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City of Miami

City of Miami First-Time Homebuyer Program (SHIP/HOME)

The City of Miami lends income-eligible first-time buyers up to $130,002, scaled by bedroom count, for homes inside city limits. The FY 2026-27 SHIP round opened September 14, 2026 and runs first-come, first-ready, first-served until money runs out.

First-Time Homebuyer Program (SHIP/HOME)

Taking applications

City of Miami

Amount
Up to $130,002 (based on bedroom count)
Kind of help
Deferred loan, due at sale or refinance
Who it's for
Income-eligible first-time buyers purchasing inside City of Miami limits
Income cap
80% AMI (City links to FHFC income chart)
Price cap
$494,000 (existing or new construction; SHIP NOFA FY26-27)
First-timers only
Yes
Also note
No ownership in past 3 years; HUD-approved counseling workshop; at least $500 own funds; NSPIRE inspection; 30-yr fixed first mortgage from participating lender; property folio must begin with 01

SHIP NOFA posted 8/13/2026: FY 2026-27 SHIP allocation 'no less than $2,211,782'; applications opened Sept 14, 2026, first-come first-ready first-served until funds are exhausted. Loan is 0% deferred with City shared appreciation from year 3, phasing out by year 20. City page lists both $494,000 and $451,000 price caps in different steps.

Checked against the official page, November 2026. How we fact-check

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How the City of Miami assistance works

This is the largest per-buyer award in South Florida, and it is a 0% deferred loan rather than a grant. The City takes a share of appreciation starting in year 3, and that share phases out by year 20. The amount you can get depends on the home's bedroom count, topping out at $130,002.

The money comes from SHIP (state) and HOME (federal) funds. The City's notice posted August 13, 2026 put the FY 2026-27 SHIP allocation at "no less than $2,211,782." At awards this size that pool covers a limited number of buyers, which is why being ready early matters.

Who qualifies?

  • First-time buyers: no home ownership in the past 3 years.
  • Household income at or below 80% AMI (the City links to the Florida Housing income chart).
  • The property must be inside City of Miami limits; its folio number has to start with 01.
  • At least $500 of your own money, a HUD-approved counseling workshop, an NSPIRE inspection and a 30-year fixed first mortgage from a participating lender.

Price cap: the SHIP NOFA lists $494,000 for existing or new homes, but another step on the City page shows $451,000. Ask staff which applies to your file before you make an offer.

Using it with Hometown Heroes and county help

Hometown Heroes permits stand-alone assistance from another agency in third-lien position, so a City of Miami employee-eligible buyer may ask about layering. A participating lender confirms whether the City accepts that position. The Miami-Dade County program also serves county residents; whether both can be used on one purchase is something the City and County confirm.

How to apply

  1. Check that the address is in the city (folio beginning with 01).
  2. Complete the HUD-approved counseling workshop.
  3. Get pre-approved with a participating lender for a 30-year fixed loan.
  4. Submit the City application with your documents; complete files are served in order.

Getting ready before you apply

Because files are handled first-come, first-ready, a complete application matters as much as an early one. Have your counseling certificate, pre-approval from a participating lender, proof of your $500 contribution and income documents for every adult in the household together before you submit. Check the property's folio number on the county property appraiser record so you don't fall for a home just outside city limits. Ask the City how the bedroom count sets your award and how shared appreciation is calculated in each year from 3 to 20. If you might sell within a decade, model what you would owe back on a few sale prices.

More on Miami-Dade County limits, first-time buyer steps, or check your eligibility.

Florida counties it covers: Miami-Dade County.

First-Time Homebuyer Program (SHIP/HOME): your questions

How much is the City of Miami homebuyer assistance?

Up to $130,002, based on bedroom count, as a 0% deferred loan with City shared appreciation from year 3 that phases out by year 20.

Is the City of Miami program open?

Yes. The FY 2026-27 SHIP round opened September 14, 2026 and is first-come, first-ready, first-served until funds are exhausted.

What is the price limit?

The SHIP notice lists $494,000, but another step on the City page lists $451,000. Confirm with the City before you sign a contract.

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Programs to compare

Our summary of the official program page as of November 2026. Funding and terms change; get the current version from the program or a participating lender. Florida Down Payment Assistance has no tie to this program.