Co-op Casa gives working Tucsonans the financial benefits of homeownership — without the down payment, the risk, or the expiration date.
Governed by residents, not investors
Co-op Casa is governed by its residents, workers, and community leaders. There are no investors seeking returns — which means the monthly fee is set to cover costs, not to maximize yield. That single structural difference is what makes permanent affordability possible.
Residents own a share of the entire co-op rather than owning their home individually. It’s ownership without the risk — and without the barriers.
No down payment. No closing costs.
The typical 20% down payment required to buy a home is funded by grants and donated land — not by residents. There are no closing costs, no mortgage to qualify for, and no financial bet that the market will cooperate when you need to move.
- No down payment or closing costs for residents
- Leave on your own schedule, without delay or market risk
- Co-op share is liquid — you get your equity back when you go
Build wealth every month
A portion of every monthly payment goes into a personal resident wealth account. Accounts grow through monthly rebates and annual bonuses tied to sustainability performance — the more the building saves on energy and water, the more residents earn.
- Monthly wealth account grows with every payment
- Year-end sustainability bonus when the building meets its targets
- Building wealth for residents, not profits for landlords
Affordable forever — no expiration date
Most “affordable” housing has an expiration date of 15 to 30 years. Tax credit projects can revert to market rates. Affordability restrictions can expire. Co-op Casa’s nonprofit structure includes an irrevocable legal requirement that every property remain affordable housing in perpetuity.
Permanent affordability is not a goal — it is baked into our legal structure and cannot be undone.