See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated March 27, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Bradenton, FL (2026)
Bradenton is a Gulf Coast city of about 59,000 in Manatee County, Florida, known for its vibrant downtown, proximity to Anna Maria Island, and growing arts scene. With a median home price around $380,000, buyers here benefit from both city and county assistance programs. The City of Bradenton SHIP Purchase Assistance Program offers up to $20,000 as a zero-interest loan covering down payment, closing costs, and mortgage rate buydown. The Housing Finance Authority of Manatee County Homebuyer Program provides up to $15,000 as a 0% interest deferred second mortgage. Manatee County also administers its own SHIP Down Payment Assistance Program for eligible households. Florida state programs including Hometown Heroes (up to $35,000) and Florida Assist (up to $10,000) are also available. By combining city, county, and state programs, eligible Bradenton buyers can stack significant assistance toward their home purchase.
City Programs in Bradenton
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Bradenton SHIP Purchase Assistance Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Up to $20,000 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $20,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
County Programs in Manatee County
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing Finance Authority of Manatee County Homebuyer Program | Deferred Loan | Up to $15,000 | Yes | View → |
| Manatee County SHIP Down Payment Assistance Program | Deferred Loan | Down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible homebuyers | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible homebuyers
- First-time only:
- Yes
State Programs in Florida
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHLBA Community Partners Product | Forgivable Loan | Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| FHLBA First Time Homebuyer Product | Forgivable Loan | Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | Yes | View → |
| FHLBA Workforce Housing Plus+ | Grant | Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| Florida Assist (FL Assist) Second Mortgage Program | Deferred Loan | Up to $10,000 | Yes | View → |
| Florida HFA Preferred and Advantage PLUS Program | Forgivable Loan | 3%, 4%, or 5% of the total first mortgage loan amount (HFA Advantage PLUS TBA, Freddie Mac first mortgage only) | Yes | View → |
| Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program | Deferred Loan | Up to 5% of first mortgage loan amount, minimum $10,000, maximum $35,000 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $10,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- 3%, 4%, or 5% of the total first mortgage loan amount (HFA Advantage PLUS TBA, Freddie Mac first mortgage only)
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of first mortgage loan amount, minimum $10,000, maximum $35,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
Nonprofit Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manatee County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable home purchase with 0% interest 30-year mortgage | No | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable home purchase with 0% interest 30-year mortgage
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. The City of Bradenton SHIP program requires household income at or below 120% of Area Median Income for the Bradenton/Sarasota MSA. You must be a first-time homebuyer and the home must be within Bradenton city limits with a maximum purchase price of $400,000.
Step 2: Gather your documents. You will need two months of pay stubs for all employed household members, current statements of all bank accounts, CDs, stocks, and insurance policies. If self-employed, provide a copy of your most recent income tax return and income projection statement.
Step 3: Work with a certified lender. For the Manatee County SHIP program, you must use one of the county's certified lenders. The lender submits the application on your behalf. Contact Manatee County Community and Veterans Services or visit mymanatee.org for the current list of certified lenders.
Step 4: Apply for the Housing Finance Authority program. The HFA of Manatee County offers up to $15,000 as a 0% interest deferred second mortgage paired with a competitive first mortgage rate. The purchase price limit is $468,292 in non-targeted areas and $594,580 in targeted areas.
Step 5: Apply for the City of Bradenton program. Contact the City of Bradenton Housing and Community Development Division at 941-932-9493 to apply for up to $20,000 in SHIP purchase assistance.
Step 6: Find a home within program limits. Work with your real estate agent to find eligible properties within Bradenton city limits under the $400,000 SHIP cap or within the county under the HFA limits.
Step 7: Close on your new home. Your lender and the city and county will coordinate to apply all approved assistance at closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Bradenton?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What is the maximum home price I can buy?+−
Do I have to use a specific lender?+−
Is there a Habitat for Humanity program in Bradenton?+−
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