At this time, our intake for purchase assistance is closed because we have reached the maximum capacity. Due to high demand and limited funding, application slots fill very quickly.

SHIP - Purchase Assistance Program

The City of Delray Beach, through its Neighborhood Services Division, announces the availability of funding under the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Purchase Assistance Program. Funding will provide up to $75,000 to assist income‑eligible first‑time homebuyers with the purchase of a home that will serve as their primary residence. Eligible activities include Acquisition, Acquisition/Rehabilitation, New Construction, Down Payment Assistance, and Closing Cost Assistance.

Assistance will be provided as a 0% interest, deferred‑payment loan, secured by a recorded Mortgage, Promissory Note for either a 10-year or 15- year term based on amount received. The loan is forgiven at the end of either the 10- or 15-year period, provided all program requirements are met.

Note: All applicants are required to have Mortgage loan pre-approval from a lender before applying

Applications may be submitted by email to CommunityNeighborhood@mydelraybeach.com or submitted in person to the Neighborhood Services division located at City Hall. Applications are accepted on a first‑submitted, first‑qualified, first‑served basis, subject to funding availability. The application period opens Monday, March 2, 2026, at 8:00 AM and closes on March 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM, or earlier if all funds are committed.

Eligible applicants may complete the application by visiting: First-Time Homeownership Program page.

Only complete applications with all required supporting documentation will be reviewed.

HOUSEHOLD SIZE AND INCOME CATEGORIES TO BE SERVED:

• The applicant MUST NOT have owned a home within the last 3 years.
• The residence MUST be within Delray Beach city limits.
• The applicant MUST meet the Lender Credit standards and submit a Pre-approval Lender letter.
• The applicant MUST attend AT LEAST 6-HRS of a HUD-Approved Homebuyer Education class (either remotely or in-person) and submit their certificate.
• The applicant MUST CONTRIBUTE A MINIMUM of 2% of the purchase price.
• The applicant’s housing expenses MUST NOT EXCEED 40% of the household’s gross monthly income.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• This NOFA is issued in accordance with the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program, Sections 420.907–420.9079, Florida Statutes, and Rule Chapter 67‑37, Florida Administrative Code. The City of Delray Beach reserves the right to amend or withdraw this notice based on funding availability or regulatory changes.
• First Time Homebuyer under the HUD definition: An individual who has no ownership in a principal residence during the 3-year period ending on the date of purchase of the property. This provision is limited to a spouse (if either meets the above test, they are considered first-time homebuyers). A single parent who has only owned with a former spouse while married. An individual who is a displaced homemaker and has only owned with a spouse. An individual who has only owned a principal residence not permanently affixed to a permanent foundation in accordance with applicable regulations. An individual who has only owned a property that was not in compliance with state, local or model building codes and which cannot be brought into compliance for less than the cost of constructing a permanent structure.

For additional information, please contact:

City of Delray Beach Neighborhood and Community Services

Neighborhood Services Division

100 NW 1^st Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444

Office: (561) 243-7280