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The Strong-File Play

Conventional Construction Loans in St. Johns County — Build Anywhere, PMI That Cancels

No map. No income cap. No government fee. The conventional One-Time Close builds at any St. Johns County address — with mortgage insurance that actually goes away, a $832,750 ceiling that fits large custom builds, and one closing for land, construction, and your permanent mortgage.

Jim Blackburn · NMLS #1072866 · 7× Scotsman Guide Top Producer · $500M+ closed · (954) 993-1625

5%
Common Minimum Down
On total acquisition cost — larger down payments shrink or remove PMI entirely.
$832,750
2026 St. Johns County Limit
Well above FHA's $604,900 cap — room for serious custom builds.
Anywhere
In the County
St. Augustine to the most rural corner — no eligibility map.
Cancels
Mortgage Insurance
PMI removes at sufficient equity — FHA's typically never does.
Key Facts & Highlights

Key facts about the conventional construction loan in St. Johns County

  • The 2026 conforming loan limit for a one-unit home in St. Johns County is $832,750 — set by FHFA, and this figure is St. Johns's. Above it, the loan becomes jumbo construction. (FHFA conforming loan limit values)
  • Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac both support single-close construction-to-permanent financing — one approval, one closing, no requalifying at completion. (Fannie Mae Selling Guide — construction-to-permanent)
  • Down payments start as low as 3–5%, and gift funds from family can cover the down payment and closing costs on a primary residence. (Agency selling-guide gift-fund rules)
  • Conventional PMI cancels as equity grows — automatically at 78% of original value, or by request at 80% — unlike FHA mortgage insurance, which often runs for the life of the loan. (CFPB on PMI cancellation)
  • New construction is fully eligible through the conventional One-Time Close: land, site work, and construction in a single closing that converts to the permanent mortgage. (FDIC Affordable Mortgage Lending Guide)
  • St. Johns County permits, inspections, and septic approvals run through the county offices linked below — the same offices your builder will work with. (St. Johns County permitting)
Every City. Every Address.

Conventional builds in all of St. Johns County

Same freedom as FHA and VA — every community qualifies — with the pricing advantage that rewards strong credit and real down payments.

ElktonHastingsPonte VedraPonte Vedra BeachSaint AugustineSaint Johns

Income under the county limit and building outside St. Augustine? Price the $0-down USDA construction loan in St. Johns County first.

Four Programs, One County

Is conventional the right door for your St. Johns build?

FactorConventionalFHAUSDAVA
Down payment5% common3.5%$0$0
Where in St. Johns CountyAnywhereAnywhereEligible areas onlyAnywhere
Income capNoneNoneYes — county limitNone
Monthly mortgage insurancePMI — cancels at equity0.55% typical, often loan-life0.35% annual feeNone
2026 ceiling$832,750$604,900No set max (income-driven)No limit, full entitlement
Upfront government feeNone1.75% MIP1% guarantee feeFunding fee (waivable)
$0 Down · Income-Qualified

USDA in St. Johns County

Under the limit, outside the urban core? Nothing down.

USDA construction loans →
3.5% Down · Flexible Credit

FHA in St. Johns County

Lower down and wider credit flexibility than conventional.

FHA construction loans →
$0 Down · Veterans

VA in St. Johns County

Eligible? Usually the strongest paper in lending.

VA construction loans →
Build Resources

St. Johns County offices you'll actually use during a build

Permits & Inspections

Building Department

Permits, inspections, and fees for a new-construction home in St. Johns County.

sjcfl.us
Planning & Zoning

Planning Department

Setbacks, land use, and what your lot allows.

sjcfl.us
Parcels & Values

Property Appraiser

Parcel search and property records for every lot in the county.

sjcpa.gov
Maps

GIS / Parcel Viewer

Zoom to any parcel — boundaries, zoning, and flood layers.

sjcfl.us
Septic Permits

Health Department

OSTDS (septic) permitting for lots outside sewer service.

stjohns.floridahealth.gov
Well Permits

Water Management District

Well permitting for rural parcels.

sjrwmd.com
Deeds & Records

Clerk of Court

Deed recording once your land purchase closes.

stjohnsclerk.com
Utilities

Utilities Authority

Power and water service areas — or where well & septic take over.

sjcfl.us
County Directory

Settling into St. Johns County — every office in one place

Beyond the build: the civic links every new St. Johns County homeowner ends up needing.

