Down Payment Assistance

​​State Housing Initiative Partnership a/k/a S.H.I.P, provides funding to local Governments to preserve affordable housing.  It is designed to serve very low, low and moderate income families.

The Down Payment Assistance (DPA) provides funding to assist eligible first time homebuyers with down payment and closing costs, as well as home repairs necessary to meet minimum housing code.

To obtain a copy of this S.H.I.P. Down Payment Assistance Brochure​ please contact the Alachua County Housing Program at 352-337-6240 or by email at housing@alachuacounty.us​.

In addition to the “S.H.I.P” funding, you may also qualify for up to $7,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance through the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority. You may contact them at 800-388-1970 or 850-432-7077 for more information​.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I Qualify
How do I Qualify

​In order to qualify, you must meet the following criteria:​

  • Be a first-time home buyer as defined by the applicable program.
  • Purchase property located outside the City of Gainesville limits and within Alachua County.
  • Have successfully completed a SHIP-certified or equivalent Homebuyer Education Class prior to closing. (classes are offered by Neighborhood Housing Development Corporation and the City of Gainesville Housing Community Development)
  • Be qualified for an affordable first mortgage through a S.H.I.P.-approved lender.  List of lenders​.​
  • Must obtain a home inspection from an approved SHIP Home Inspector​.​
  • Meet other requirements depending on the funding source.
  • Qualifying information.​

    • ​
    True
    What income category does the program serve?
    What income category does the program serve?

    ​Very Low, Low Income, and Moderate Income depending upon funding availability.​

    False
    What are the award limits?
    What are the award limits?

    ​Maximum loan is subject to available funding. and income category.

    False
    What are the terms of the loan?
    What are the terms of the loan?

    ​Funding is provided in the form of a 10 year deferred second mortgage. Mortgage is due on sale, refinance or transfer of property, or satisfaction of term.​

    False
    Escambia County Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance
    Escambia County Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance

    DOWN PAYMENT CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE

    In addition to the “S.H.I.P” funding, you may also qualify for up to $7,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance through the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority. You may contact them at 800-388-1970 or 850-432-7077 for more information​.

    https://www.escambiahfa.com/participating-counties/alachua

    False
    What are the terms of the loan?
    What are the terms of the loan?

    ​Funding is provided in the form of a 10 year deferred second mortgage. Mortgage is due on sale, refinance or transfer of property, or satisfaction of term.​

    False
    What are the terms of the loan?

    ​Funding is provided in the form of a 10 year deferred second mortgage. Mortgage is due on sale, refinance or transfer of property, or satisfaction of term.​

    False
    What are the terms of the loan?

    ​Funding is provided in the form of a 10 year deferred second mortgage. Mortgage is due on sale, refinance or transfer of property, or satisfaction of term.​

    False
    What are the terms of the loan?
    What are the terms of the loan?

    ​Funding is provided in the form of a 10 year deferred second mortgage. Mortgage is due on sale, refinance or transfer of property, or satisfaction of term.​

    False
    What are the terms of the loan?

    ​Funding is provided in the form of a 10 year deferred second mortgage. Mortgage is due on sale, refinance or transfer of property, or satisfaction of term.​

    False
    What are the terms of the loan?

    ​Funding is provided in the form of a 10 year deferred second mortgage. Mortgage is due on sale, refinance or transfer of property, or satisfaction of term.​

    False
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