Affordable vs. Attainable: What’s the Difference (and Does It Matter?)

Affordable vs. Attainable: What’s the Difference (and Does It Matter)?

If you’ve been looking into buying a home, you’ve probably come across the term affordable housing more times than you can count. But lately, there’s a new phrase making the rounds: attainable housing. So, what’s the difference—and more importantly, which one should you care about?

At Ellison Development, one of the things we thrive on—and hold close to our mission—is generating strong, meaningful connections with future homeowners. And a big part of that connection comes down to language. We use words like “affordable” because it’s what homebuyers understand, search for, and resonate with. We’re not just land developers—we’re passionate about building communities that real people can afford.

So What’s the Difference Between Affordable and Attainable Housing? Affordable housing is typically defined as housing that costs no more than 30% of a household’s gross monthly income. It’s often linked to income-restricted housing programs and government support. Attainable housing, on the other hand, is a newer concept. It’s aimed at middle-income households—those who don’t qualify for subsidized housing but still can’t afford high home prices in many growing markets. Attainable homes are designed to be realistically priced in relation to the local economy, job market, and cost of living.

The interesting part? Even though “attainable housing” may better reflect what many families are looking for today, most buyers still search online using the term “affordable homes.” That’s exactly why we choose to speak the language of future homeowners—because they’re the ones we’re building for. Whether we’re talking to young couples, single parents, or first-time buyers, affordable is the word they connect with.

We want our communities to reflect real opportunity. We want people to be able to live where they work, thrive where they raise families, and grow in a neighborhood they’re proud to call home.

But words evolve. Conversations shift. And maybe one day, “attainable homeownership” will be the phrase everyone uses to describe their dreams.

Until then, we’re keeping it real, keeping it human—and building communities that are both affordable and attainable, no matter what you call them.

Do you think attainable homeownership will catch on with the next generation of buyers—or will affordable continue to lead the way?