Beautiful Florida home in St. Lucie or Martin County eligible for home purchase assistance program

2026 Program Guidelines

St. Lucie Martin County Home Purchase Assistance

Receive up to $50,000 in purchase assistance.
0% Interest. Deferred Payments. Forgivable.

Unlock $50,000 in Funding

2026 Funding Status

65% Claimed

First-come, first-served basis.

SSL Secure

What is the St. Lucie / Martin County Program?

The St. Lucie / Martin County HOME Consortium is a federally funded initiative aimed at expanding affordable housing opportunities across the Treasure Coast. Supported by the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, it helps income-eligible families bridge the financial gap between renting and owning a home.

"The program is designed to provide gap financing—offering just enough assistance to make your monthly mortgage payments affordable while ensuring you have a stake in your new home."

Program Benefits

Up to $50,000 Assistance

Qualified buyers may receive significant funds to cover down payment and allowable closing costs.

0% Interest Loan

No monthly payments required on the assistance loan. 0% interest deferred-payment structure.

Loan Forgiveness

The loan is forgivable at the end of the affordability period if all program rules are met.

Target Audience

Who Is This Program Perfect For?

First-Time Buyers

Individuals who have not owned a primary residence in the last 3 years and are ready to stop renting.

Growing Families

Households meeting income limits (up to $100k for family of 8) needing a stable, long-term home environment.

Budget Conscious

Buyers who can afford a mortgage payment but need help overcoming the barrier of a large down payment.

See If You Qualify Now

2026 Income Guidelines

To qualify, household income must be at or below HUD’s HOME low-income limits (≤80% AMI) for the Port St. Lucie MSA.

Based on total household size, not just the applicant.
Includes income from all members 18+ for the next 12 months.
Asset verification required for all household members.

Check My Status

Maximum Annual Income Limits

Port St. Lucie MSA (St. Lucie & Martin Counties)

Household Size	Max Income
1 Person	$53,050
2 Persons	$60,600
3 Persons	$68,200
4 Persons	$75,750
5 Persons	$81,850
6 Persons	$87,900
7 Persons	$93,950
8 Persons	$100,000

Program Requirements

Eligibility is determined by a combination of household factors, property location, and mortgage terms.

Property Location

The home must be located in:

Unincorporated St. Lucie County
Unincorporated Martin County

Buyer Contribution

The homebuyer must contribute at least $500 of their own funds towards the transaction.

Purchase Price Limits

Per current program packet; subject to change.

Existing Homes: Max $185,000
New Construction: Max $229,000

Education

Applicants must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education class prior to executing a purchase contract.

Property Condition & Types

Eligible properties include single-family homes (1-4 units), condos, and manufactured homes with land ownership. The home must be seller-occupied or vacant for at least 6 months and pass a rigorous inspection.

Serving Communities Across St. Lucie and Martin Counties

*Eligible properties must be within unincorporated areas or participating municipalities.

Port St. Lucie (Unincorporated) Fort Pierce (Unincorporated) Jensen Beach Hobe Sound Palm City Stuart (Unincorporated) Indiantown Port Salerno Rio White City Lakewood Park River Park Hutchinson Island

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the income limit for the St. Lucie Martin County purchase assistance program?

The income limit is strictly set at 80% or below the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Port St. Lucie MSA. For 2026, this ranges from roughly $53,050 for a single person to $100,000 for an 8-person household, adjusted annually by HUD.

How much down payment assistance can I get in St. Lucie County?

Qualified homebuyers can receive up to $50,000 in purchase assistance. This funding covers the down payment and allowable closing costs. The specific amount depends on your financial need to make the monthly mortgage payment affordable.

Do I have to pay back the St. Lucie Martin County home assistance loan?

Typically, no. The assistance is structured as a 0% interest, deferred-payment loan. It is forgivable at the end of the affordability period (5 to 15 years) provided you continue to occupy the home as your primary residence and meet all program rules.

Is the down payment assistance interest-free?

Yes, the loan carries a 0% interest rate. There are no monthly payments required on this second mortgage during the deferred period. Repayment is only triggered if you sell, rent out, or refinance the home before the term ends.

What credit score is required for St. Lucie County down payment assistance?

While the program emphasizes income eligibility, you must qualify for a fixed-rate first mortgage with a participating lender. Most lenders require a minimum credit score (often 640 or higher) to approve the primary loan, though the county program focuses on income and assets.

Can I use the purchase assistance for any home in Martin County?

No. The home must be located specifically within the unincorporated areas of St. Lucie County or Martin County. Properties inside city limits (like City of Stuart or City of Fort Pierce) may fall under different municipal programs.

What is the maximum purchase price for a home in this program?

Per the current program packet, the maximum purchase price is $185,000 for existing homes and $229,000 for new construction single-family homes. These figures are subject to change based on the latest HUD/FHA area median purchase value limits.

Do I need to be a first-time homebuyer?

Yes, generally you must be a first-time homebuyer, which is defined as someone who has not owned a principal residence in the last three years. You must also complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education workshop before signing a contract.

How much money do I have to contribute myself?

The program requires a minimum borrower cash contribution of at least $500 towards the transaction. This ensures the buyer has a financial stake in the purchase while keeping the entry barrier low for low-income families.

Does the program cover closing costs?

Yes, the funds can be used for both the down payment and eligible closing costs. The total assistance is capped at $50,000, and the amount awarded is based on the gap financing needed to ensure your housing payment is affordable.

How do I apply for the St. Lucie Martin County HOME Consortium program?

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. You must first obtain a pre-approval for a first mortgage, complete the required education course, and then submit a full application package to the county housing division.

Can I buy a mobile home with this assistance?

Yes, manufactured homes are eligible if they include land ownership (not on leased land). The property must also meet local minimum housing standards and pass specific inspections, including checks for lead-based paint if built before 1978.

Don't Miss Out on $50,000

Funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Secure your future home today.

Start Your Application

Takes less than 2 minutes to check eligibility.