Safehold Expands Affordable Housing in Austin with Strategic Ground Lease Acquisition

Safehold Expands Affordable Housing Footprint in Austin, Texas

Safehold Inc. continues to solidify its position in the modern ground lease industry through its latest acquisition of a ground lease for an Affordable Housing community in Austin, Texas, set for 2028. This development will provide 348 units and is spearheaded by The NRP Group, renowned for its extensive involvement in affordable housing projects. This marks a pivotal entry into the Texas market for Safehold, aligning with the company’s commitment to enhancing community housing options while utilizing its innovative ground lease model to alleviate developer financing challenges.

Steve Wylder, Safehold's Head of Investments, expresses enthusiasm for the partnership with NRP, which reflects the company’s dedication to leveraging low-cost capital to support the creation of affordable housing. This project represents Safehold's 20th engagement in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) sector, an area in which the company has significantly impacted by helping to develop over 3,100 affordable units nationwide. The selected site in Southeast Austin is strategically located in a vibrant region experiencing a surge in demand for quality housing, indicative of Safehold’s keen strategic planning in targeting markets with rich growth opportunities.

Looking ahead, Wylder indicates that the company sees persistent demand for its capital resources and is poised to broaden its reach in Texas and across the United States. This future-oriented strategy is bolstered by the establishment of a dedicated Affordable Housing team, set to launch in 2025. Safehold’s distinctive approach in real estate ownership not only enables stakeholders—from multifamily to hospitality sectors—to unlock land value but also establishes a framework for generating enhanced returns while managing risk effectively. Thus, Safehold remains committed to delivering safe, growing income for its shareholders while continuing to advance its mission of promoting affordable housing across the country.

In addition to its new endeavors in affordable housing, Safehold Inc. has also declared a dividend of $0.177 per share for the first quarter of 2026. This translates to an annualized rate of $0.708 per share, underscoring the company’s commitment to providing steady returns to its investors. As a pioneer in the ground lease model since its inception in 2017, Safehold is focused on promoting stable and long-term capital growth through various property sectors, further cementing its role as a leader in real estate innovation. For further details on its initiatives, Safehold invites stakeholders to visit their websites, which outline the company’s wide range of offerings and dedicated affordable housing projects.