See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated March 22, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Florence, SC (2026)
Florence is the economic and cultural hub of the Pee Dee region in northeastern South Carolina, with a median home price around $210,000 making it one of the more affordable markets in the state. First-time homebuyers in Florence can access up to $20,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through the City of Florence First-Time Homebuyers Program, or up to $30,000 for newly constructed homes in the North Pointe Subdivision. Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity also offers zero-interest mortgages for qualifying families earning 30-60% of area median income. On top of these local options, buyers can tap into state programs like the SC Housing Homebuyer Program and the Palmetto Heroes Program for additional forgivable down payment assistance. By combining city and state programs, Florence homebuyers may be able to significantly reduce their upfront costs.
City Programs in Florence
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Florence First-Time Homebuyers Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to 20% of purchase price (maximum $20,000) | Yes | View → |
| City of Florence North Pointe Homebuyer Assistance | Forgivable Loan | Up to $30,000 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 20% of purchase price (maximum $20,000)
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $30,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
State Programs in South Carolina
| 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 → |
| Palmetto Heroes Program | Forgivable Loan | $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance | Yes | View → |
| Palmetto Home Advantage | Forgivable Loan | Up to 4% of the first mortgage loan amount | No | View → |
| SC Housing Homebuyer Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance | 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:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 4% of the first mortgage loan amount
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity Homeownership | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable zero-interest mortgage | No | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable zero-interest mortgage
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Review income limits for the City of Florence First-Time Homebuyers Program and the SC Housing Homebuyer Program. You must be a first-time homebuyer for most local programs.
Step 2: Attend a City of Florence informational meeting. The City holds monthly meetings at City Center (324 West Evans St.) from 5:30-6:30 PM. Call (843) 665-3175 for the current schedule.
Step 3: Complete homebuyer education. A homebuyer education course is required for both the City of Florence programs and most state programs. Contact the City of Florence Department of Community Services for approved course providers.
Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Contact an SC Housing-approved lender to explore state DPA options, or work with a local lender for conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA financing. You must be approved by a bank or mortgage lender to qualify for city assistance.
Step 5: Find a home within program guidelines. For the standard city program, the home must be in the targeted areas of North, Northwest, or East Florence. For North Pointe assistance, you must purchase a newly constructed home in the North Pointe Subdivision. Provide at least $500 of your own funds toward the purchase.
Step 6: Submit your application. Apply through the City of Florence Department of Community Services. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply early. The home must pass inspection by the City and/or state prior to closing.
Step 7: Close on your home. Your down payment and closing cost assistance will be structured as a deferred, forgivable second mortgage. Maintain the home as your primary residence for the full forgiveness period to have the loan fully forgiven.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Florence?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What is the maximum home price I can pay?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Can I use multiple programs at the same time?+−
What areas of Florence qualify for city assistance?+−
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