About the AST Homeownership Process

Artist Space Trust’s homeownership process is designed to be clear, fair, and transparent, while meeting both housing program requirements and artist eligibility criteria for opportunities within the Artist Housing Commons.

While details may vary by opportunity, the steps below outline what artists can generally expect when applying for an AST homeownership opportunity. We encourage artists to review the full process before applying to decide whether this pathway is the right fit.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity Details

Each AST homeownership opportunity includes specific information about:

  • The home or unit

  • Purchase price and affordability terms

  • Income and household size requirements

  • Artist eligibility criteria

  • Application timeline

Artists should review these details carefully before beginning the process.

View Current Homeownership Opportunities →

Step 2: Complete Initial Screening Forms

Artists interested in a listed opportunity will be asked to complete:

  • AST Screening Form (basic household and financial information)

  • Artist Eligibility Form (information about artistic practice and references)

These forms help determine whether applicants meet the baseline requirements for the opportunity.

Completing these forms does not guarantee selection, but it is the first step in the process.

Step 3: Complete a First-Time Homebuyer Education Course

Applicants must complete a HUD-approved first-time homebuyer education course and obtain a completion certificate.

This course helps ensure that applicants understand:

  • The responsibilities of homeownership

  • Mortgage financing basics

  • Long-term affordability and stewardship requirements

Learn more about preparing for homeownership →

Step 4: Invitation to Apply

Applicants who meet the initial screening criteria will be invited to submit a full application.

At this stage, AST reviews:

  • Financial eligibility

  • Household size

  • Program-specific requirements

If more than ten financially qualified applicants move forward, a random lottery will be held to determine which applicants continue in the process. This helps ensure fairness and transparency.

Photo credit: Flee Kieselhorst

Step 5: Artist Eligibility Review (Vital Arts)

Applicants selected to move forward are reviewed by Vital Arts, AST’s programmatic partner.

This step includes:

  • Review of the Artist Eligibility Form

  • Reference checks to confirm an active, ongoing artistic practice

  • Interviews with qualified applicants

Vital Arts then provides AST with a ranked list of applicants based on artistic eligibility and alignment with the opportunity.

Step 6: Final Financial Review

AST conducts a final financial review of top-ranked candidates to confirm:

  • Income eligibility

  • Household qualifications

  • Readiness to proceed with purchase

Applicants who meet all requirements are selected to move forward.

Step 7: Financing and Purchase

Selected artists will:

  • Obtain a bank mortgage for the purchase price

  • Complete the home purchase from Artist Space Trust

AST staff provide guidance throughout this phase to support a smooth and informed transaction.

Step 8: Long-Term Stewardship

After purchase:

  • The artist homeowner owns the home

  • Artist Space Trust retains ownership of the land beneath the home

  • Homeowners pay a modest monthly ground lease fee to AST

This structure supports long-term affordability, stability, and stewardship for both current and future artists.

Learn more about responsibilities and stewardship →

A Few Important Notes

  • Each opportunity may include additional steps or requirements

  • Timelines vary based on funding and property conditions

  • Participation in the process does not guarantee selection

Our goal is to ensure that homeownership through AST is fair, transparent, and aligned with long-term housing stability — for both individual artists and the broader Artist Housing Commons.