Explore first-time homebuyer grants and assistance programs that can make buying a home more affordable — even if you have limited savings or credit challenges.
Verify Your Orange County Down Payment Assistance Eligibility
Orange County offers a Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program that provides up to $70,000 for first-time homebuyers to help with down payment and closing costs.
Assistance amounts are based on income level: Very Low-income buyers may receive up to $70,000, Low-income buyers up to $40,000, and Moderate-income buyers up to $10,000.
Depending on your income and household size, you can receive between $10,000 and $70,000 in assistance.
For example, a 4-person household earning below $48,250 may qualify for the full $70,000, while households at 120% of the area median income ($115,800 for 4 people) may still qualify for $10,000
Homebuyers who qualify for Orange County’s DPA program can take advantage of several major financial and long-term benefits:
Up to $70,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs.
No monthly payments — the loan is deferred and forgiven over 10 years.
Stackable with other programs like FHA, VA, USDA, or Hometown Heroes.
Helps reduce upfront cash needed, making homeownership more accessible.
Available for a wide range of home types including condos, townhomes, and modular homes.
Buyers can still choose their own lender and real estate agent.
Designed specifically for first-time buyers in Central Florida.
To qualify for the Orange County Down Payment Assistance Program, applicants must meet specific guidelines related to homeownership history, residency, credit, and income. Here’s what you need to be eligible:
Must be a first-time homebuyer (no ownership in the past 3 years; some exceptions apply).
Minimum credit score of 620.
Must have lived in Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk, Brevard, Seminole, or Volusia County for the past 12 consecutive months.
Must have the legal right to reside in the U.S.
Income must fall within HUD limits based on household size (e.g., under $77,200 for a family of 4 to qualify for Low-Income assistance).
Must contribute a minimum of $500–$1,000 toward the purchase, depending on income tier.
Must purchase a property within Orange County, Florida.
Applicants must fall within income limits set by HUD. In 2024, a household of four qualifies as:
Very Low
<$48,250
Low
<$77,200
Moderate
<$115,800
Also, a minimum middle credit score of 620 is required. Borrowers must also contribute $500–$1,000 toward the purchase depending on income tie.
Before you begin, make sure you’re eligible. Then follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Attend a HUD-approved homebuyer education seminar.
Step 2: Get pre-approved by a lender for a first mortgage.
Step 3: Find a home within the $345,000 purchase price limit.
Step 4: Submit your full application through the Orange County Neighborly Portal.
Here are the most common questions homebuyers ask about the Orange County FL Down Payment Assistance Program:
To qualify, you must be a first-time homebuyer with a credit score of 620+, meet income limits based on household size, and have lived in Central Florida for the past 12 months.
Depending on your income level, you may receive between $10,000 and $70,000 in assistance for your down payment and closing costs.
Yes, eligible very low-income buyers in Orange County can receive up to $70,000 through the official county down payment assistance program.
You’ll need a minimum middle credit score of 620 to apply.
Start by checking eligibility online, attend a homebuyer education seminar, get lender pre-approval, and apply through the official Orange County Neighborly portal.
Yes, Orange County’s program can be used alongside FHA loans, as well as VA, USDA, and conventional options.
Income limits vary by household size; for example, a family of four must earn below $115,800 to qualify at the moderate-income level.
While technically a deferred loan, the DPA is forgivable over 10 years and functions similarly to a grant if program terms are met.
It’s a 10-year deferred loan with no monthly payments — fully forgiven after 10 years if you remain in the home.
Eligible properties include single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and modular homes priced under $345,000; mobile homes are not eligible.
We're committed to helping local homebuyers unlock the support they deserve. Here's why you can rely on us:
Local Expertise: We specialize in Orange County programs — not generic nationwide advice.
Up-to-Date Information: We track changes in income limits, loan terms, and program rules so you don’t have to.
No Sales Pressure: Our mission is to educate and connect you with the right assistance — not push a loan.
Trusted by Thousands: We've helped hundreds of first-time buyers in Florida take their first step toward homeownership.
Verified Resources: All information comes directly from county guidelines, HUD-approved agencies, and local housing offices.
Ready to make your move? Check your eligibility today.
