What if homeownership could be both affordable today and an investment in your future?
That question is at the heart of a growing housing solution known as the Community Land Trust, or CLT. Designed to make homeownership more affordable while helping families build equity over time, Community Land Trusts are creating new opportunities for homebuyers across the country — and right here at Villa Heights in Martinsville-Henry County (MHC).
Community Land Trusts at a Glance
- A Community Land Trust (CLT) expands affordable homeownership opportunities.
- Homeowners own the home; the CLT owns the land.
- Buyers can build equity and benefit from home appreciation.
- Homes remain affordable for future generations.
- Villa Heights demonstrates the CLT model in Martinsville-Henry County.
Villa Heights: Expanding Affordable Homeownership in Martinsville-Henry County
In Collinsville, VA, Villa Heights showcases the Community Land Trust model as a pathway to homeownership. In May 2025, community leaders, partners, and residents gathered to celebrate a groundbreaking. That event marked the launch of this project to create new housing in Martinsville-Henry County.
The Villa Heights initiative will transform 13 overlooked parcels into quality, attainable homes for income-qualified buyers. Through an innovative partnership involving The Harvest Foundation, Henry County, the West Piedmont Planning District Commission, Havenmore, and the Virginia Statewide Community Land Trust, the project is already making progress.
The first homes have been completed and are available for purchase with some priced as low as $170,000. For many local families, Villa Heights represents a homeownership opportunity that may have previously felt out of reach.
What is a Community Land Trust?
Community Land Trusts (CLTs) were created around a simple idea: everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve homeownership.
Making Homeownership More Attainable
For many families, the cost of land can be one of the biggest barriers to homeownership. The CLT model addresses that challenge in a unique way.
| Traditional Home Purchase | Community Land Trust Home Purchase |
|---|---|
| Buyer purchases the home | Buyer purchases the home |
| Buyer purchases the land | CLT purchases the land |
| Home usually offered at a higher price point | Home usually offered at a lower price point |
The result is a pathway to affordable homeownership that can help more families achieve the dream of owning a home.
The Benefits of Homeownership
As with traditional homeownership, Community Land Trust homeowners build equity through their monthly mortgage payments. Over time, they increase their ownership stake in the home while also benefiting from a portion of the home’s appreciation in value.
CLT homeowners also enjoy long-term housing stability. Homes can be passed down to designated heirs, and the 99-year renewable ground lease allows families to remain in their homes for generations if they choose.
Preserving Housing Affordability for Future Generations
The CLT model is designed to strengthen neighborhoods and create lasting impact. When a homeowner chooses to sell, the home remains affordable for the next qualified buyer while allowing the homeowner to retain the equity they have built over time. In this way, a one-time investment can continue creating homeownership opportunities for generations to come. Visit Virginia Statewide Community Land Trust and download their Homebuyer Guide below to learn more.
Is a Community Land Trust Home Right for Every Family?
While CLT homes provide an incredible, secure pathway to affordable homeownership, the model does work a bit differently than traditional real estate.
- Property Maintenance: Just like standard homeownership, CLT homeowners are fully responsible for the upkeep, repairs, and maintenance of their homes.
- Resale Restrictions: To ensure the home remains affordable for the next income-qualified family, CLTs use a resale formula that limits the maximum selling price.
Because of these unique guidelines, selling a CLT home involves certain restrictions that may not align with every family’s long-term financial goals. If you are exploring this path, it’s important to have all the facts.
The staff at Havenmore is well-versed in the CLT model and can answer any specific questions you have, or you can reach out directly to The Harvest Foundation to learn more.
“Affordable housing is a need for so many in Martinsville and Henry County. The opportunity for new construction homes at an affordable price was something that resonated with all of us.”
Why the Harvest Foundation Supports This Work
The story unfolding at Villa Heights highlights the power of partnership to create new pathways to homeownership and regional vitality.
“Finding innovative and affordable pathways to homeownership in Martinsville-Henry County is essential for family stability and the future vitality of our community,” said DeWitt House, vice president of community investments at The Harvest Foundation. “The Community Land Trust model is a sustainable solution that removes financial barriers and helps families build equity and opportunity for generations to come.”
As community partners continue exploring innovative housing solutions, projects like CLTs offer a glimpse of what’s possible when we choose to invest in long-term opportunity and shared prosperity.
Follow The Harvest Foundation on social media to stay up to date on housing initiatives and other efforts shaping the future of Martinsville-Henry County.