The City of Deerfield Beach has opened applications for its Purchase Assistance Program, which gives income-eligible first-time homebuyers up to $85,000 toward the down payment and closing costs on a home inside the city. The application portal is open now, and money goes out on a first-come, first-qualified basis until the year's funding runs out.

How the money works

The assistance is a 0 percent interest deferred second loan. If the buyer meets all of the program's conditions, the loan turns into a grant. The city's Housing and Grants Division runs the program inside the Government and Community Services Department, and the money comes from three sources: the federal Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships programs, and Florida's State Housing Initiatives Partnership program.

Single-family homes, condominiums, townhomes and villas all qualify, as long as the property is in Deerfield Beach and the buyer will live there as a primary residence.

Who qualifies

The city lists five requirements. Applicants must:

  • Have household income in the very low, low or moderate range under HUD guidelines.
  • Be a first-time buyer, which under HUD's definition includes anyone who has not owned or had an interest in a home in the three years before applying.
  • Be buying in Deerfield Beach as a primary residence.
  • Have a mortgage pre-approval from a lender when they apply.
  • Have a signed real estate contract when they apply.

For this round, the city says that because of available funding it can only accept applicants at or below 80 percent of the area median income. Under the FY 2026 limits the city posts, effective June 1, that ceiling is $71,000 for a one-person household, $81,150 for two, $91,300 for three, $101,400 for four and $109,550 for five. Larger households run up to $133,850 for eight people.

Before you apply

Because applications need a pre-approval and an executed contract, the program fits a buyer who is already working with a lender and has a home picked out. Buyers can work with the real estate agent of their choice, and the city recommends getting legal advice. Funds are limited and awarded in the order complete, qualified applications arrive.

How to apply

Applications are on the city's Housing and Grants page. Questions go to the Housing and Grants Division at 954-250-4253. The same page also covers the city's Homeowner Rehabilitation Program for income-eligible owners who need repairs.

Sources