City of Titusville First-Time Homebuyer Program
Get up to $70,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. 0% interest, deferred payments. Stop renting and start owning in Titusville today.
*Funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Limited Funding Available for FY2026
Funds distributed first-come, first-served
~14 spots estimated remaining
Dollars Awarded
Families Helped
Max Assistance
Interest Rate
Program Highlights
The 2026 City of Titusville program offers substantial support to help you buy.
Up to $70,000 Assistance
Receive between $17,400 and $70,000 based on your income level. Funds can be used for down payment, closing costs, and interest-rate buydowns.
0% Interest, Deferred
No monthly payments on the assistance loan. Repayment is deferred until you sell, transfer title, or the home is no longer your primary residence.
Forgivable Loan Options
Depending on the assistance amount, loans may be forgiven over 5 to 20 years if you remain in the home.
Could You Qualify?
Answer 3 quick questions to see if you might be eligible.
Have you owned a home in the past 3 years?
Eligibility & Requirements
Key criteria for the 2026 fiscal year guidelines. Meeting these requirements is the first step toward approval.
Buyer Profile
- First-Time Homebuyer: No ownership interest in the last 3 years.
- Education: Must complete a 5-hour homebuyer workshop.
- Mortgage: Qualify for a 30-year fixed loan (FHA, VA, Conventional).
- Assets: Liquid assets generally capped at $10,000.
Income & Assistance
Assistance amount depends on your Area Median Income (AMI) tier.
Property Rules
- Location: Must be within Titusville city limits.
- Eligible Types: Single-family, townhomes, and eligible condos.
- Ineligible: Mobile or manufactured homes.
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Max Price Limits (2026)Existing Homes: $304,000New Construction: $329,000
Your Path to Homeownership
Follow these 4 simple steps to secure your assistance.
Check Eligibility
Fill out the form below to see if you meet the preliminary income and credit requirements.
Get Pre-Approved
Secure a pre-approval for a 30-year fixed mortgage (FHA, VA, or Conventional) with a participating lender.
Homebuyer Ed
Complete the required 5-hour homebuyer education workshop from a HUD-approved agency.
Find Home & Close
Find a home in Titusville, reserve your city funds, and close with $0 down payment interest.
Stop Losing Money to Rent
See what renting is really costing you over time.
Keep Renting
Based on $1,400/month average
Every month renting = money you'll never see again
Own with Assistance
Up to $70,000 program benefit
*Based on 3% annual appreciation and mortgage paydown
Still Have Doubts?
Let's address what might be holding you back.
"I don't think I'll qualify — my credit isn't perfect."
The Reality: You don't need perfect credit. The program works with FHA, VA, and conventional loans that accept credit scores as low as 580-620 in many cases.
Many of our approved buyers thought they wouldn't qualify. The only way to know for sure is to check — it takes less than 2 minutes and won't affect your credit score.
"This sounds too good to be true — what's the catch?"
The Reality: This is a legitimate government program funded by the City of Titusville and Florida SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership). It's not a grant that disappears — it's a 0% interest, deferred loan that can be forgiven over time.
The "catch" is simply that funds are limited and distributed first-come, first-served. Waiting could mean missing out.
"I don't have enough saved for a down payment."
The Reality: That's exactly what this program is for! The assistance covers your down payment and closing costs. Your required contribution is as low as:
- $500 for Very Low Income buyers
- $1,500 for Low Income buyers
- $2,500 for Moderate Income buyers
Many buyers close with less than $3,000 out of pocket.
"The application process seems complicated."
The Reality: We guide you through every step. Our process is streamlined:
- Quick eligibility check (2 minutes)
- We connect you with participating lenders
- Get pre-approved for your mortgage
- Complete the required homebuyer education (can be done online)
- Find your home and close
We do the heavy lifting — you just need to take the first step.
"I'm worried about hidden fees or strings attached."
The Reality: Complete transparency — here's the full picture:
- 0% interest — no interest ever
- No monthly payments on the assistance loan
- Loan forgiveness if you stay in the home 5-20 years
- Only repaid if you sell, rent out, or move before forgiveness
There are no hidden fees. The program is designed to help you succeed as a homeowner.
"I'll wait until I'm more financially ready."
