Last updated: April 2026 · Program availability changes frequently
Down Payment Assistance in Hialeah: Overview
Hialeah's median home price sits around $480,000. A 3.5% FHA down payment on that is $16,800. For a city where the median household income is roughly $45,000, saving $16,800 plus closing costs while paying rent is not realistic for most families. That gap between what people earn and what a home costs is exactly what down payment assistance programs are designed to close.
Hialeah sits within Miami-Dade County, which means every county DPA program is available here. The PHCD DPA provides $35,000 deferred. The MDEAT HAP adds up to $28,000 forgivable after 20 years. Combined, that is $63,000 from county sources alone. The county explicitly allows stacking local programs up to $120,000 total. On a $480,000 home, $63,000 covers the entire down payment ($16,800) plus all closing costs and then some.
Hialeah also runs its own city-level SHIP program through the Community Development Department. The city program covers down payment, closing costs, and even rehabilitation assistance. Contact the city for current amounts and availability. This may layer on top of the county programs.
The FHA limit for Miami-Dade County is $667,000. Hialeah's $480,000 median is well below that. Every FHA-based program works on the vast majority of purchases here. This guide covers every available program, how they stack, and which path makes the most sense for different income levels.
Quick Answer
Yes. Hialeah buyers have 6+ DPA programs across city, county, and state levels. Miami-Dade PHCD DPA offers $35,000 deferred. MDEAT HAP adds $28,000 forgivable. The Homebuyer Loan Program provides up to $100,000 at 1-2% interest. The City of Hialeah has its own SHIP program. Hometown Heroes covers $35,000 statewide.
On a $480,000 home: FHA down = $16,800. County stack (PHCD + HAP) = $63,000. That covers the full down payment plus $46,200 for closing costs, prepaids, and reserves.
Credit from 640 for Florida Housing programs. County programs require income under 140% AMI (~$136,500 for a family of 4). Most programs require first-time buyer status.
Miami-Dade County Programs
Every Miami-Dade County DPA program covers Hialeah. These are the same programs available to Miami buyers.
Miami-Dade PHCD Down Payment Assistance
Shared equity clause: 100% of profit if sold in years 1-3, 50% in years 4-6, 0% after year 6. Buyer must contribute 1% of the purchase price from own funds. Due on sale, refinance, or transfer.
MDEAT Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP)
The forgiveness is the key advantage. Stay 20 years and the balance is gone. For Hialeah's large population of long-term residents, this 20-year horizon is realistic. Buyer contribution: 1% below 80% AMI, 3% at 80-140% AMI.
Homebuyer Loan Program (HLP)
The highest-dollar county option. Unlike the DPA programs above, this is a real loan with monthly payments (though at 1-2% interest). Best for buyers who need more than the $63,000 available from the DPA stack. Rate depends on whether property is in a vulnerability-ranked area.
HFA Miami-Dade Mortgage Program
Smaller amount, simpler process. Works through the Housing Finance Authority's own first mortgage product. Requires 24 months in the same line of work.
Stacking is allowed. Miami-Dade permits combining local programs up to $120,000 total. PHCD ($35K) + MDEAT HAP ($28K) = $63,000 from county alone. City SHIP may add on top.
City of Hialeah SHIP Program
Hialeah SHIP Purchase Assistance
The City of Hialeah administers its own SHIP allocation from Florida Housing. Specific dollar amounts and current availability are not published online. Contact the Hialeah Community Development Department directly for current program terms, income limits, and application status. This is separate from the county programs and may stack with them.
Florida Hometown Heroes
Florida Housing Hometown Heroes Program
Hometown Heroes now requires qualifying occupations (law enforcement, fire, education, healthcare, childcare, military). On a $480K purchase: 5% = $24,000 deferred at 0%. No monthly payment. Repaid at sale, refinance, or transfer. Funding is $50M for 2025-2026.
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This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend. Program availability, terms, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Verify all details with the administering agency or an approved lender. DownPaymentScout is an independent resource. Last updated April 2026.