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.
Top Homebuyer Programs in Kissimmee
| 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 → |
| 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 → |
| 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+ | Forgivable Loan | Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | 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 → |
| 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 → |
| 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 first mortgage loan amount | 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:
- 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
- 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:
- 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:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- 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
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable home purchase with 0% interest mortgage; mortgage payments never exceed 30% of household income
- 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 first mortgage loan amount
- 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
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.