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Homebuyer Assistance 2026

Gilchrist County Down Payment Assistance Program

Put up to $40,000 toward a home in Gilchrist County. Income-qualified buyers can get help with down payment and closing costs through a 0% deferred loan with annual forgiveness.

Eligibility, property approval, and available funding required.

Up to $40,000 Maximum Purchase Assistance
Down Payment & Closing Costs
10-Year Loan 10% Annual Forgiveness

Program Guidelines & Assistance Levels

Gilchrist County purchase assistance helps eligible households cover the cost of buying a home. Assistance is funded through Florida's State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP).

Available Assistance

  • Very-Low-Income Buyers

    Up to $40,000; no minimum buyer contribution under this income tier.

  • Low-Income Buyers

    Up to $33,000; a $1,000 buyer contribution is required.

  • Moderate-Income Buyers

    Up to $25,000; a $2,000 buyer contribution is required.

Core Requirements

  • Purchase an eligible primary residence in Gilchrist County.
  • Meet the income limit for your household size.
  • Provide the buyer contribution required for your income category.
  • Have your financing, home, and assistance application approved before closing.

Path to Homeownership: 4 Key Steps

Get your financing, documents, and program application ready for a home in Gilchrist County.

1

Review Your Financing

Discuss your mortgage qualifications, payment, and closing budget with a lender.

2

Prepare Your Documents

Gather household income and asset records, financing details, and your required buyer contribution.

3

Apply Through SREC

Submit the purchase-assistance application to Suwannee River Economic Council for county program review.

4

Close With Approval

Complete property and financing reviews and obtain assistance approval before closing on your home.

Why Utilize Down Payment Assistance?

Your down payment is only part of the cost of buying a home. Gilchrist County purchase assistance can help with eligible upfront costs so you can plan your next move.

  • Reduce Your Cash to Close

    Use approved assistance toward your down payment and closing costs, while meeting your lender's and the program's cash requirements.

  • Buy a Home of Your Own

    Bring your mortgage and purchase assistance together for an eligible primary residence in Gilchrist County.

  • Earn Loan Forgiveness

    Meet the program's loan and occupancy conditions to have 10% of your assistance forgiven each year over ten years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about buying a home with Gilchrist County purchase assistance.

How much assistance is available in Gilchrist County?

Maximum purchase awards are $40,000 for very-low-income households, $33,000 for low-income households, and $25,000 for moderate-income households. Assistance is also capped at 50% of the home's purchase price.

What does the assistance cover?

Funds can help with down payment and closing costs. The program has purchase strategies with and without rehabilitation, so eligible repairs may be included in an approved purchase award.

What are the income limits?

For a four-person household in 2026, the very-low-income limit is $49,550, the low-income limit is $79,300, and the moderate-income limit is $118,920. Limits change with household size.

How much of my own money do I need?

The program's minimum buyer contribution is $0 for very-low-income households, $1,000 for low-income households, and $2,000 for moderate-income households. Your mortgage may have additional cash-to-close requirements.

Do I have to repay the assistance?

Assistance is a 0% deferred ten-year loan. Ten percent of the original assistance is forgiven each year while you meet the program's requirements. The remaining balance can become due after a sale or other default.

Can I buy a new home?

Yes. Eligible newly constructed homes and existing homes can qualify. A new home must have received its certificate of occupancy within the previous 12 months and meet the program's property requirements.

Can repairs be included in the purchase?

Yes. Purchase with rehabilitation is one of the program's strategies. Repairs must be approved and included in the assistance award; they are not an automatic extra payment above your award limit.

Who administers the program?

Suwannee River Economic Council administers Gilchrist County's program. The county directs buyers to SREC for application information and assistance.

Will I receive the maximum award?

Not necessarily. The administrator reviews household income, the purchase, financing, and available funds. The maximum is a limit, not a guaranteed payment.

How does the eligibility inquiry work?

Share your homebuying plans with Next Wave Mortgage to discuss financing and assistance options. County assistance requires a separate application and approval through the program administrator.

Plan Your Gilchrist County Home Purchase

Review your income, mortgage, and available savings together. County assistance depends on household eligibility, property approval, and available funding.

Check Your Eligibility