Livermore updates Affordable Homeownership (BMR) rules; pre-application opens January 2025

The City of Livermore presented updated guidelines for its Affordable Homeownership Program (also called the Below Market Rate or BMR program), including 2025 income limits, purchase-price examples and application timing. Shannon Andrews, a consultant and program administrator for the City, said the pre-application period is expected to open in January 2025 and encouraged interested households to join the city's housing interest list.

The presentation laid out eligibility rules: applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, be first-time homebuyers (no ownership interest in improved real property within the previous three years) and occupy the unit. Gross household income of all adult members (18+) is counted; income of dependents 18'24 who are full-time students may be excluded. Andrews said applicants enter a 55-year resale restriction and must annually certify occupancy.

City staff provided 2025 AMI examples and purchase-price bands. For a one-person household, the presentation listed $84,600 as the 80% AMI threshold and $130,800 as the 120% AMI threshold. For a five-person household, the presentation listed $130,500 (80% AMI) and $201,800 (120% AMI). Sample BMR unit prices shown included an 80% AMI studio at…