State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)

The Alachua County SHIP Down Payment Assistance Program provides up to $25,000 in down payment, closing cost, and housing rehabilitation assistance to qualified low income first-time homebuyers. This assistance is provided in the form of a zero-interest second mortgage. You will make no payments on this SHIP down payment assistance loan as long as you live in your home. If you sell or move from your home within 30 years, the SHIP second mortgage must be repaid to the Alachua County SHIP Program.

Download the SHIP down payment assistance pre-qualification form & instructions

Program Guidelines

You may be eligible for the SHIP Down Payment Assistance Program if you meet the following general guidelines:

• You have not owned a home (other than a mobile home) within the last three (3) years. If you are a single parent or a displaced homemaker, you may be eligible regardless of previous homeownership.
• You are interested in purchasing an existing or newly constructed home within Alachua County but outside of the Gainesville City Limits.
• Prior to closing on your home, you complete a SHIP-certified Homebuyer Training Course, and obtain pre-qualification for a mortgage loan from an Alachua County SHIP Program Certified Lender. The loan must adhere to Alachua County SHIP Program Lender Guidelines. We strongly recommend that you complete the Homebuyer Training Course prior to entering into a sales contract.
• The maximum purchase price for the home does not exceed $172,632. This maximum purchase price applies to both new construction & existing homes.
• For your household size, your household's maximum gross income (before taxes) is less than or equal to the following:

  Family Size	Max. Gross Income
  1	$38,125
  2	$43,625
  3	$49,063
  4	$54,500
  5	$58,875
  6	$63,250
  7	$67,563
  8	$71,875

• You are able to contribute a minimum down payment of 2% of the total purchase price of the home.
• You have sufficient income and are able to qualify for a mortgage loan through an institutional lender.
• You intend to own and occupy the home as your principal residence.
• The home is not a rental unit or a mobile home.

If you have additional questions, call the SHIP Program Office at (352) 374-5249.

Click here for a PDF of the Down Payment Assistance Program Homebuyer Education and Training Workshop.

Click here for an approved list of SHIP Inspectors

Click here for a flowchart of how the Down Payment Assistance Program works