New Year! New Housing Opportunities

Today there are 18,603 listings for sale, 3,015 for rent, 530 new listings, 44 coming soon, 134 expired off the market today. Don’t believe anyone who says that the Florida housing market is declining, that is not even close to being true.  

In 2026 there are several legislative efforts being debated that impacts homeownership, and there is new money available to assist with acquiring the dream of homeownership for those who qualify.  If you have a desire to own a home in 2026, there may be more paths than you know.  Don’t sit and wonder, engage a real estate professional immediately to help facilitate your journey.

Informed mortgage brokers have access to many programs that were created for the sole purpose of helping Floridians manifest the dream of homeownership. Millions of dollars are made available each year for these homeownership programs. Yet the average homeowner or aspiring homeowner are not aware of them.

Housing programs available in 2026 for those who qualify.

 Hometown Heroes Housing.  This program helps by providing closing cost assistance and downpayment assistance for essential personnel such as healthcare workers, teacher, first responders, military personnel etc.  
My Safe Florida Home.  Up to $10,000 available to qualified homeowners for home inspections and grants for single family homes with homestead exemptions to fund wind- resistant improvement.  This programs has been funded for calendar year 2025 and 2026.
HFA Preferred/Advantage.  Housing Finance Corp programs offering 0% interest second mortgages (forgiven over time) for first time homebuyers.
FHA Loans & Assistance.  Options through the state with potential downpayment assistance.
USDA Rural Development.  Offers 100% financing (no downpayment) with low fixed interest rates (around 5% as of early 2026) for low to very low income buyers in eligible rural areas.
SHIP. State Housing Initiatives Partnership.  Supports local programs for downpayment assistance, home rehab, and other initiatives.