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Buying your first home in Miami? You’re in luck! Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami offer a wide range of grants, down payment assistance, and mortgage programs tailored to first-time buyers. This guide breaks down all the key programs available in 2025.
1. City of Miami First-Time Homebuyer Program
- Type of assistance: 0% deferred second loan, covering down payment/closing costs
- Eligibility: First-time buyer (no ownership in last 3 years), ≤80% Area Median Income (AMI), purchase within City limits (folio starts with “01”)
- Max home price: Up to $451,000
- Buyer’s contribution: Minimum $500
- To apply: Attend an approved homebuyer counseling workshop, find a pre‑qualified lender, then submit application documents
Ready to jump in? Check if your property is in City limits and schedule your homebuyer workshop today.
2. District 5 Expanded First-Time Homebuyer Program
- Coverage: Up to $200,000 assistance based on income and need
- Eligibility: Must reside in District 5 (or be first responder), never owned a home, secure first mortgage
Live or work in District 5? Explore options and get connected with City‑approved lenders.
3. Miami-Dade County Affordable & First-Time Programs
A. Miami-Dade First-Time Homebuyer Program
- Assistance: Below-market first mortgage rates, possible 2nd/3rd mortgage
- Properties: Condo, single‑family, townhouse, studio in approved county developments
- Requirements: Income under limits, ≥2 years steady work, good credit, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, 3% down payment, and homebuyer training
B. Affordable Homeownership Program (Public Housing & Community Development)
- Assistance: Up to $35,000 zero-interest deferred loan for down payment/closing costs
- Eligibility: Under CDBG, HOME, SHIP, or surtax income guidelines
Quick Tip: Attend upcoming info sessions; contact Shawn Topps at (786) 469‑2209 for speaker series and lender referrals.
4. Miami‑HFA First-Time Homebuyer Program
- Assistance: Up to $15,000 0% second mortgage for down payment & closing costs
- Eligibility: Credit ≥660, employment ≥24 months, income cap (e.g., $130,525 for 1–2 persons; $136,200 for 3+)
- Property types: 1–4 unit, including condos and single-family residences
- Loan limits: FHA – $654,350; VA/Conventional – $806,500
Need help with credit or saving? Navigate Miami-HFA lenders via our Home Loan Assistance guide.
5. Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program
- Assistance: Up to 5% of first mortgage (max $35,000) as 0% deferred non-forgivable second mortgage
- Eligibility: First-time buyers (no home in 3 years), income ≤140–150% AMI (Miami-Dade max $170,250), credit ≥640, full-time FL worker (veterans exempt), homebuyer education required
Ready to claim your hero bonus? Learn more about Hometown Heroes eligibility and lenders in our Program Comparison.
6. OneUnited “Lift Up Initiative” – Diversity-Focused Assistance
- Assistance: $50,000 down payment grants for minority first-time buyers (Black, Hispanic, others) in Miami
- Eligibility: First-time buyer, ≤120% median income, HUD-certified education course – launched April 2025
Don’t miss out: This is first-come, first-served. Get started early and register for HUD education now.
How to Qualify: Checklist
| Requirement | What You Need |
| First-time buyer | No ownership in past 3 years |
| Income | Generally ≤80–150% AMI; e.g. Miami-Dade AMI ~$120k–170k firsttimehomebuyerprogram.org+2fhamortgagesource.com+2miamicapitallending.com+2 |
| Credit score | 640–660+ depending on program |
| Homebuyer education | HUD-certified course required |
| Property requirements | City or County limits apply |
| Lender participation | Must use approved first-mortgage lender |
| Income eligibility for special programs | e.g. frontline workers for Hometown Heroes |
FAQ
Can I combine multiple programs?
Absolutely! E.g., pairing City of Miami’s 0% loan with County’s 35k loan and Miami‑HFA program is possible—always consult a participating lender.
What happens if I sell within the deferral period?
You’ll need to repay prorated assistance amount. For example, axis Helps requires repayment if sold within six years.
Are fixer-uppers eligible?
Generally, no. Programs require move-in-ready properties.
Read Next
- Choosing Between HELOC and Home Improvement Loan for Home Equity Renovation
- How to Get Equity Out of Your Home Without Refinancing
Get Expert Financing
- Matched with investor-friendly lenders
- Fast pre-approvals-no W2s required
- Financing options fro rentals, BRRRR, STRs
- Scale your portfolio with confidence
Our advice is based on experience in the mortgage industry and we are dedicated to helping you achieve your goal of owning a home. We may receive compensation from partner banks when you view mortgage rates listed on our website.
