Alachua County Housing Assistance Portal
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2026 Funding Available

Alachua County Down Payment Assistance Program

Qualified first-time homebuyers can receive up to $15,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs.

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No impact to credit score

2026 Funding Status

65% Claimed
First-come, first-served basis.
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Up to $15,000

Assistance amounts are tiered by income. Up to $15,000 for 50% AMI households and up to $10,000 for 80% AMI households.

0% Interest

SHIP assistance is commonly structured as a 0% interest, deferred-payment lien recorded at closing.

Flexible Usage

Funds can be used for down payment and/or closing costs on new or existing homes in Alachua County.

Program Requirements

The Alachua County SHIP Program assists income-eligible, first-time homebuyers with purchasing a home. Funds are limited and distributed on a first-qualified, first-served basis.

  • First-Time Homebuyer: You must meet the definition of a first-time homebuyer.
  • Income Limits: Must be income-eligible based on HUD/AMI limits (Very Low, Low, or Moderate income categories).
  • Property Standards: Home must meet Chapter 553 state housing standards. Manufactured homes built in or after 2010 are eligible.
  • Education: Completion of a required homebuyer education class is mandatory.

Steps to Secure Funding

Securing your down payment assistance involves a specific sequence of steps to ensure compliance with Alachua County and SHIP guidelines. Following this roadmap improves your chances of funding availability in 2026.

  1. Complete Homebuyer Education Before applying, you must register for and complete the required first-time homebuyer class. This certificate is a mandatory prerequisite for the application.
  2. Obtain Lender Pre-Approval Work with a participating lender to determine your purchasing power. The lender will review your credit (typically requiring a 640+ score) and income documents.
  3. Submit SHIP Application Once a funding round opens (NOFA), apply immediately via the Neighborly portal. Funds are often distributed on a "first-qualified, first-served" basis.
  4. Underwriting & Approval The County reviews your file for income compliance (SHIP/AMI limits). If approved, funds are reserved for your closing.

Eligible Properties in Alachua County

The program encourages homeownership across the region. To qualify for the 2026 assistance, the property must be your primary residence and meet specific location and condition standards.

  • Property Types New or existing single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums are eligible.
  • Manufactured Homes Eligible if built in or after 2010, permanently affixed to the land, and titled as real estate.
  • Location Must be within Alachua County limits, including Gainesville, Alachua, High Springs, and Newberry.

Required Documentation Checklist

To expedite your application for the 2026 funding round, gather these essential documents early. Underwriters will require verification of all household income and assets.

Last 2 years of Tax Returns
Last 2 years of W-2s
30 days of Pay Stubs
2 months of Bank Statements
Homebuyer Class Certificate
Copy of Driver's License

Understanding the 0% Interest Loan

The Alachua County SHIP assistance is unique because it is not a traditional mortgage with monthly payments. Instead, it functions as a "silent second" mortgage.

  • Deferred Payment: You make no monthly payments on this loan as long as you occupy the home.
  • 0% Interest: The loan principal does not grow over time. If you borrow $15,000, you only owe $15,000 when triggered.
  • Recapture: Repayment is triggered by sale, transfer of title, refinancing (cash-out), or converting the property to a rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligible first-time homebuyers can receive up to $15,000 if their household income is at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Households earning between 51% and 80% AMI may qualify for up to $10,000. Assistance is available until funding is exhausted.
The assistance is structured as a 0% interest, deferred-payment loan (lien) recorded at closing. No monthly payments are required. Repayment is only triggered if you sell, refinance, convert the home to a rental, or lose your homestead exemption, at which point the balance becomes due.
Yes. You must meet the definition of a first-time homebuyer, which generally means you have not owned a primary residence in the last three years. Exceptions may exist for displaced homemakers or single parents as defined by federal guidelines.
Applicants must be income-eligible based on HUD Area Median Income (AMI) limits. The program primarily serves Very Low and Low-income households (e.g., up to 80% AMI). Specific dollar amounts vary by household size and are updated annually.
Yes. The funds are eligible for both down payment assistance and closing costs. This flexibility allows buyers to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses significantly when purchasing a new or existing home.
Yes, manufactured or mobile homes are eligible if they were built in or after 2010. The home must meet all state housing standards (Chapter 553, Florida Statutes) and be permanently affixed to the property.
Yes. All applicants must complete a mandatory homebuyer education class. You must register for this class (often available via the County Extension Office or approved providers) before your application can be fully processed.
While the county may not publish a strict minimum, participating lenders often require a minimum credit score (e.g., 640) to approve the primary mortgage. The assistance itself is focused on income eligibility and first-time buyer status.
If you sell, transfer title, or refinance the home, the full balance of the assistance becomes due and payable. The loan is not forgiven over time in the standard SHIP structure unless specific terms in your award letter state otherwise.
Applications are typically submitted through the Neighborly online portal or via a participating lender during an open funding round. Funding is limited, so applying as soon as a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) is released is critical.

Important Disclosure

Program rules, funding availability, maximum assistance, and loan/forgiveness terms can change by funding round. Final eligibility and terms are determined by Alachua County SHIP and reflected in your award documents.

Ready to Own Your First Home?

Don't miss out on up to $15,000 in down payment assistance. Check your eligibility today—it takes less than 60 seconds and won't affect your credit score.

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2026 Funding is limited. First-come, first-served.