Billings Affordable Homes Program Builds 35 Units
Builders, lenders and suppliers serving workforce buyers in Billings should track this at-cost, deed-restricted housing model.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Construction
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South Hills Commons, a development at 4317 King Avenue East in Billings, plans 35 affordable two- and three-bedroom homes under Montana's Community Reinvestment Plan. The project is aimed at buyers earning between 60% and 140% of area median household income, with construction of the development's homes recently toured by Governor Greg Gianforte.
Why it matters
The program lets qualifying households buy deed-restricted homes that are sold at cost, with financing assistance reducing mortgage costs, which affects how builders, lenders and suppliers position for entry-level and workforce housing in Billings. The effort responds to a shortage of Montana homes that working families can afford relative to demand.
South Hills Commons plans 35 homes at 4317 King Avenue East, with eligibility set at 60% to 140% of area median household income and a 30% cap on housing costs as a share of income. The program's 1% annual appreciation limit on assisted homes is set against the broader housing affordability standard, and the number of planned homes is not yet compared with local supply in the source.
The players
Governor Greg Gianforte
Montana's governor, whose administration oversees the state housing initiatives that fund the Community Reinvestment Plan.
Representative Curtis Schomer
Montana state representative who toured the South Hills Commons site with Governor Gianforte.
CRILOGISTICS
An attainable housing solutions provider that advises the community reinvestment organization and assists with development.
HABCRO
A housing organization working with more than two dozen Montana counties on development opportunities and local housing strategies.
The details
Under House Bill 819, passed in 2023, the Montana Community Reinvestment Plan combines state funding with matching investments to help qualifying households purchase deed-restricted homes. The community reinvestment organization develops and delivers the homes, sells them at cost, and uses financing assistance to reduce mortgage costs, which is intended to let eligible buyers enter homeownership without a down payment. CRILOGISTICS, an attainable housing solutions provider, advises the organization and assists with development. The program's appreciation limit of 1% annually keeps resale values tied to affordability over time.
Timeline
2023: House Bill 819 passed, establishing the Montana Community Reinvestment Plan.
Last week: Governor Greg Gianforte toured South Hills Commons construction progress with Representative Curtis Schomer.
Market Landscape
The South Hills Commons project is an early application of House Bill 819, the 2023 Montana law that created the Community Reinvestment Plan. The Billings effort is intended to expand to other parts of Montana, and HABCRO's work with more than two dozen counties suggests the program's model is being extended beyond a single city.
Builders and contractors in Billings should watch for the deed-restricted, at-cost model as a new channel for entry-level housing. Lenders and suppliers serving workforce buyers may find more demand for financing assistance and affordable-housing products, and operators should track how the 30% housing-cost standard shapes qualifying buyers.
The takeaway
The 1% annual appreciation cap and deed restriction are the features that define how these homes remain affordable over time, so operators evaluating participation should review the program terms with qualified counsel. Watch for the timeline and sales progress of the 35 South Hills Commons homes as a signal of the model's near-term viability.
Further reading
Explore more Billings Construction coverage for context on how local building projects are advancing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Northern Broadcasting System - Montana, Wyoming and the Western Dakotas.
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