What is a community land trust?

A nonprofit, community-supporting system of land ownership.

The CLT owns the lot—the land—a house sits on and leases it to the homeowner while the house and all property responsibilities belong to the homeowner. The CLT requires that the house be permanently owner-occupied by present and future homeowners.  

Most CLT homes renovated and sold by OPDC will be affordable for low- to moderate-income families. The Oakland CLT leases land to homeowners for 99 years (renewable) at a low monthly fee. Owners can maintain and improve their homes. They can leave their home to their children. 

If a homeowner decides to sell, the Oakland CLT retains an option to repurchase the home to sell to a future low- or moderate-income resident or to assist the homeowner to identify a new income-eligible purchaser.

Homeowners share the appreciation they earn on their homes with future buyers, thus fostering long-term affordability even as surrounding neighborhood property values grow.

CLTs are time-tested, proven tools for neighborhood equity and stability. There are over 200 CLTs across the country that are part of a community land trust organization, the Grounded Solutions Network.