Houston Homeowners Struggle with Affordability: Resources for Mortgage Assistance and Home Repairs
Inflation, workforce shifts, and rapid technological advancements have placed financial strain on households across the Greater Houston area. Rising costs of living, coupled with stagnant wages for many professions, have made it increasingly difficult for families to afford homeownership or maintain their existing properties. These economic pressures are particularly evident in the housing market, where affordability has declined significantly in recent years.
Homeownership in the Greater Houston area has become increasingly unaffordable, with costs outpacing incomes. According to the 2024 State of Housing in Harris County and Houston by Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research, the median home price in Harris County reached $315,000 in 2023, exceeding what median income earners can afford by $126,468. In Houston, the affordability gap is even higher at $169,189. Renters are also feeling the squeeze, with the affordability gap rising by 76.7% since 2018.
The affordability gap in Harris County has surged by 274.8% from 2018 to 2023, leaving fewer housing options for middle- and low-income families. Currently, only seven neighborhoods in Harris County are deemed affordable for median income earners, totaling just 22,099 housing units.
Despite these affordability challenges, homeownership has grown in several parts of the Greater Houston area. Harris County saw a 20% increase in owner-occupied households, adding 157,984 homes. Montgomery and Fort Bend counties experienced even higher growth, with owner-occupied households increasing by 48% and 58%, respectively. Among these, Fort Bend County had the highest percentage of owner-occupied households at 77%, followed by Montgomery County at 72%.
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Additionally, homebuyers in these counties tend to have higher incomes. The median income for owner-occupied households in Houston stands at $89,454, whereas in Fort Bend County, it reaches $122,172. New home sales in 2023 were also led by Harris County, with 9,733 homes sold, followed by 6,076 in Montgomery County and 3,685 in Fort Bend County.
With these challenges, many homeowners are at risk of falling behind on their mortgage or struggling to afford necessary home repairs. Fortunately, there are several resources available to help residents stay in their homes.
Mortgage and Housing Assistance Programs in Texas
For those struggling with mortgage payments, multiple assistance programs exist to help homeowners avoid foreclosure:
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Texas Homeowner Assistance Program (TXHAF)
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Provides up to $65,000 in financial assistance for mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and utilities.
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Apply at texashomeownerassistance.com.
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Mortgage Forbearance Programs
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Homeowners experiencing financial hardship can request a temporary pause or reduction in mortgage payments.
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Contact your loan servicer to explore options, especially for federally backed loans (FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac).
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Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Programs
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Offers mortgage relief and down payment assistance through programs like the Texas Bootstrap Loan Program.
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More information at tdhca.state.tx.us.
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HUD-Approved Housing Counseling
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Free counseling is available to help homeowners navigate financial difficulties.
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Find a HUD-approved housing counselor at hud.gov or call 800-569-4287.
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Home Repair Assistance for Low-Income Homeowners
For homeowners struggling to afford critical home repairs, the Harris County Housing & Community Development Home Repair Program provides financial assistance to improve housing conditions and safety.
Eligibility Requirements
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Must be 62 years or older, or disabled.
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Must own and reside in the home.
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Home must be within Harris County’s service area (excluding Houston, Baytown, and Pasadena).
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Home value must not exceed $261,000 (HUD Homeownership Limit as of 2023).
Types of Assistance Available
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Minor Home Repair Grant: Up to $20,000 for essential repairs such as roofing, accessibility improvements, and plumbing fixes.
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Minor/Moderate Home Repair: Up to $60,000 for more extensive repairs.
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Septic and Water Well Repairs: Up to $40,000 for health and safety-related improvements.
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Major Rehabilitation/Reconstruction: Up to $80,000 for significant home renovations in designated revitalization areas.
To apply, visit hcd.harriscountytx.gov or call 713-578-2000.
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Affordable Building Materials for Home Repairs
For homeowners looking to complete renovations on a budget, Habitat for Humanity ReStores offer discounted new and gently used building materials, appliances, and home improvement supplies. These nonprofit home improvement stores sell flooring, lighting, cabinets, tools, and more at a fraction of retail prices, supporting Habitat’s affordable housing initiatives.
ReStore Locations in the Greater Houston Area
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Houston ReStore North – 13350 Jones Road, Houston, TX 77070 (MAP)
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Houston ReStore South – 6161 South Loop East, Houston, TX 77087 (MAP)
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Houston ReStore West – 5280 West 34th Street, Houston, TX 77092 (MAP)
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Fort Bend ReStore – 505 Julie Rivers Dr, Suite 150, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (MAP)
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Habitat for Humanity MCTX ReStore – 9407 TX-242, Conroe, TX 77385 (MAP)
To learn more, visit habitat.org/restores.
Wrapping It Up
With rising home prices and increasing financial strain, many Houston-area homeowners are facing affordability challenges. However, resources are available to help residents stay in their homes, whether through mortgage assistance, home repair programs, or discounted building materials. By taking advantage of these programs, homeowners can find financial relief and maintain safe, stable housing in the midst of a challenging market.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
