The City of Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program helps first-time buyers cover down payment and closing costs with forgivable, 0% loans.
Verify Your Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Eligibility
The Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) helps first-time homebuyers purchase a home within city limits by providing up to $30,000 in financial assistance.
The funds can be used toward your down payment, closing costs, and in some cases, minor home repairs.
Assistance is given as a 0% deferred loan that requires no monthly payments and is forgiven after 10 years, as long as you remain in the home as your primary residence.
This program makes homeownership more affordable for very low, low, and moderate-income families in Gainesville.
The Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program offers powerful benefits that make buying a home more affordable and achievable for first-time buyers.
Up to $30,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for very low-income buyers.
$20,000 for low-income and $15,000 for moderate-income buyers.
0% interest, no monthly payments.
Loan is forgiven after 10 years if the home remains your primary residence.
May provide up to $2,000 for minor repairs on eligible existing homes.
Free required homebuyer education workshop to prepare you for ownership.
The Down Payment Assistance Program provides eligible Gainesville homebuyers with a 0% deferred loan that helps cover down payment and closing costs, making it easier to achieve affordable homeownership.
Assistance is provided as a deferred loan secured by a recorded mortgage and promissory note.
No repayment required as long as you remain in good standing and live in the home for 10 years.
If you sell, refinance, transfer, or move out before 10 years, the loan must be repaid in full.
To be approved for Gainesville’s Down Payment Assistance Program, homebuyers must meet specific eligibility requirements designed to keep the program fair and focused on helping first-time and income-qualified buyers.
Must be a first-time homebuyer (no home ownership in the past 3 years) OR meet exceptions (displaced homemaker, single parent with dependents, or living in unsafe housing).
Must live in the home as your primary residence during the compliance period.
Must complete a City-approved homebuyer education workshop (certificate valid for one year).
Must qualify for a first mortgage through an approved lender or nonprofit organization.
Mobile homes are not eligible.
To qualify for the Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program, your gross annual household income must fall within the HUD income limits for Alachua County. The amount of assistance you can receive depends on your income category:
Very Low Income (≤50% AMI): Eligible for up to $30,000 in assistance.
Low Income (≤80% AMI): Eligible for up to $20,000.
Moderate Income (≤120% AMI): Eligible for up to $15,000.
| Household Size | 50% AMI (Very Low) | 80% AMI (Low) | 120% AMI (Moderate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $36,400 | $58,240 | $87,360 |
| 2 Person | $41,600 | $66,560 | $99,840 |
| 3 Person | $46,800 | $74,880 | $112,320 |
| 4 Person | $52,000 | $83,200 | $124,800 |
Larger households follow HUD’s income schedules. If your household income is within these limits, you may qualify for Gainesville’s DPA program.
To ensure homes remain affordable, the Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program sets maximum purchase price limits for eligible properties. These limits apply whether you are buying an existing home or new construction.
Existing Homes: Up to $258,000
New Construction: Up to $313,000
Eligible Property Types: Single-family homes, condos, or townhouses within Gainesville city limits
Not Allowed: Mobile homes, owner financing, and lease-to-own purchases
These limits help keep the program focused on affordable housing options, making homeownership possible for more Gainesville families.
Here are the most common questions homebuyers ask about Gainesville’s Down Payment Assistance Program—along with clear answers to help you understand how it works.
First-time homebuyers (or those who haven’t owned a home in the last 3 years) who meet income limits and purchase within Gainesville city limits may qualify.
You can receive up to $30,000 depending on your income level—very low-income buyers get the most assistance.
It is a 0% deferred loan, secured by a mortgage and note, and forgiven after 10 years if you remain in the home.
No repayment is required if you live in the home as your primary residence for the 10-year term.
You must repay the full amount of assistance if the home is sold, refinanced, rented, or no longer your primary residence.
Yes, existing homes cannot exceed $258,000, and new construction cannot exceed $313,000.
Eligible properties include single-family homes, condos, and townhouses within Gainesville’s city limits—mobile homes are not eligible.
Yes, you must complete a City-approved homebuyer education workshop, which provides a certificate valid for one year.
Yes, the program may provide up to $2,000 for minor repairs on eligible existing homes, completed by approved contractors.
You must apply through the City of Gainesville Housing & Community Development Department, complete the workshop, and work with a participating lender.
Choosing the right partner for your home purchase can make all the difference. Here’s why homebuyers trust us to guide them through the Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program:
Expert Guidance: We know the program inside and out and will walk you through every step.
Maximize Your Benefits: We help ensure you get the full amount of assistance you qualify for.
Simplified Process: From application to approval, we make the process clear and stress-free.
Trusted Network: We connect you with approved lenders, inspectors, and resources to save time.
Ongoing Support: Our team is here to answer questions and guide you even after closing.
With our experience and dedication, you’ll feel confident navigating the program and moving into your new home.
