PALM BEACH COUNTY — First‑time homebuyers in Palm Beach County could receive up to $100,000 in assistance to help purchase a home in one of South Florida’s most competitive housing markets.
Palm Beach County’s Department of Housing and Economic Development has announced the availability of State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds for its Purchase Assistance Program, aimed at assisting income‑eligible first‑time buyers.
The assistance comes as housing costs in Palm Beach County remain high compared with national averages. Overall, the median home sale price recently hovered around $500,000, an increase of about 2% year‑over‑year, with homes typically spending around 88 days on the market.
Under the SHIP program, qualified applicants may receive up to $100,000 to help with acquisition, new construction, down payment, and closing costs for a home that will serve as their primary residence.
The online application portal opens at noon on May 5 and closes at 11:59 p.m. May 23, or once 100 applications have been submitted.
Applications will be processed on a first‑submitted, first‑qualified, first‑served basis, subject to funding availability. All assistance will be provided as a deferred loan secured by a recorded mortgage, promissory note, and declaration of restrictions.
Applicants must already have approval from a first mortgage lender before applying.
They can submit their applications via the Palm Beach County Government website at pbc.gov/HED.
County officials are also offering several virtual pre‑application orientation sessions in April and May to help prospective applicants understand the program requirements.
Interested residents can contact the Mortgage and Housing Investments Division at 561‑233‑3600 or email HEDverify@pbc.gov for more information.
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