Government

County Government

The county's official site — commissioners, departments, services.

sjcfl.us
Taxes

Tax Collector

Property taxes, titles, and registrations for your new address.

sjctax.us
Families

School District

Zoning and enrollment for your new neighborhood.

stjohns.k12.fl.us
Civic

Supervisor of Elections

Update your registration at your new address.

votesjc.gov
Safety

Sheriff's Office

Law enforcement for unincorporated St. Johns County.

sjso.org
Business

Chamber of Commerce

The local business network — including builders and trades.

sjcchamber.com
Explore

Visitors Bureau

What living here is actually like.

floridashistoriccoast.com
News

Local Newspaper

The county's news of record.

staugustine.com
Reference

Wikipedia & County Facebook

History, demographics, and the official county feed.

Wikipedia · Facebook
Common Questions

St. Johns County conventional construction loan FAQ — 61 answers from the guidelines

Sourced from agency selling guides and construction program guides, localized to St. Johns County. Reviewed by Jim Blackburn, NMLS #1072866. Click any question.

Program Basics7 Q

Who is a Conventional loan the strongest fit for in St. Johns County?
Buyers with a 680+ score and roughly 10% or more to put down — especially anyone building a second home, wanting removable mortgage insurance, or sitting above USDA income limits. If that sounds like you, Conventional deserves a first look. In St. Johns County — including around Elkton and Hastings — the same guideline applies.
Is a conventional loan only for people with perfect credit in St. Johns County?
No — that's the most expensive myth in mortgages. Conventional loans start at a 620 credit score, and automated underwriting weighs your whole file: income stability, assets, equity, reserves. Plenty of St. Johns County buyers with mid-600s scores close conventional every month. Stronger credit improves pricing, but 'perfect' was never the requirement.
What is HomeReady and could it help me build in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
HomeReady is Fannie Mae's affordable conventional program: 3% down, reduced mortgage insurance, flexible funding sources like gifts and grants, and even boarder income counting toward qualification. It's for borrowers earning up to 80% of the area median income. Freddie's Home Possible is the sibling program. For qualifying St. Johns County buyers, it can pair with new-construction purchases too.
What is the conforming loan limit in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
For 2026, the one-unit conforming limit in St. Johns County is $832,750, with higher limits for 2–4 unit properties. That's the ceiling for a standard conventional loan — including a construction-to-permanent loan — before jumbo pricing applies. It resets each year, so the number moves.
Should I choose a fixed rate or an ARM for my build in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Fixed-rate loans keep the payment identical for the full term — maximum certainty, and required for the 97% LTV option. ARMs start with a fixed period (5, 7, or 10 years) then adjust with the market. On construction loans, fixed is the St. Johns County default because you're already managing build-phase variables; but the right answer depends on how long you'll keep the home. We model both.
What is a conventional loan in St. Johns County?
A mortgage that isn't government-insured — no FHA, VA, or USDA backing — typically sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac under their guidelines. Down payments start at 3–5%, mortgage insurance is cancellable, and there are no income caps or geography rules. It's the most widely used financing in St. Johns County, for existing homes and new construction alike.
What loan terms are available on conventional loans in St. Johns County?
Fixed-rate terms of 10, 15, 20, and 30 years, plus 5-, 7-, and 10-year ARMs. The 30-year fixed is the most common on St. Johns County construction-to-permanent loans, but a 15- or 20-year term saves substantial interest for buyers with room in the budget. We show the amortization side by side and let you pick.

