By Phil Ganz
Edited by Ryan Skerritt
Buying a home in Orange County just got easier for first-time buyers.
The Orange County Down Payment Assistance Program provides eligible applicants with up to $70,000 to cover down payments and closing costs.
See Which Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
This program helps make homeownership more affordable for residents who meet the income and residency requirements.
Overview
The Orange County Down Payment Assistance Program is designed to support first-time homebuyers by providing financial assistance to help cover the costs of purchasing a home.
The program offers up to $70,000 in aid, depending on the applicant's income level.
This assistance is structured as a 10-year deferred payment loan, which is gradually forgiven as long as the homeowner continues to occupy the home.
See Which Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
How It Works
- Attend a Homebuyer Education Seminar – Applicants must complete an approved course from one of the designated providers.
- Secure a Mortgage – Buyers must obtain a mortgage commitment from an approved lender.
- Find a Home – The home must meet the maximum purchase price limit of $345,000 and be an eligible property type.
- Submit an Application – The application is completed online through the Orange County Housing and Community Development Division.
See Which Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
Benefits
- Provides up to $70,000 in financial assistance.
- Helps cover down payments and closing costs.
- Deferred payment loan – forgiven annually over 10 years.
- Enables first-time buyers to purchase a home with minimal upfront costs.
See Which Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
Requirements
- Must be a first-time homebuyer (no homeownership in the past three years).
- A credit score of 620 or higher is required.
- Minimum buyer contribution:
- $500 for Very Low and Low-Income applicants.
- $1,000 for Moderate-Income applicants.
- Eligible properties include single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums, and modular homes.
- Mobile homes are not eligible.
See Which Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
Income Limits
Income limits are based on household size and categorized as Very Low, Low, or Moderate Income.
| Household Size | Very Low (50% AMI) - $70,000 DPA | Low (80% AMI) - $40,000 DPA | Moderate (120% AMI) - $10,000 DPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $33,800 | $54,050 | $81,120 |
| 2 | $38,600 | $61,800 | $92,640 |
| 3 | $43,450 | $69,500 | $104,280 |
| 4 | $48,250 | $77,200 | $115,800 |
| 5 | $52,150 | $83,400 | $125,160 |
| 6 | $56,000 | $89,550 | $134,400 |
| 7 | $59,850 | $95,750 | $143,640 |
| 8 | $63,700 | $101,950 | $152,880 |
See Which Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
Residency Requirements
Applicants must have lived in Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk, Brevard, Seminole, or Volusia County for at least the past 12 months before applying.
Both the borrower and co-borrower must also have legal permanent residency in the U.S.
See Which Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
Bottom Line
The Orange County Down Payment Assistance Program is a valuable resource for first-time homebuyers looking to reduce upfront costs.
With up to $70,000 in financial aid, eligible buyers can secure a home with minimal personal investment.
If you meet the qualifications, take the first step by attending a homebuyer education seminar and applying today!
See Which Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Qualify For
With over 50 years of mortgage industry experience, we are here to help you achieve the American dream of owning a home. We strive to provide the best education before, during, and after you buy a home. Our advice is based on experience with Phil Ganz and Team closing over One billion dollars and helping countless families.
About Author - Phil Ganz
Phil Ganz has over 20+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over a billion dollars of funded loans, Phil helps homebuyers configure the perfect mortgage plan. Whether it's your first home, a complex multiple-property purchase, or anything in between, Phil has the experience to help you achieve your goals.
About Editor - Ryan Skerritt
Ryan Skerritt has over 10+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over two hundred and fifty million of funded loan volume, Ryan has the skill set to help any homebuyer configure the perfect mortgage plan.
