Home Buyer Programs

SHIP First Time Homebuyers Program

The City of Pensacola and Escambia County jointly participate in the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) First-Time Homebuyers Program. The program is designed to assist low and moderate income families in obtaining affordable housing. SHIP funds of up to $25,000 based on income are available for down payment and closing cost assistance. The monies are offered in the form of a zero-interest deferred payment loan.

Program Requirements:

• Applicant(s) cannot have owned a home or had ownership interest in homesteaded property in the last three years
• Applicant’s total household income must be within the maximum income eligibility limits
• Applicant(s) must have sufficient income and credit-worthiness to qualify for primary financing from a participating lender
• Must attend an eight (8) hour HUD certified homebuyer education class prior to closing
• Mobile/manufactured homes are not eligible
• Buyers must make property their principal residence
• Sales price may not exceed current purchase price limits as provided annually by Florida Housing Finance Corporation

HOME Homebuyer Program

The City of Pensacola and Escambia County jointly participate in the HOME Homebuyers Program. This program is designed to assist low income families obtain affordable housing. HOME funds will provide down payment and closing cost assistance up to $12,500 which is offered in the form of a zero-interest deferred payment loan.

Program Requirements:

• Applicant(s) may purchase a newly constructed home or an existing home built AFTER 1977 within Escambia County or the City of Pensacola 
• Applicant’s total household income must be within the maximum income eligibility limits
• Applicant(s) must have sufficient income and credit-worthiness to qualify for primary financing from a participating lender
• Must attend an eight hour HUD certified homebuyer education class prior to closing
• Buyers must make property their principal residence
• Sales price may not exceed the HOME Homeownership Value Limits as provided annually by HUD

Pensacola Homebuyer Incentive Program

The City of Pensacola is offering up to $30,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to low income homebuyers. Funding will be provided as a zero-interest deferred payment loan.

Program Requirements:

• Homes purchased must be located within the city of Pensacola limits
• Applicant’s total household income must be within the maximum income eligibility limits
• Applicant(s) must have sufficient income and credit worthiness to qualify for primary financing from a participating lender
• Must attend an eight-hour HUD certified homebuyer education class prior to closing
• Buyers must make property their principal residence
• Sales price may not exceed current purchase price limits as provided annually by Florida Housing Finance Corporation

View the current list of participating lenders.

HOMEBUYER EDUCATION CLASS

All homebuyer programs require completion of a pre-purchase homebuyer education class by a HUD certified counseling agency prior to closing on your home. Please plan ahead in scheduling your class with the counseling agency as classes fill up quickly.

Contact one of the following agencies for more information and class schedules:

Additionally, an online class is offered through CEII for a fee. Please sign up online at the CEII website.