Subsidized housing units in the United States can be purchased, but eligibility and availability depend on specific government programs. Some initiatives, such as Section 8 Homeownership Assistance or USDA Rural Housing Loans, offer financial support to help low

and moderate-income buyers purchase properties. However, most subsidized housing is designed for rental, not purchase, and ownership opportunities are limited to targeted initiatives.

In the U.S., approximately 10% of federal housing assistance programs include homeownership components, according to data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For example, the USDA Rural Housing Direct Loan Program provided over $1.5 billion in loans to 30,000+ families in 2022, with 90% of recipients purchasing homes in underserved rural areas. Similarly, the Section 8 Homeownership Program has assisted 250,000+ families since 1992 by covering down payments and closing costs. However, these programs require strict income limits (e.g., at or below 80% of median area income) and often involve lengthy application processes. A 2021 Urban Institute study found that homeownership through these programs increased household financial stability by 30% compared to rental assistance alone. Despite these benefits, only 5% of U.S. homeowners received federal housing subsidies in 2023, highlighting limited access for most buyers. Eligibility criteria, regional availability, and program funding fluctuations further constrain opportunities. Overall, while purchase options exist, they remain niche compared to rental-focused subsidies, reflecting broader challenges in expanding homeownership equity.