Coulee Community Land Trust
Creating Pathways to Affordable, Sustainable Homeownership.
Permanently Affordable Homes. Lasting Community Impact.
The Coulee Community Land Trust makes homeownership possible for first-time homebuyers who may not otherwise be able to afford a quality home. Founded in 2008, CCLT was created to address the shortage of affordable housing in the Coulee Region.
CCLT provides permanently affordable homes in La Crosse, Monroe, Vernon, and Crawford counties. There are currently 24 homes in the trust—each one helping to build stability and equity for families while preserving affordability for future generations.
When a home in the Land Trust is sold for the first time, the buyer purchases the house and receives a down payment subsidy to make the purchase affordable. These homes are available to households earning less than 80% of the area median income.
Building Equity While Preserving Affordability
To maintain permanent affordability, CCLT retains ownership of the land. Homebuyers lease the land through a 98-year renewable ground lease and pay a small monthly fee.
When the homeowner is ready to sell, they receive:
- All of the principal they’ve paid on their mortgage
- Any down payment funds they originally contributed
- 30% of the home’s appreciated value
The remaining equity stays with the home, ensuring it remains affordable for the next buyer. Each homeowner pays it forward by helping the next family purchase a home below market value—creating a lasting legacy of opportunity in our region.
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