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Homebuyer Programs in Florence, South Carolina (2026)

Est. City Population

41,336

Median Home Price

$250,000

Est. Closing Costs

$6,250

By Tyler Thompson · NC Licensed Agent · Updated May 29, 2026

Florence is the economic and cultural hub of the Pee Dee region in northeastern South Carolina, with a population of approximately 41,336. As a regional center for healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, Florence offers homebuyers an affordable market with a median home price near $250,000 and a strong selection of down payment assistance programs.

First-time buyers in Florence can access city-funded assistance of up to $30,000 through the City of Florence Homebuyer Assistance program, which targets homes in the North, Northwest, and East Florence neighborhoods. When combined with South Carolina state programs offering up to $8,000 in additional down payment help, buyers can significantly reduce or even eliminate their out-of-pocket closing costs.

The Florence housing market is balanced, with homes spending an average of 70 days on market and sale prices closely matching list prices. With over 1,000 active listings in Florence County, buyers have strong negotiating positions and plenty of options across established neighborhoods like Forest Hills, Timrod Park, and Green Acres, as well as new construction in the North Pointe Subdivision.

Local Down Payment Assistance Programs

Programs below are administered locally and are specific to this city, county, or area nonprofits.

City Programs

City of Florence Homebuyer Assistance
Forgivable second mortgageUp to $30,000First-time: Yes

Nonprofit Programs

Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity Homeownership
Zero-interest mortgageAffordable zero-interest mortgageFirst-time: No

What Does Buying a $NaN Home in Florence Actually Cost?

Purchase Price$NaN
Down Payment (%)$8,750
Estimated Closing Costs$6,250
Total Cash Needed$15,000
minusCity of Florence Homebuyer Assistance-$20,000
minusSC Housing Homebuyer Program DPA-$8,000
Your estimated out-of-pocket with maximum assistance$NaN

How to Apply for DPA Programs in Florence

  1. 1

    Start by contacting the City of Florence Department of Community Services at phone to learn about the city's First-Time Homebuyer Assistance program and upcoming monthly education meetings held at City Center, 324 West Evans Street. These free sessions cover budgeting, credit scores, mortgage preapproval, and other essential topics.

  2. 2

    Next, connect with a participating lender approved through the SC Housing Homebuyer Program to explore state-level down payment assistance options. SC Housing offers up to $8,000 in forgivable assistance paired with competitive fixed-rate mortgages through FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loan products.

  3. 3

    For families earning between 30 and 60 percent of the area median income, Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity offers a zero-interest mortgage homeownership program. Contact them at phone or email email to begin the qualification process.

  4. 4

    For free housing counseling and credit repair assistance, reach out to the Pee Dee Community Action Partnership at phone, which serves residents of Florence, Marion, and Dillon Counties with financial counseling, housing counseling, and referrals to community resources.

  5. 5

    You can also call HUD's national housing counseling hotline at phone to find a HUD-approved counseling agency near Florence.

Housing Market in Florence

The Florence housing market is a balanced market that favors neither buyers nor sellers, giving first-time homebuyers time to make thoughtful decisions without intense bidding pressure. Homes in Florence County spend an average of 70 days on market, and the sale-to-list price ratio sits at 100 percent, meaning most homes sell at or near asking price.

Florence County has over 1,000 active listings at any given time, with inventory growing approximately 20 percent year over year. The median listing price in the county is approximately $255,000, while the median sold price is closer to $250,000. Within the city of Florence specifically, median listing prices trend slightly higher around $267,500.

The local economy is anchored by McLeod Health, the region's largest employer with over 5,800 workers, followed by Florence School District 1 with approximately 2,600 employees and Carolinas Hospital System with 1,600. Major manufacturers in Florence County include Honda of South Carolina, GE Healthcare, QVC, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, providing a diverse employment base.

Popular neighborhoods for homebuyers include Forest Hills and Timrod Park near downtown, the tree-lined streets of Green Acres in the central city, Windsor Forest on the west side, and newer construction at Olde Mill and the city-developed North Pointe Subdivision in North Florence. The North Pointe development is particularly notable because qualifying buyers can receive up to $30,000 in city-funded down payment assistance for homes starting at $120,000.

Frequently Asked Questions About DPA in Florence

How much down payment assistance is available in Florence?
Florence homebuyers can access up to $30,000 through the City of Florence Homebuyer Assistance program for homes in the North Pointe Subdivision, or up to $20,000 (20 percent of the purchase price) for homes in other targeted areas. Additional state programs through SC Housing provide up to $8,000 in forgivable down payment assistance.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?
The City of Florence program requires first-time homebuyer status. SC Housing programs also typically require first-time buyer status, though exceptions exist for veterans and buyers in targeted census tracts. Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity does not specifically require first-time buyer status but prioritizes families with demonstrated housing need.
What are the income limits for Florence down payment assistance?
The City of Florence program follows HUD low-to-moderate income guidelines for the Florence metropolitan area. SC Housing programs have income limits that vary by county and household size. Habitat for Humanity requires applicants to earn between 30 and 60 percent of the area median income.
Can I combine multiple programs?
Yes. The City of Florence assistance can be layered with SC Housing first mortgage products and their associated down payment assistance. For example, a buyer could receive up to $20,000 from the city program plus up to $8,000 from SC Housing, potentially covering the entire down payment and closing costs on a $250,000 home.
What neighborhoods qualify for city assistance?
The City of Florence targets homes in North, Northwest, and East Florence. The North Pointe Subdivision qualifies for the highest assistance amount of up to $30,000. Other targeted areas qualify for up to 20 percent of the purchase price, capped at $20,000. Contact the Department of Community Services at (843) 665-3175 to confirm whether a specific property is in a qualifying area.
What is the typical closing cost in Florence?
Closing costs in Florence typically run about 2 to 3 percent of the purchase price. On a $250,000 home, expect approximately $6,250 in closing costs including attorney fees, title insurance, recording fees, and prepaid items like property taxes and homeowners insurance.
Program details, funding availability, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Always verify directly with the program administrator. This site is for educational purposes only. Not financial advice.