong City Council. It will deliver an affordable rent-to-buy home ownership pathway for eligible residents in the Wollongong Local Government Area which will commence in 2026. It also offers Enhanced Empowerment Services to support participants build their financial capability and become mortgage and homebuyer-ready which commenced in March 2024.

Eligibility criteria*

Wollongong Affordable Housing and Home Ownership Program (WAHOP)

To be eligible for our WAHOP* you must:

  1. Be approved for our Empowerment Services and actively participate in your Head Start Savings Plan; and

  2. Live in the Wollongong Local Government Area (see map ); and

  3. In order to take part in our Head Start Affordable rent-to-buy Program, you must be assessed and approved by a participating community housing provider for affordable housing.

Eligibility criteria for our Empowerment Services*

To be eligible for our Empowerment Services*, you must:

  1. Be living in social or affordable housing, or be on a social or affordable housing wait list.

    OR

  2. Meet the government's income eligibility limits to be eligible for social or affordable housing in your state. See the income table for eligibility limits as your guide (note: you must have a moderate income or less).

    OR

  3. Be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and meet the income thresholds set by the Aboriginal Housing Office for their Aboriginal Home Buyer Saver Scheme. 

    Note: If you're unsure of your eligibility, express your interest, and we’ll assess and let you know the outcome.

 

*Terms, conditions and eligibility criteria apply. Subject to availability and funding. Head Start Homes is not a home loan lender and does not provide financial advice. Head Start Homes Limited ACN 620 944 532