Transform Real Estate into Impact
What is a real estate donation?
Whether a personal residence, vacation home, commercial property, or undeveloped land, a donation of real estate to Habitat for Humanity can create a ripple effect of impact for entire communities.
With land resources scarce and building costs soaring, your gift could make all the difference. We might put it to work by converting it to affordable ownership housing for a Bay Area family, or invest it to further expand affordable housing in the Bay Area.

the benefits
Why donate real estate
Perhaps you’re updating your will and considering how to bequeath your property, or you have property that you no longer need (and it may be costing you time and money). While a gift of real estate to Habitat would have obvious benefits to the community, donating it can have benefits for you and your loved ones, too.
- You may be eligible for significant tax benefits by gifting this property to Habitat—including a federal charitable income tax deduction and potentially avoiding capital gains taxes.
- You will avoid continued maintenance costs, property taxes and insurance, and the hassle of selling.
- You will leave a legacy your family will be proud of.

GET STARTED
Learn more about donating real estate to support Habitat's mission!
Ways to Donate Real Estate
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Outright gift: Transfer your property to Habitat for the best use in supporting our mission and programs.
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Bargain sale: Sell the property to Habitat for less than its appraised market value.
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Bequest: Through a simple update to your will or trust, bequeath your property to Habitat for future use.
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Life income gift: Transfer ownership of the property to fund a charitable remainder trust or charitable gift annuity. Receive income payments for life, and the balance of the gift supports Habitat’s work.
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Retained Life Estate: Transfer ownership of the property to Habitat, while retaining the right to live in the property for a specified period of time.
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PROGRAM SPONSORSHIPS
STEM PLAYHOUSE
Sponsoring STEM Playhouse is a unique opportunity to support Habitat for Humanity, our local schools, and children of partnering organizations. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Playhouse is a project-based, hands-on learning opportunity for middle school students that aligns directly with Common Core and NGSS Standards. STEM Playhouse sponsors allow students of partnering schools to participate in a Playhouse build with an accompanying curriculum. Students are able to apply concepts learned in the classroom, work in a team, problem solve, and give back to their community, as the completed Playhouses are donated to families through partnering nonprofits.
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PROGRAM SPONSORSHIPS
PREMIUM BUILDS
Premium Team Builds is an all inclusive experience for sponsoring volunteer groups. Enhance your team's day on the construction, in the playhouse workshop, or at a community garden with Premium Team Build's additional benefits and customization opportunities.
From scheduling, to coordination, until the end of the build day, our volunteer team will be with you every step of the way!
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PROGRAM SPONSORSHIPS
GREEN SPACES
Gardens grow more than plants and produce - they grow community. Through a partnership with Oakland’s Parks and Recreation Department, Habitat's Green Spaces volunteer opportunity is welcoming corporate and community groups to help us rehabilitate and enhance the city’s community gardens.
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PROGRAM SPONSORSHIP
TRADE SUPPORT PROGRAM
Habitat is collaborating with other nonprofits, our corporate construction partners, and educational institutions to bring communities the Trade Support Program.
By providing a supportive environment that fosters applied learning, Habitat will help students develop technical skills and practical construction experience. And by leveraging our corporate partnerships, Habitat can connect students directly with industry professionals for mentorship and career resources.
Get Started
Real Estate Donation Inquiry Form
Habitat's experienced staff is here to help.
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Women's Leadership Build 2025
May 2025 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Build alongside like-minded women and create real change in to housing crisis!
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