Local Deeds is an innovative program to protect housing for families and individuals who live and work here year-round  serving the local community. Homebuyers receive a one-time cash payment for a down-payment on a home in exchange for placing a permanent deed restriction on their property, securing the home for future local workers as well. 

If you are interested in down payment assistance please consider the Twin Pines Home Ownership Program.  Local Deeds will consider buyers who are not eligible for the Twin Pines Program. 

Local Buyer Information
Apply To Local Deeds Now For Preapproval

Local Deeds pays up to 16% of the property’s appraised market value in exchange for a permanent deed restriction on homes in Barnard, Bridgewater, Hartland, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading and Woodstock. The maximum the program offers for a single family home is $96,000, equivalent to 16% of a $600k house. A homebuyer can use this cash to help with their downpayment. The program does not impose an appreciation cap and has no income qualifications. To qualify for Local Deeds, at least one resident of the home must work at least 25 hours per week  at a business or organization located within a 16 mile radius of Woodstock Town Hall. A retiree who has worked in the area for the five years prior to retirement is also a qualified resident.  No short term rentals are allowed, and the owner is required to provide  annual proof of compliance. Local Deeds will not consider buyers who are eligible for the Twin Pines Home Ownership Program.

Since the start of this program in the beginning of 2024, Local Deeds has secured 20 housing units for 30 local workers in 20 families, keeping 16 children enrolled in local schools. Property prices range from $200,000 to $800,000 and the average payment made per unit of housing is $55,000. Our applicants work in local schools, for their town, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, and own local businesses. Keeping them in our community helps keep everyone educated, healthy, and well cared for.

Local Deeds is finishing a successful second year. Our first priority is  to offer down payments to prospective buyers. Apply here if you are interested. If you would like to learn more, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.