The Reality: Waiting is expensive. Consider what you lose by waiting:
- $16,800/year in rent payments (gone forever)
- Rising home prices (Titusville values up ~4% annually)
- Limited funds — program funds could run out
- Missed equity — every month you rent, you build $0 equity
The best time to check eligibility was yesterday. The second best time is right now.
Still have questions? Check eligibility and we'll answer them personally.
Get Your Questions AnsweredFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Titusville First-Time Homebuyer Program.
How much assistance can I get from the Titusville homebuyer program?
Assistance ranges from $17,400 to $70,000 based on income tier. Very Low Income (<50% AMI) receives up to $67,400-$70,000. Low Income (50-80% AMI) receives up to $47,400-$50,000. Moderate Income (81-120% AMI) receives up to $17,400. Essential Services Personnel may receive an additional $5,000.
Do I have to pay back the assistance loan?
The loan is 0% interest with deferred payments—no monthly payments required. Repayment occurs only if you sell, transfer title, or the home is no longer owner-occupied. Repayment includes principal plus a pro-rated share of appreciation. Loans may be forgiven over 5-20 years if you remain in the home.
What are the income requirements for the Titusville homebuyer program?
Income limits are based on Area Median Income (AMI) tiers: Very Low (<50% AMI), Low (50-80% AMI), and Moderate (81-120% AMI). Your assistance amount depends on which tier you qualify for. The program uses current HUD income limits for Brevard County.
Can I buy a new construction home with this program?
Yes, new construction homes are eligible. Maximum purchase price is $329,000 for new construction and $304,000 for existing homes. New construction loans have a 20-year forgiveness period (first 5 years at 0%, then 5% per year thereafter).
What is the maximum purchase price for homes?
Maximum purchase prices are $304,000 for existing homes and $329,000 for new construction (effective 2025). These limits apply to the total purchase price, not just the loan amount. Some conditions may allow higher prices when using SHIP funds.
How long does the loan forgiveness take?
Forgiveness periods vary by assistance amount: Under $15,000 requires 5 years. $15,000-$40,000 requires 10 years (0% for first 5 years, then 20% per year). Over $40,000 requires 15 years (0% for first 5 years, then 10% per year). New construction requires 20 years (0% for first 5 years, then 5% per year).
What credit score do I need to qualify?
You must qualify for a 30-year fixed first mortgage (FHA, VA, or Conventional). Most lenders require a credit score of 620-640 or higher. The program follows your first mortgage lender's requirements, not separate credit score standards.
How much money do I need to save for the program?
Minimum "good faith contribution" required: Very Low Income buyers need $500. Low Income buyers need $1,500. Moderate Income buyers need $2,500. Gifts are not permitted for this minimum contribution—funds must come from your own savings.
What types of properties are eligible for the program?
Eligible properties include single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and modular homes within Titusville city limits. Mobile and manufactured homes are ineligible. Properties must pass inspection, and pre-1978 homes require lead-based paint inspection/abatement if needed.
What is the debt-to-income ratio requirement?
Debt-to-income ratios are: Front-end ratio (housing costs) must be 34% or lower. Back-end ratio (total debt) must be 42% or lower. These ratios are calculated based on your gross monthly income and all monthly debt obligations.
Do I need to complete homebuyer education?
Yes, completion of a 5-hour homebuyer education workshop from a HUD-approved agency is mandatory. This workshop covers budgeting, credit, mortgages, and home maintenance. You must provide a certificate of completion before closing on your home.
What happens if I sell the home before the loan is forgiven?
If you sell before the forgiveness period ends, you must repay the remaining principal balance plus a pro-rated share of the home's appreciation. The appreciation share is calculated based on the percentage of the original purchase price that the assistance represented.
Can I use the assistance for closing costs?
Yes, assistance funds can be used for down payment, closing costs, and interest-rate buydowns. The program provides flexibility to allocate funds where needed most to make homeownership affordable. All uses must be approved by the program administrator.
Are there asset limits for this program?
Yes, liquid assets cannot exceed $10,000. The program also reviews non-liquid assets and may have additional restrictions. There is a NSF (non-sufficient funds) lookback period that may affect eligibility. Confirm specific asset requirements with CHI or the program administrator.
Who qualifies as a first-time homebuyer?
A first-time homebuyer is someone who has had no ownership interest in a principal residence during the past 3 years. This includes ownership of a home, condominium, or any other property that served as your primary residence. The 3-year period is calculated from the date of application.