Social Housing 101
What is social housing?
Social housing is publicly owned, permanently affordable, mixed-income housing. It has been proven in cities like Vienna and Singapore for decades, and now it's coming to Seattle. Unlike subsidized rental programs, social housing is a public asset built to outlast any market cycle and stay affordable for good.
- Who is it for?
- Social housing is designed for low- and middle-income households, generally those earning up to 120% of Area Median Income (AMI). Elara is mixed-income by design and open to everyone who qualifies, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, or any other protected class. Visit the Seattle Social Housing Developer website for current income tiers and eligibility details.
- Who owns it?
- The Seattle Social Housing Developer (SSHD), a public development authority created by voter-approved Initiative 135 in 2023. Elara and any future buildings stay in public hands permanently.
- How is rent set?
- Rents are scaled to household income, not the market. Residents with higher incomes help cross-subsidize neighbors with lower incomes, all within the same building. It's how social housing stays financially sustainable without relying on the private market.
- Why Elara?
- Elara at the Market is a 150-unit, move-in-ready building steps from Pike Place Market. SSHD's board unanimously approved its purchase as Seattle's first social housing building, making it a landmark moment for the city.
- How do I apply?
- Applications are managed through SSHD. Sign up for updates so you can stay up to date on joining the lottery.