I think there is an important piece of the puzzle missing here too: If the seller decided to sell, who would he have to sell it to and at what mandated price?
There are a number of programs in my area, usually run by some local agency or city, that offer what is termed "Below Market Rate" housing to certain qualified buyers. The qualifications restrict the buyer usually to:
1. Some maximum annual income.
2. An employment criteria (firefighters, police officers, teachers, etc.)
3. Existing residents in the agency/city's jurisdiction, or, those who work in those jurisdictions usually get priority.
The "Below Market Rate" may be somewhat of a misnomer; as a rule, its not the "rate" (i.e. interest rate) that is below market, but the price itself, but could be a combination of both.
A person can purchase the property and get conventional financing. The restrictions put on the property if sold before a certain time-period are that the selling price is based on some type of formula + the cost of verified improvements (the improvements have a criteria of their own, and do not include regular maintenance or repair work). Also, the next buyer usually has to meet similar qualifications as the original buyer.
If the person holds the property for the full period, all restrictions are removed. If the person sell's the property before the restriction expiration date, than the price and usually the buyer's qualifications fall under the mandated restriction.
In all the cases I've dealt with, there is a further restriction that mortgage financing is limited to a percentage of the restricted sale price. One recent property was restricted to a 90% LTV of restricted sale price; other programs may use other LTVs, etc.
So, my question is what restrictions are on the property if the owner tried to sell right now?