The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is taking applications for its First-Time Homebuyer Program for fiscal year 2026-27, and the help on offer goes up to $100,000 toward buying a first home inside the CRA district. The last day to apply is June 30, 2027, as long as funding holds out, and the agency hands out money as applicants are ready to close.

The money is a zero-interest loan that is forgiven over time. A buyer who stays in the home for ten years owes nothing back.

Who qualifies

The full $100,000 is for buyers whose household income falls between 50 and 120 percent of the Broward County median income for their household size. It can cover the gap between what a lender will finance and the purchase price, plus closing costs.

There is a second tier for workforce buyers earning more than 120 percent and up to 140 percent of median. They can get up to $10,000. First responders, teachers and nurses can add a $5,000 incentive on top.

The agency's program policy sets out the other requirements:

  • You have never owned a home, or have not owned one for at least three years.
  • No bankruptcy in the last three years.
  • A minimum credit score of 640.
  • U.S. citizenship or permanent legal residency, and at least 12 months living in Florida.
  • A certificate from an 8-hour HUD-certified first-time homebuyer course.
  • A pre-approval letter for a first mortgage from a qualified lender.
  • At least $2,000 of your own money toward the purchase.
  • Housing costs no higher than 38 percent of gross income, and total debts no higher than 45 percent.

The home can be an existing single-family house, townhouse or condominium, or a newly built single-family house, and it has to be inside the CRA district and pass a home inspection.

How the forgiveness works

For the main tier, the loan is forgiven over ten years of living in the home as a primary residence. Sell in the first five years and the full amount is repaid. After that the share owed drops each year: 80 percent in year six, 60 percent in year seven, 40 percent in year eight, 20 percent in year nine and nothing from year ten on. The agency also keeps a first right to buy the home back if the owner decides to sell.

Workforce loans of up to $10,000 are forgiven after five years in the home. For condominium buyers whose lender requires an equity contribution, the agency can treat up to $25,000 of the subsidy as an outright grant to cover it.

Classes in four languages

The agency posts first-time homebuyer class information in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole and Russian, and it publishes a list of registered lenders that work with the program. There is no application fee.

How to apply

Download the application from the HBCRA's residential programs page. Applications are taken in person at the HBCRA office by appointment only, and walk-ins are not accepted. Bring a complete package: the agency will not review an incomplete one. After it is received, the agency reviews eligibility within 30 days and notifies the applicant in writing. Once approved, a buyer has 45 days to submit a signed purchase contract, which sets the final amount of help. The deadline for this fiscal year is June 30, 2027.

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