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Can you buy a home on disability?

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 6:17 GMT by Fox 11 News
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How to Buy a Home When You Have a Disability: A Comprehensive Guide

In recent months, the Fox 11 newsroom has highlighted an increasingly common challenge for millions of Americans: finding and purchasing a home that accommodates a disability while also meeting budgetary constraints. The article “Buying a Home With a Disability” (Fox 11online.com, 2025) distills a wealth of practical information, from architectural modifications to financing options, and points readers toward a host of federal and local resources that can help make the dream of homeownership a reality.

1. Why Accessibility Matters

The piece opens with a compelling reminder that many prospective homebuyers overlook a simple but critical question: Will this house be livable for me? For people with mobility impairments, visual or hearing loss, or chronic health conditions, a home that is not built with accessibility in mind can quickly become a source of frustration and even danger. The article cites the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) as legal safeguards that protect buyers and renters, but it stresses that the most effective prevention of future headaches is to consider accessibility from the very start of the home search.

2. Identifying Accessible Features

The Fox 11 piece lists a “cheat sheet” of features that can make a house more disability‑friendly:

The article underscores that these features are not just “nice to have”; they often constitute a legal requirement for new construction under ADA guidelines. However, older homes can be retrofitted at a cost that many buyers find manageable when paired with appropriate financing.

3. Financing the “Accessibility Upgrade”

A key segment of the article focuses on how buyers can bridge the gap between their ideal home and their budget. The piece explains that many federal loan programs already account for accessibility needs:

3.1 FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Loan

• What it does: Allows borrowers to finance the purchase price of a home and the cost of necessary rehabilitation work in a single mortgage.
• Who can use it: All buyers, regardless of income, but the loan must meet FHA’s eligibility criteria (property value limits, credit score, etc.).
• Typical costs: The loan covers up to 85 % of the combined purchase and rehabilitation price. Buyers still need to put down at least 3.5 % (or 10 % for a first‑time homebuyer).

The article links directly to the official HUD page on the FHA 203(k) program for readers who want to dive into the eligibility tables and application forms.

3.2 VA Loans for Disabled Veterans

• What it does: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers no‑down‑payment loans that include a “Special Accessory Features” add‑on. This add‑on pays for features such as wheelchair ramps, widened doors, and wheelchair‑accessible bathrooms.
• Who can use it: Active‑duty service members, veterans, and some surviving spouses.
• Costs: The VA loan is subject to a funding fee (which can be rolled into the mortgage), but the special accessory feature is typically funded through the VA’s “Housing‑Adaptation Program” and can cost between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on the scope.

The Fox 11 article notes that many buyers are unaware of this benefit, so it urges readers to contact a VA‑approved lender early in the process.

3.3 USDA Rural Development Loans

• What it does: Offers 100 % financing for rural properties, and includes a “Specialized Features” program that can pay for accessible modifications.
• Who can use it: Buyers must meet income thresholds and the property must be located in a USDA‑eligible rural area.
• Costs: Because the USDA loan is fully guaranteed, the lender may allow for additional features to be financed without an extra down payment.

The article provides a link to the USDA website, encouraging readers to check eligibility.

3.4 State & Local Grants

Many states offer grant programs for home modifications, especially for seniors and people with disabilities. The article lists a few examples—such as the Texas Housing Affordability Program and the California State Housing Finance Agency’s “Accessible Home Loan” initiative—and provides links to the corresponding state agency pages.

4. Working with Professionals Who Understand Your Needs

The Fox 11 piece stresses that buying a home with accessibility in mind isn’t just about finances; it’s also about expertise. The article suggests hiring:

• A real‑estate agent who specializes in accessible homes. Many brokers now advertise themselves as “ADA‑Certified” or “Disability‑Friendly” because of increasing demand.
• A home inspector familiar with accessibility audits. A “ADA Home Inspector” can spot issues that a standard inspector may miss.
• A certified accessible design consultant. These professionals can provide floor plans that maximize space while keeping key features compliant with ADA standards.

The article cites a local design consultant, Lisa Hernandez of Accessible Living Solutions, who works with buyers to balance cost, aesthetics, and functionality. Hernandez explains that even small adjustments—like installing a curb‑cut ramp instead of a full stair‑lift—can make a big difference in both safety and resale value.

5. Legal Protections and Fair Housing

An important section of the article explains that the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of homes based on disability. Buyers can request reasonable accommodations during the home‑search process, such as:

• Allowing a caregiver or representative to attend open houses.
• Providing a copy of the property’s accessibility features in writing.
• Requesting a reduced price for a home that requires extensive modifications.

The Fox 11 article reminds readers that sellers are not required to make modifications, but the law does protect buyers from being forced to purchase a home that is inherently inaccessible.

6. Success Stories

To illustrate the human side of the information, the article features two brief profiles:

1. Carlos Martinez, a 47‑year‑old wheelchair user. Carlos used an FHA 203(k) loan to purchase a three‑bedroom home in the suburbs of Dallas. The loan covered the installation of a wide hallway, a wheelchair ramp, and a wheelchair‑accessible bathroom. He now says the modifications “have improved my independence and safety at home.”

2. Susan Lee, a veteran with a hearing impairment. Susan took advantage of the VA’s special accessory feature and upgraded her kitchen to include a smart‑home voice‑activated system. She credits the VA loan’s low funding fee and no‑down‑payment option for making the purchase possible.

Both stories end with a note about the emotional relief that comes from owning a home that truly fits one’s needs.

7. Bottom Line for Buyers

The Fox 11 article concludes with a “ready‑to‑take” checklist for readers:

1. Assess your needs: List the accessibility features that are essential for your daily life.
2. Get pre‑qualified: Talk to lenders familiar with FHA 203(k), VA, or USDA programs.
3. Seek an ADA‑Certified agent: Make sure the agent understands both the market and your unique requirements.
4. Inspect for compliance: Bring a certified ADA inspector to evaluate existing properties.
5. Explore grants and tax credits: Look into state or local programs that can offset modification costs.
6. Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with the Fair Housing Act and the ADA to protect yourself during negotiations.

The piece ends with a call to action: “If you’re ready to take the next step, start by contacting a lender who knows the loan programs that work best for buyers with disabilities.” It also provides a quick‑reference table of federal loan programs and links to each program’s official information page.

8. Further Reading

• HUD – 203(k) Rehabilitation Loan Program: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/203k
• VA – Housing-Adaptation Program: https://www.va.gov/housing-advice/housing-adaptation/
• USDA – Rural Development Loans: https://www.usda.gov/topics/housing/rural-development
• State Housing Agencies: (links provided within the Fox 11 article)

In Summary

The Fox 11 article does more than provide a list of mortgage options; it gives a roadmap for people with disabilities who want to own a home that truly works for them. By integrating legal protections, specialized financing, and professional guidance, the article demonstrates that homeownership is not only possible but increasingly attainable for those with physical or sensory challenges. Whether you’re looking for a wheelchair‑friendly kitchen or a voice‑controlled lighting system, the information compiled by Fox 11 offers a thorough, actionable guide that brings hope—and concrete steps—to the door of every potential buyer.