Eligibility & Credit8 Q

Can rental or ADU income help me qualify in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Yes — on a 2–4 unit build, projected rent from the other units counts as qualifying income per the appraiser's rent schedule. Accessory dwelling unit rent can be considered too under the right program. Build a duplex near Ponte Vedra Beach, and the tenant's rent is helping you qualify before a single brick is laid in St. Johns County.
What credit score do I need for a conventional loan in St. Johns County?
The published floor for manual underwriting is 620, and automated underwriting evaluates the full file rather than a single cutoff. Higher scores improve mortgage-insurance and pricing tiers, so there's a real payoff to each band you climb. If you're close but not there, we'll map the fastest score-building path before your St. Johns County build, not after.
Are there income limits on conventional loans in St. Johns County?
Standard conventional loans have no income limits at all — earn whatever you earn. Only the affordable programs (HomeReady/Home Possible) cap income, at 80% of area median, in exchange for their perks. So high earners aren't excluded and moderate earners get a discount lane. St. Johns County buyers fit somewhere on that spectrum, and we place you deliberately.
I own several properties already — can I still build conventionally in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Yes — conventional financing allows up to ten financed properties for investors, with reserve requirements that step up as the portfolio grows. Second-home and investment construction both work. This is where conventional runs laps around government programs, which are owner-occupied-only. St. Johns County portfolio builders live in conventional territory.
Do I need cash reserves for a conventional construction loan in St. Johns County?
Sometimes. Automated underwriting sets reserve requirements case by case — many primary-residence approvals need none, while manual underwriting, multi-unit builds, and investment properties can require two to six months of payments in the bank. Retirement accounts often count. We tell you the exact number for your St. Johns County scenario before you commit.
Is manual underwriting available on the construction program in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
No — the file must have an automated approval through Fannie Mae's Desktop Underwriter. That makes the pre-qualification run we do upfront genuinely meaningful: the same engine that decides is the one we test. In St. Johns County — including around Elkton and Hastings — the same guideline applies.
What's the maximum debt-to-income ratio on a conventional loan in St. Johns County?
With an automated approval, DTI can reach 50%. Manually underwritten files cap at 36–45% depending on compensating factors like reserves and credit. Remember the ratio uses gross income, and on a construction loan we qualify you on the full future payment — so your St. Johns County budget is honest from day one.
Does the conventional loan use my middle credit score in St. Johns County?
The representative score drives the decision — and it matters twice on construction: 680 gets you approved, 700 or higher waives requalification at completion. If you're sitting at 690, a few months of targeted credit work before closing can simplify your entire build. In St. Johns County — including around Elkton and Hastings — the same guideline applies.

Property, Land & Site6 Q

Can I use construction-to-permanent financing for a condo in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
No — attached condo units and co-ops are specifically excluded from construction-to-permanent financing under Fannie Mae guidelines. Detached homes, townhome-style attached units in PUDs, and 1–4 unit properties are the lane. If your St. Johns County plans involve a condo project, different financing structures apply and we'll walk you through them.
Can I finance a tiny home in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Tiny homes are treated as manufactured housing and must have at least 600 square feet of living area — which rules out most true tiny builds. If your plan clears 600 square feet on a permanent foundation, let's look at it. In St. Johns County — including around Elkton and Hastings — the same guideline applies.
Is there an acreage limit for conventional loans in St. Johns County?
No fixed cap — conventional guidelines care about the property being residential in character, not a working farm, with value supported by comparable sales. Large St. Johns County parcels finance regularly; the appraiser just needs similar acreage sales to lean on. We assess the comp landscape before you contract on big land.
Can I build a rental property with a conventional construction loan in St. Johns County?
Yes — investment-property construction works with 15% down on a one-unit build (25% on 2–4 unit investment). Projected market rent can support qualification, and building new often beats buying tired inventory on maintenance and insurability in St. Johns County. It's the investor lane no government program offers.
Can I build a second home with a conventional construction loan in St. Johns County?
Yes — second-home construction is fully supported, with as little as 10% down. This is territory government programs can't enter: FHA, VA, and USDA are owner-occupied-primary only. A vacation build near the water in St. Johns County runs on conventional financing, full stop.
Can I include an ADU or in-law suite in my conventional build in St. Johns County?
Yes — an accessory dwelling unit can be part of the plans on a one-unit build, and its rental income may even be considered in qualifying under the right program. Multigenerational living and rental offset are both strong St. Johns County plays. Zoning is the gatekeeper, so we confirm the parcel allows it before plans are drawn.

