A note on timingPalmetto Heroes is closed for 2026 and no 2027 dates are announced. The year-round SC Housing Homebuyer Program still offers $10,000 in forgivable down payment help.Review my eligibility
Florence, SC
Down payment assistance in Florence, SC
The City of Florence runs two forgivable programs through its Community Services department, both aimed at North, Northwest and East Florence.
The CDBG Target Area Down-payment Assistance program pays 20% of the purchase price, up to $20,000, as a 10-year deferred forgivable second mortgage. It's for income-eligible buyers (CDBG rules, 80% AMI) approved by a lender who buy in the North, Northwest or East Florence target areas. You'll take a homebuyer education class, bring at least $500, pay a $25 application fee and pass a City or state inspection. The City's summary sheet was last revised in November 2021 but is still the one linked, so confirm the details when you call.
How does the North Pointe program differ?
The North Pointe and Neighborhood Redevelopment program is for newly built homes, either in the North Pointe Subdivision or City redevelopment homes in the same three areas. North Pointe buyers can get up to $30,000. Redevelopment homes are handled case by case, and WMBF reported $25,000 approved in February 2026 for East Florence homes. It's a 15-year deferred forgivable loan, the buyer brings at least $1,000, and the City pays the realtor fee (2% for North Pointe, 4% for redevelopment homes). Both programs are first-come, first-served and depend on funding.
Outside the target areas, Florence buyers lean on state programs. Florence County is a targeted county, so you only need to not own a home at closing, and it's part of SC Housing's County First Initiative. It uses the default limits of $114,960 for 1-2 people and $134,120 for 3 or more. Teachers in Florence One and staff of the Florence Police and Fire departments fit Palmetto Heroes roles. See the Florence County guide.
10-year deferred forgivable second mortgage. Program summary PDF (revised 11/24/2021, still linked): https://www.cityofflorence.com/sites/default/files/uploads/Departments/Community-Services/cof_homebuyer_assistance_summary_revised_11.24.21.pdf. Contact 843-665-3175.
Buyers in Florence may also turn to 5 statewide programs, Palmetto Heroes among them. You will find each one in the complete South Carolina list, or our program match can sort them for you.
Nearly every assistance program asks you to complete a homebuyer class before closing. The HUD-approved agencies below, each within reach of Florence County, teach that class or offer counseling before purchase.
Taken from HUD’s list of housing counseling agencies. A given program may not accept every class.
Unsure which class will count? A loan officer who offers South Carolina programs can tell you, and can begin your pre-approval at the same time. Begin my eligibility review
Questions about Florence
Which parts of Florence qualify for city DPA?
Both City programs focus on North, Northwest and East Florence. The North Pointe program also covers the North Pointe Subdivision.
How much can I get on a North Pointe home?
Up to $30,000 as a 15-year deferred forgivable second mortgage, and the City pays a 2% realtor fee.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer in Florence?
The City summaries don't state a first-time rule. For SC Housing programs, Florence County only requires that you not own a home at closing.
Thank you. Your name is on the list.
We will write when it reopens. Would you like to see what you may qualify for in the meantime?
Good day, I'm Amy. See if you're eligible for down payment assistance in South Carolina. The review is six short questions, and I would be glad to start you on the right one.
