Programs

Inner City Homebuyer Program

This program has been suspended due to increases in interest rates and housing prices. We are currently exploring new program offerings to address the affordability crisis in housing and other basic needs.  Please reach out in Fall 2025 to find out more. 

How does it work?

The Inner City Homebuyer program helps low-income earning families to save towards a down payment and closing costs for a home within a designated area. Participants will earn up to $15,000 in matching funds for a down payment with $10,000 of their own savings, and receive an additional $1,750 for closing costs.

We are looking for families who:

  • Have dependents
  • Are willing to purchase a home or condo under $275,000 in a designated area
  • Have a difficult time saving for a down payment and closing costs on their own
  • Would have a greatly improved housing situation by owning a home
  • Meet the low income qualifications (see income chart below)
  • Are able to attend home buying workshops and one-on-one meetings over Zoom
  • Do not currently own a home, or are not participating in another home ownership program

Spots are limited for this program. Priority will be given to graduates of the Saving Circle or IDA programs.

Eligible areas

Eligible areas have been expanded to include the following rural communities:

  • Brandon
  • The Pas
  • Portage La Prairie
  • Flin Flon
  • Dauphin
  • Selkirk
  • Thompson

How do I apply?

Recruitment for the Inner City Homebuyer program is funding dependent. Unfortunately, SEED will not be accepting new applications in 2024. Any updates to program status will be updated here or on SEED’s social media platforms in 2025.

Low Income Qualification Chart

Household Size Maximum Gross Household Income
1 person $33,017
2 persons $41,105
3 persons $50,533
4 persons $61,354
5 persons $69,587
6 persons $78,481
7 or more persons $87,377

SEED Winnipeg looks at household income to help determine eligibility for our programs. We use Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) as a guide (we use 120% of LICO). Other factors besides LICO are also considered.