The initial creation of affordable housing for homeowners requires a major effort by local government, developers, housing organizations, and citizens alike. When communities decide to design and implement an inclusionary or other homeownership program, they typically spend a great deal of energy achieving a political consensus on the policy aspects of their programs, such as the income level to be served, the length of affordability, and whether affordability is to be ensured by limiting the price at which homes can be sold (a resale restriction) or by requiring homeowners to share increases in the value of their home with the community (equity-sharing).

Drafting an ordinance, issuing government approvals, providing subsidies and designing appropriate deed restrictions is often time and resource intensive.  Read the 30 page Institute for Local Government paper (2006) on the right, which has tips and case stories, for helpful guidance on ensuring continued affordability in homeownership in your community.