The Fern Avenue Cottage Homes are Common Roots Housing Trust’s first permanently affordable homeownership project and our inaugural Community Land Trust homes. This seven-home cottage development in Walla Walla will provide ownership opportunities for households earning 80% or less of Area Median Income.

Each home is thoughtfully designed to support long-term affordability, sustainability, and neighborhood connection. Through the Community Land Trust model, Common Roots retains ownership of the land while homeowners purchase the home itself — ensuring these homes remain affordable for generations.

Project Timeline

• 2023–2024: Site acquisition, project planning, and funding secured

• 2025: Final design and pre-construction activities

• 2026: Funding is fully secured, with construction beginning this year.

• 2027: Seven households move in to permanently affordable homes.

This project represents a major milestone for Common Roots and a tangible step toward expanding stable, attainable homeownership in our community.

In 2025, Common Roots Housing Trust acquired property in Waitsburg to expand permanently affordable homeownership opportunities into rural communities. This future Community Land Trust development will create approximately 8–10 affordable homes designed to meet the needs of local families and workers who are increasingly priced out of the housing market.

This project reflects our commitment to serving smaller and rural communities where housing options are limited but the need is significant. The Waitsburg site is currently in pre-development, with planning and feasibility work underway to ensure the project is community-informed, financially sustainable, and positioned for long-term success.

This spacious five-bedroom, three-bath home offers room for a growing household, with a large yard and comfortable living spaces designed for everyday life.

To be considered for this home, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a first-time homebuyer (or otherwise qualify under first-time homebuyer guidelines).

• Have a household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).

• Plan to use the home as your primary residence.

• Qualify for a mortgage from a participating lender.

• Complete an approved homebuyer education course before closing.

• Meet Community Land Trust program requirements, including agreeing to the shared equity resale formula that keeps the home affordable for future families.

Contact Kathryn at 509-876-1871 (call/text) or at kathryn@commonrootshousingtrust.org to learn more about this opportunity.

Creating homes is only part of the work — helping people successfully become and remain homeowners is just as critical. Through our Connecting Homeowners with Resources initiative, Common Roots partners with trusted local organizations to support households on their path to homeownership.

This work includes homebuyer readiness education, financial coaching, mortgage navigation, and referrals to community resources that help families build stability and confidence. By reducing barriers and increasing access to information and support, we are helping ensure that future homeowners are prepared not just to buy a home, but to thrive in it.

Want to get started on your homeowner journey with us today? Fill out this eligibility survey as a first step!