Buy a home without entering a lottery

Your application is reviewed in the order it comes in — first come, first served. Learn how it works.

When you buy a home with City help, usually you need to enter a lottery. For some homes, no lottery is required. Apply to buy now on DAHLIA San Francisco Housing Portal.

We consider applications 1 at a time until all units are sold

We process applications in order based on the date and time you applied. If others applied before you, their applications will be reviewed first.

We reach out if any documents are missing

Time:You must answer within 3 business days

Respond quickly if we contact you. Your application will be withdrawn if you do not answer by the deadline.

If you gave us an alternate contact, like a friend or family member, we will contact them if we do not hear from you.

We review your application carefully

Time:up to 15 days

We check your application to make sure it meets all requirements. If it does, you will get a conditional approval.

If it does not, we will explain why.

You enter a purchase agreement

Time:You have 7 days from the date you got conditional approval

If your application is approved, work with a real estate agent to prepare a purchase agreement.

This is a contract that outlines your offer and the terms of the sale.

Final approval and closing

Time:60 days from the date the purchase agreement was finalized

You must work with a mortgage lender to get approval for your loan. Your lender will send us documents for final approval. We may ask you for more information if we need it.

If everything matches our requirements, you will get final approval to sign closing documents and complete the purchase.