Forgivable loan
City of Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program (SHIP)
First-time homebuyers · Income limits · Single Family · Condo · Townhouse
Down payment assistance · Alachua County
Buying a home in Gainesville, FL
1 Gainesville program, 1 county program and 26 statewide.Gainesville has 1 program of its own, 1 more across Alachua County, and 26 statewide. Here is what each one offers, what the local market looks like, and who near you can walk you through it.
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Only for Gainesville addresses
Gainesville’s own program
Anywhere in AlachuaAnywhere in Alachua County
1 county program1 county program a Gainesville homebuyer can also use
The Gainesville marketThe Gainesville housing market
Kinds of homes hereWhat’s for sale here, and what the programs accept
Kinds of homes in Gainesville
- 36.6% single-familysingle-family
- 6.2% townhousetownhouse
- 11.5% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 44% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 1.8% mobile & othermobile home & other
Condos count. All 2 of Gainesville’s local and county programs accept condos.
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 5-year (2020–2024). Table B25024.
When Gainesville’s homes were built
pre-19401970s2020+
44%
of Gainesville homes were built before 1980. Pre-1978 homes come with a federal lead-paint disclosure.of homes were built before 1980. A home built before 1978 comes with a federal lead-paint disclosure, and some programs require an inspection.
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 5-year (2020–2024). Table B25034.
$99,100
County area median income, 4 people (HUD)HUD area median income, Alachua County, 4-person household (2026)
$46,195
Gainesville median household incomeMedian household income in Gainesville (Census, 2024)
29 of the 90 programs here set their income limit as a share of Alachua County’s area median income, adjusted for household size. See the published limits for Alachua County
Free help nearbyFree help near Gainesville
2 HUD-approved counseling agencies within 15 miles2 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies within 15 miles
2 programs here ask for a homebuyer class first. Create a free account to see who’s near you and pick one.All 2 local programs here ask for a homebuyer class. A HUD-approved counselor teaches it and can walk you through your options. Create a free account to see who’s near you and pick one.
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Across Florida and nationwide
88 statewide & federal programs26 statewide programs, plus federal options
Gainesville questions
Does Gainesville have its own down payment program?
Yes, one: City of Gainesville Down Payment Assistance Program (SHIP), a forgivable loan for first-time homebuyers (forgiven over 10 yrs, income limits). It is for homes inside Gainesville.
Can I use assistance on a condo in Gainesville?
All 2 of Gainesville’s local and county programs accept condos. Each program’s page lists the kinds of homes it accepts, and the agency confirms it for the home you choose.
What is the income limit in Alachua County?
Each program sets its own. 29 of the programs here set theirs as a share of HUD’s area median income for Alachua County, adjusted for household size. HUD publishes the median each year; the 2026 figure is shown above and on the published limits page.
Where can I take a homebuyer class near Gainesville?
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies teach homebuyer classes, and 2 agencies are within 15 miles of Gainesville. Create a free account and take the 90-second match to see the ones near you.
ZIP codes
32601 · 32602 · 32603 · 32604 · 32605 · 32606 · 32607 · 32608 · 32609 · 32610 · 32611 · 32612 · 32613 · 32614 · 32627 · 32635 · 32641 · 32653
Nearby in Alachua
Sources
Sources: agency sites (June–July 2026), Census ACS 2024 5-year, HUD FY2026, HUD counseling list. Hey Prescott is not a lender.Programs: Hey Prescott catalog of 2,000+ programs, each verified with its agency (June–July 2026). Market: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 5-year (2020–2024). Income: HUD FY2026 income limits. Counselors: HUD list of approved housing counseling agencies. Hey Prescott is not a lender.