By Phil Ganz
Edited by Ryan Skerritt
The City of Lauderhill Purchase Assistance Program helps income-qualified homebuyers cover the upfront costs of purchasing a home.
By offering deferred, zero-interest loans for down payment and closing costs, the program makes homeownership more affordable for families who might otherwise be priced out.
With awards up to $75,000, it’s one of the most impactful ways to achieve the dream of owning a home in Lauderhill.
Check Your Lauderhill Purchase Assistance Program Eligibility
City of Lauderhill Purchase Assistance Program Overview
The City of Lauderhill Purchase Assistance Program is a Florida down-payment assistance program that is designed to make homeownership more affordable for income-eligible buyers.
The program provides financial help with down payment and closing costs through a deferred, interest-free second mortgage.
Assistance amounts vary based on income level, and funds are awarded on a first-qualified, first-served basis until funding runs out.
Down Payment Assistance Amounts and How It Works
The City of Lauderhill helps buyers with different amounts depending on income:
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Very Low-Income Buyers – up to $75,000
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Low-Income Buyers – up to $65,000
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Moderate-Income Buyers (SHIP program only) – up to $40,000
The assistance comes as a zero percent interest loan with no monthly payments.
For HOME program funds, the entire loan is forgiven at the end of the term as long as the homeowner continues to live in the property and meets all program rules.
For SHIP program funds, ten percent of the loan balance is forgiven each year, so after ten years the loan is completely forgiven.
If the home is sold, rented, or no longer used as a primary residence before the forgiveness period ends, the remaining balance must be repaid.
Who the Program Is Perfect For
The City of Lauderhill Purchase Assistance Program is designed for people who are ready to buy a home but need help covering upfront costs. It’s a great fit for:
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First-time homebuyers who haven’t owned a home in the past three years
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Residents looking to purchase within Lauderhill city limits
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Buyers who can qualify for a mortgage but need help with down payment and closing costs
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Households that meet HUD’s income limits for very low, low, or moderate income
This program is ideal for families who are financially ready for homeownership but need a boost to make their first purchase affordable.
Key Benefits of the Lauderhill Purchase Assistance Program
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Significant Assistance: Up to $75,000 for very low-income buyers, $65,000 for low-income buyers, and $40,000 for moderate-income households (SHIP program).
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Zero-Interest Loan: Assistance is a deferred loan at 0% interest.
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Forgiveness Options: Depending on the funding source (HOME or SHIP), loans may be partially or fully forgiven if you meet all program requirements.
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Flexibility: Applies to both new and existing homes, including condos, villas, and townhomes.
Program Requirements for Lauderhill Homebuyer Assistance
Once you’re determined to be a good fit, there are specific requirements you must meet to receive assistance:
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Meet Income and Purchase Price Limits (Shown Below)
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You must complete a HUD-approved 8-hour Homebuyer Education Course.
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You need to contribute at least 3% of the purchase price toward your home, with at least 1% coming from your own funds (the rest can be a gift).
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Household assets must stay below $40,000 after closing.
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The home must be your primary residence and insured at the time of closing.
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The City must hold at least the second lien position on the property.
The assistance will need to be repaid if you sell, rent out, or transfer the home, or if you lose homestead exemption before the forgiveness period ends.
Income and Home Price Limits in Lauderhill’s Program
To use the table, match your household size to the row and check which income tier your total household income fits into to see how much assistance you may qualify for.
Your household income determines which tier you qualify for—very low, low, or moderate—and each tier offers a different maximum award: $75,000, $65,000, or $40,000.
Income Limits
| Household Size | Very Low Income (50% AMI) Max Income / $75,000 Award |
Low Income (80% AMI) Max Income / $65,000 Award |
Moderate Income (120% AMI, SHIP Only) Max Income / $40,000 Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $40,350 / $75,000 | $64,560 / $65,000 | $96,840 / $40,000 |
| 2 | $46,100 / $75,000 | $73,760 / $65,000 | $110,640 / $40,000 |
| 3 | $51,850 / $75,000 | $82,960 / $65,000 | $124,440 / $40,000 |
| 4 | $57,650 / $75,000 | $92,240 / $65,000 | $138,360 / $40,000 |
| 5 | $62,250 / $75,000 | $99,600 / $65,000 | $149,400 / $40,000 |
| 6 | $66,900 / $75,000 | $107,040 / $65,000 | $160,560 / $40,000 |
| 7 | $71,500 / $75,000 | $114,400 / $65,000 | $171,600 / $40,000 |
| 8 | $76,100 / $75,000 | $121,760 / $65,000 | $182,640 / $40,000 |
| Based on 2025 HUD & Florida Housing Finance Corporation income limits for Broward County (Fort Lauderdale HMFA). Confirm with the City of Lauderhill before applying. | |||
Purchase Price Limits
Lauderhill’s purchase price limits are based on Broward County’s average home price.
In 2025, that average is roughly $430,000 to $445,000. Using that range, the SHIP program limit (90%) is about $385,000–$400,000, and the HOME program limit (95%) is about $405,000–$422,000.
Always check with the City of Lauderhill for the exact limits before choosing a home.
Check Your Lauderhill Purchase Assistance Program Eligibility
How to Apply for the Lauderhill Purchase Assistance Program
Check your eligibility online for free today. If you qualify, follow these steps:
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Complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course.
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Apply for a mortgage to determine how much you can afford.
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Find a home in Lauderhill within the approved purchase price limits.
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Submit your application through the City’s program partner, Housing Foundation of America, at 954-923-5001.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lauderhill Down Payment Assistance
Q: Is this a grant?
A: No. It’s a deferred, forgivable mortgage secured by a lien with Broward County.
Q: Is there a waiting list?
A: No. Funding is distributed on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
Q: What expenses are covered?
A: Assistance can go toward down payment, closing costs, principal reduction, and other approved expenses.
Q: Do I need good credit?
A: The City does not use credit scores for eligibility, but your mortgage lender will consider it.
Q: How long is the affordability period?
A: Up to 15 years, depending on the award amount.
Q: What if I sell before the term ends?
A: You must repay the outstanding balance if you sell, rent, or transfer the home before the affordability period is satisfied.
Q: Can heirs assume the loan if I pass away?
A: Yes, if the heir qualifies and occupies the home as their primary residence.
Q: How much of my own money do I need to contribute?
A: At least 3% of the purchase price (1% must be from your own funds).
Q: When does funding open?
A: Funding cycles usually begin October 1 each year, subject to availability.
Bottom Line: Is Lauderhill’s Homebuyer Program Right for You?
The City of Lauderhill’s Purchase Assistance Program offers a powerful opportunity for first-time and income-qualified buyers to achieve homeownership with reduced financial barriers.
With up to $75,000 in support, 0% interest, and potential forgiveness, this program can make the dream of owning a home in Lauderhill a reality.
Act quickly—funds are limited and awarded on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
Check Your Lauderhill Purchase Assistance Program Eligibility
With over 50 years of mortgage industry experience, we are here to help you achieve the American dream of owning a home. We strive to provide the best education before, during, and after you buy a home. Our advice is based on experience with Phil Ganz and Team closing over One billion dollars and helping countless families.
About Author - Phil Ganz
Phil Ganz has over 20+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over a billion dollars of funded loans, Phil helps homebuyers configure the perfect mortgage plan. Whether it's your first home, a complex multiple-property purchase, or anything in between, Phil has the experience to help you achieve your goals.
About Editor - Ryan Skerritt
Ryan Skerritt has over 10+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over two hundred and fifty million of funded loan volume, Ryan has the skill set to help any homebuyer configure the perfect mortgage plan.
