Welcome to Liberty Commons!
Rising on Martin Luther King Jr. Way S, Liberty Commons is redefining what’s possible for affordable homeownership in Seattle. This new Habitat community brings permanently affordable condominiums to Columbia City, a neighborhood known for its culture, connectivity, and sense of belonging — offering a place to settle in, build stability, and stay.
Once complete, Liberty Commons will feature 58 new, permanently affordable units.
It’s free to apply, and there’s no credit check—so there’s no cost, risk, or commitment to see if you qualify.
“Having consistency and knowing I am building equity makes me hopeful for my future.”
– Samuel P., Habitat Homeowner
About Liberty Commons
Homes at a Glance
Liberty Commons includes 58 affordable condominium homes designed for individuals and smaller households.
- 5 studio homes (405 sq. ft.)
- 26 one-bedroom homes (459–612 sq. ft.)
- 27 two-bedroom homes (634–815 sq. ft.)
Each home comes with brand new appliances, including full kitchen & washer/dryer, and HVAC systems.
There is 1 ADA-compliant unit for each unit type.
Household Sizes
Homes at Liberty Commons are designed to serve a range of household sizes:
- Studio & one-bedroom homes: up to 2 people
- Two-bedroom homes: up to 4 people
Explore 3D tours of different layouts (exact unit availability varies):
Shared Spaces & Accessibility
Liberty Commons is designed to foster connection — both within the building and beyond it. Homeowners will enjoy:
- A 2,000 sq. ft. shared courtyard, ideal for meals and gatherings.
- An elevator for easy building access.
- Bike storage for convenient, car-free living.
The front building entry offers a flat entrance, and the shared courtyard is accessible by ramp.
Liberty Commons is also located steps from the Columbia City light rail station, ideal for a car-free, walkable lifestyle.
Financial Information
| Size | Starting Price | Estimated Monthly Payment | Estimated Cash Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $162,000 | $1,280 – $1,590 | $3,000+ |
| 1-Bedroom | $220,500 | $1,700 – $2,550 | $4,000+ |
| 2-Bedroom | $285,000 | $2,160- $2,970 | $5,000+ |
Habitat requires our homebuyers to finance the purchase of their home with a mortgage. These payment ranges include mortgage payments, estimated property taxes, estimated homeowner’s insurance, and estimated HOA dues. Please see HOA section below for more details.
Each unit is priced differently, and exact monthly payment will be based on the unit price and the buyers income. Homebuyers must show that they can afford the home’s payment without being cost-burdened. For most households, this means earning a combined $40,000 or more per year. If your total household income is below this threshold, but you have significant funds to contribute towards your cash contribution, you may still qualify. If you are unsure, you are still encouraged to apply!
Applicants must show that they have at least the minimum required cash contribution at the time of applying. Your exact cash contribution may be higher depending on your specific financial situation. Additionally, if you have over $15,000 in liquid assets*, you must contribute all but $15,000 of your liquid assets towards your cash contribution. For example, if you have $25,000 in savings, you would need to contribute $10,000, keeping $15,000 in your savings.
*“Liquid assets” means money that you have immediate access to in accounts such as checking & savings accounts, or money market accounts that you can withdraw from without penalty. This does not include money in stocks, bonds, IRAs, 401ks, life insurance, annuities, or physical assets.
| Household Size | Maximum Income Limit (80% AMI) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $81,700 |
| 2 | $93,350 |
| 3 | $105,000 |
| 4 | $116,650 |
About Columbia City
***For your own safety, please do not step foot on the construction site outside of your scheduled tour time. You can schedule a tour here.***
Columbia City offers the best of neighborhood living and city access. From public parks and well-regarded schools to convenient transit options, the area is designed for everyday ease.
Just steps from Liberty Commons, Columbia City’s walkable downtown features family-owned restaurants, local coffee shops, and small businesses that give the neighborhood its character. As one of Seattle’s most diverse neighborhoods, Columbia City is a place where culture, food, and traditions are shared and celebrated.
Homeowners Association
These homes will be part of a Homeowners Association (HOA). A Homeowners Association is a non-profit corporation that is democratically run by owners within the community. Owners pool resources (through monthly dues) and agree on what to use the money for, whether it be upkeep of common spaces, exterior maintenance of homes, or other priorities.
To learn more, please visit our HOA information page.
Building Liberty Commons, Step by Step
Liberty Commons is coming together through steady progress, thoughtful planning, and many hands working toward a shared goal. From early site work to the building rising along Martin Luther King Jr. Way S, each phase reflects Habitat’s approach to building homes that are accessible and made to last.
The image comparison below, from May 2025 to May 2026, highlights how the site has transformed over time, serving as a visual reminder that affordable homeownership is built intentionally, one step at a time.
Once complete, Liberty Commons will feature 58 new, permanently affordable units.
What’s The Latest?
Construction at Liberty Commons continues to move forward, with some units now complete and others receiving their final finishing touches. Several homes are now ready for tours, offering a glimpse of the community that future homeowners will soon call home.
The images below offer a look inside the units, capturing this latest stage of progress. This section will be updated as work continues, and Liberty Commons moves closer to welcoming its future homeowners.
Imagining the Finished Community
Before the final touches are in place, these architectural renderings provide a look at what’s ahead. They show how Liberty Commons is envisioned to feel once complete, from the building’s exterior to the shared spaces designed for gathering and connection.
This is the future we’re building toward: a permanent home in a vibrant neighborhood, designed to last for generations.
The Bigger Picture
Why Projects like Liberty Commons Matter
Liberty Commons totals 41,151 square feet, with a development budget of $29.66 million.
Across Washington state, housing costs continue to outpace incomes. Today, more than half of renter households and nearly one in four homeowner households are considered cost burdened, meaning they spend an unsustainable portion of their income on housing.
In King County, the challenge is especially acute. As of May 2025, the median price of a single-family home reached $1.03 million. With a typical 20% down payment, a household would need an annual income of roughly $250,000 to afford homeownership — putting it out of reach for many working families.
As housing costs rise, many neighbors face displacement, pushing them farther from jobs, schools, and the communities they call home. At the same time, construction costs continue to climb, and the region faces a severe shortage of affordable housing options.
The Housing Continuum
The housing continuum illustrates how different housing options are supported over time. Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rental housing typically rely on ongoing subsidies to remain affordable year after year. Habitat for Humanity’s work sits at a different point on the continuum: affordable homeownership.
Through a one-time subsidy, Habitat homes are made accessible upfront and then remain permanently affordable, allowing homeowners to build stability and equity without requiring continued public subsidy. This model creates long-term affordability while opening the door for future households to do the same.
How We Build
Habitat for Humanity Seattle–King & Kittitas Counties uses a flexible, mission-driven approach to meet the growing need for affordable housing. Depending on project size and complexity, homes are built through a combination of volunteer-powered construction, subcontracted builds, and partnerships with general contractors.
Liberty Commons is being delivered through a general contractor–led build in partnership with Exxel Pacific. This approach allows Habitat to take on a larger, more complex multi-family project while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, and long-term durability. By working with an experienced general contractor, we’re able to manage risk, control timelines, and expand the scale of affordable homeownership in a high-cost urban environment.
Stay In Touch
This community represents what’s possible when affordability, access, and long-term stability are built into the foundation of a community. Whether you’re exploring homeownership, learning more about the project, or seeking additional details, we’re here to help. For questions about this community, the application process, or partnership opportunities, please contact us at apply@habitatskc.org — our team is happy to connect and provide more information.