See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated March 27, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Kissimmee, FL (2026)
Kissimmee is the county seat of Osceola County in Central Florida, located just south of Orlando in the heart of the tourism corridor, with a population of approximately 81,000 and a median home price around $370,000. Homebuyers here can access significant down payment assistance through the Osceola County SHIP Purchase Assistance Program, which provides up to $100,000 in a 0% interest deferred second mortgage for income-eligible first-time buyers. At the state level, the Florida Hometown Heroes Program offers up to $35,000 and the Florida Assist Second Mortgage provides an additional $10,000. By combining the county program with state and federal options, eligible Kissimmee homebuyers can potentially access well over $100,000 in total assistance to help bridge the affordability gap.
County Programs in Osceola County
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osceola County SHIP Purchase Assistance Program | Deferred Loan | Up to $100,000 depending on income tier (Very Low at 50% AMI, Low at 80% AMI, Moderate at 120% AMI) | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $100,000 depending on income tier (Very Low at 50% AMI, Low at 80% AMI, Moderate at 120% AMI)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable home purchase with 0% interest mortgage; mortgage payments never exceed 30% of household income | No | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable home purchase with 0% interest mortgage; mortgage payments never exceed 30% of household income
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. The Osceola County SHIP program serves first-time homebuyers with household income at or below 120% of the Area Median Income. You must have a minimum FICO credit score of 640.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. The Osceola County program requires completion of the "A Home of Your Own" homebuyer education class. Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando and Osceola County is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency that offers free counseling and education. Contact them at (407) 648-4567 ext. 107.
Step 3: Meet with a housing counselor. Schedule a free appointment with a HUD-approved counselor to review your finances, determine which programs you qualify for, and create a plan. Osceola County Housing and Community Services can also be reached at (407) 742-8400.
Step 4: Get pre-approved for a first mortgage. You must use a lender from the approved SHIP lender list available on the Osceola County website. Your lender will handle the down payment assistance application on your behalf.
Step 5: Find a home in Osceola County. The property must be located within Osceola County and will serve as your primary residence. The home must pass all required inspections.
Step 6: Submit your application through your lender. Your approved lender will submit the SHIP purchase assistance application to Osceola County Housing and Community Services. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis while funding is available.
Step 7: Close on your new home. After approval, coordinate your closing date with your lender and the county. The SHIP assistance will be recorded as a 30-year deferred second mortgage at 0% interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Kissimmee?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What credit score do I need?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Is the Osceola County assistance forgiven or do I have to repay it?+−
Can I buy a condo or townhome with these programs?+−
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