Housing Assistance Purchase Program Yearly (HAPPY)

Opening Doors to Homeownership in Westlake

The Housing Assistance Purchase Program Yearly (HAPPY) is a City of Westlake initiative designed to support attainable and workforce homeownership opportunities within our community. Through financial assistance toward down payment, closing costs, interest rate buydowns, and other eligible housing expenses, the program helps qualified buyers achieve homeownership within the City of Westlake.

The City of Westlake has partnered with Minto PBLH, LLC and the Westlake Community Foundation to provide funding opportunities that support homeownership, workforce retention, and long-term community sustainability.

Program Benefits

Eligible applicants may receive housing assistance in the form of a:

Award amount up to $65,000
0% interest deferred forgivable second mortgage
10-year affordability period
Annual loan forgiveness schedule

Assistance May Be Used For:

Down Payment
Closing Costs
Interest Rate Buy Downs

Assistance amounts are determined through the City's affordability review and underwriting process based on applicant need, eligibility, available funding, and overall program objectives.

Who May Qualify?

1. Receive a pre-approval letter from a lender you choose.

2. Secure a new construction home in Westlake, Florida.

3. Apply for the HAPPY program at least 45 days prior to closing.

What You Can Receive

Up to $65,000 in assistance
0% interest, forgivable loan overtime
Awarded amount can be used for:
- Down Payment
- Closing Costs
- Interest Rate Buydown

Who qualifies?

First-Time Homebuyers

Applicants must not have owned or occupied a primary residence within the previous three (3) years.

Community Retention Consideration

Current Westlake residents who have continuously occupied their primary residence within the City of Westlake for at least three (3) years may be considered for participation when purchasing another primary new construction residence within Westlake.

Income-Qualified Applicants

Combined household income of all household members age 18 and older occupying the home as their primary residence may not exceed 140% of the applicable Area Median Income (AMI), adjusted for household size.
Please refer to the current HAPPY Program Income Limits chart for maximum household income limits.

Occupationally Qualified Applicants

At least one applicant or co-applicant must be employed full-time in an occupation recognized under Florida's Hometown Heroes Housing Program.
Occupationally qualified households may have a combined gross annual household income of up to $300,000.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be purchasing a new construction home located within the City of Westlake
The new construction home may not exceed the purchase price max of $679,324
Occupy the home as their primary residence
Be United States Citizens
Contribute a minimum of 3% of the purchase price toward the transaction through eligible sources

While program guidelines must be met, we encourage all interested applicants to apply. Each application is carefully reviewed, and our team will reach out if additional information is needed. You are also welcome to contact us directly to better understand your eligibility.

Eligible Properties

At this time, HAPPY Program assistance is available for the purchase of new construction homes located within the incorporated boundaries of the City of Westlake, Florida.

Investment properties, vacation homes, short-term rentals, and non-owner-occupied properties are not eligible.

How the HAPPY Program Works

Obtain a mortgage pre-approval from a lender
Enter into a purchase sales agreement to purchase a new construction home within the City of Westlake
Complete the HAPPY Program Pre-Application at leats 45 days prior to closing, it is encouraged to apply as soon as sales agreement is in place.
Once reviewed and deemed pre-eligible, you will receive an official HAPPY Program Application to complete

Important Information Before Submitting a Pre-Application

Submission of a pre-application does not guarantee funding or program approval.
Funding is subject to program eligibility requirements and availability of funds.
All borrowers, co-borrowers, and individuals with an ownership interest in the property must be disclosed during the application process.
Applicants may be required to provide additional documentation during the review process.
Providing false, incomplete, or misleading information may result in denial, rescission of an award, or other legal consequences.

For questions regarding eligibility, application requirements, participating lenders, or the HAPPY Program process, please contact the City of Westlake Housing Department at 561-530-5880 Ext. 114