The primary goal for UPLIFT is to increase property values and provide wealth-building homeownership opportunities for targeted households to help close the appraisal gap that occurs in historically redlined communities. The program aims to do this by accelerating the pace of development, construction, and sale of quality affordable housing in low-income census tracts and designated Sustainable Communities. UPLIFT also strives to reflect the Department's values of creating sheltered, affordable, justice, lovable, connected communities.
What is the Appraisal Gap?
The Appraisal Gap is the difference between:
- The total eligible cost to develop a property, and
- The price the property can sell for on the market.
This gap is common in neighborhoods affected by redlining and disinvestment, where the cost to build or renovate often exceeds what buyers can afford, or what homes appraise for.
How UPLIFT Works
UPLIFT brings together partners from across sectors to close the appraisal gap and strengthen communities. Partners include:
- Local jurisdictions
- Nonprofit and for-profit developers and builders
- Community-based organizations engaged in revitalization efforts
- Political leaders
- Maryland residents
Together, UPLIFT and its partners work to:
- Align incentives for high-quality, on-time housing production
- Apply consistent standards and oversight
- Ensure quality and accountability throughout the process
Selected qualified development teams will acquire, develop, build, and sell quality affordable housing in targeted neighborhoods using a combination of public and private financing. To make this possible, the State will cover the difference between the cost to build and the sale price (the "Appraisal Gap") through UPLIFT funding.
Access the UPLIFT guide and application documents, request a pre-application meeting, and review the application process.
Explore affordable homeownership opportunities created through UPLIFT. Browse available properties and connect with sales agents.
