Down Payment Assistance
The Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) provides funding to eligible homebuyers to buy a home within the City limits of Gainesville. The funding is used to pay a part of the down payment and closing costs associated with purchasing a home. Up to $30,000 in help may be provided. The first step for down-payment assistance is registering and completing the required Homebuyer Education and Training Workshop. Contact Tracy Hutchinson (352) 393-8209 for questions.
Homebuyer education & training workshop:
Location: Thomas Center, Building A, 302 NE 6th Ave, Gainesville, Florida
Time: 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Workshops are usually held the third Wednesday of every month. To register for the homebuyer education workshop, please visit the Department of Housing and Community Development, at the Thomas Center, Building B, 306 NE 6th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Gainesville, Florida 32601, Monday through Friday 8am-5pm.
2024 Workshop Dates:
Wednesday, September 18
Wednesday, October 16
2025 Workshop Dates:
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
The workshop will walk homebuyers through the process and give participants helpful information including how to choose a qualified lender and inspector. Other topics include credit, budgeting, savings, mortgage loans, house selection, lenders, realtors, home inspection, home maintenance and closing day. There is no cost to attend the workshop and there is no test. The homebuyer will receive a certificate upon completion that is valid for one year. Monthly workshops are available.
A person who has not owned a home (excluding mobile home) within the past 3 years. If a person has previously owned a home, he/she may qualify as a displaced home maker or a single person with minor dependents. A current homeowner living in a dilapidated home which is impracticable to repair.
Homebuyer must own and occupy the property as their principal residence during the compliance period. Gross annual household income cannot exceed HUD(PDF, 48KB) limits.
Most homebuyers seek the assistance of a realtor. The homebuyer locates the home for purchase.
No, the owner must qualify for a first mortgage loan from a certified Down Payment Assistance Program lender.
Funding is awarded in the form of a due-on-sale loan. The homebuyer must own and occupy the property as his/her primary residence for 5 years. At the end of the 10-year period, the loan is forgiven and the lien is satisfied.
The entire amount of the loan is due and payable to the City of Gainesville.
New or existing single-family homes, condominiums or townhouses. • Property must be located within Gainesville’s city limits. • Sales price or value of existing property cannot exceed $258,000, for new homes it cannot exceed $313,000. • Owner financing and lease purchases are not eligible. • Mobile homes are not eligible.
The city does not provide any funds for repairs before or after closing. Repairs such as roof, electrical, plumbing, heating, gas or any other danger/safety hazard must be corrected prior to closing. Typically, the homebuyer negotiates with the seller to make the repairs.