Construction & Builders20 Q

Can a builder use this program for a spec home in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
No — spec building isn't allowed. The program finances owner-occupied primary residences and second homes for the person who will own them. Builders benefit differently: a committed buyer, verified draws, and no construction-lending risk on their own books. In St. Johns County — including around Ponte Vedra Beach and Saint Augustine — the same guideline applies.
Are building permits required before draws in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Yes — building permits must be submitted before any construction funds are drawn. Your builder handles permitting with the local authority in St. Johns County; the draw process simply verifies it happened.
Do I have to requalify after the home is built in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
No — that's the defining promise of a single-close. You qualified once, before construction; conversion at completion is administrative, not a re-underwrite. Fannie Mae even provides document-age flexibility for construction timelines. A job change or market shift mid-build doesn't reopen your approval on a St. Johns County One-Time Close.
What kind of construction contract is required in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
A written, signed contract between you and a licensed general contractor, with full plans, specifications, an itemized cost breakdown, the price structure (fixed-price or cost-plus), timeline, and warranty terms. Fixed-price (turnkey) contracts are strongly preferred — they cap your risk. We review the St. Johns County contract before it goes to underwriting.
What standards must the finished home meet in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Local building code (verified by county inspections and the certificate of occupancy), plus completion per the plans the appraisal was based on. All improvements must be fully complete before the loan converts — the final inspection and completion report confirm it. St. Johns County code plus Florida's wind requirements set a genuinely high bar for new construction.
How much do I need down for a conventional construction loan in St. Johns County?
As little as 5% down on a primary residence in most cases, and qualified first-time buyers may go to 3% down (97% LTV) on a fixed-rate single-close build. Second homes start at 10% down and investment builds at 15%. In St. Johns County, land equity you already hold can count toward that requirement.
What can be rolled into a conventional construction loan in St. Johns County?
The land purchase or lot payoff, hard construction costs, site prep, permits, builder fees, a contingency reserve, closing costs on a refinance structure, and often the interest that accrues during construction. The goal is one loan carrying the whole St. Johns County project so you're not writing separate checks along the way.
Do draws go to my builder or to the subcontractors in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Directly to your builder — the program doesn't disburse to individual subs. The one exception is a modular unit invoice, which can be paid directly to the manufacturer. Your builder manages sub payments under the turnkey contract. In St. Johns County — including around Elkton and Hastings — the same guideline applies.
Is my financing protected during the months of construction in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Yes — that's the core advantage of a One-Time Close. Your permanent loan terms are established at closing, before ground breaks, and they carry through the entire build. Whatever the market does over the following months, your St. Johns County financing is already settled. Two-close structures can't promise that.
Can I include a garage or detached shop in my conventional build in St. Johns County?
Yes — attached garages, detached garages, and shop buildings can be in the construction budget as long as they're on the plans, permitted, and reflected in the appraisal. The appraiser needs St. Johns County comps that support the value of larger outbuildings, so we review that before plans finalize.
Is someone inspecting the quality of my build in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Every draw requires an independent third-party inspection with photos and a line-item completion report before funds release. It's progress verification rather than a code inspection — your local building department in St. Johns County handles code — but it means a professional set of eyes is on your project at every stage.
Who pays for cost overruns during construction in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
It depends on your contract and the cause. A fixed-price (turnkey) contract puts most overrun risk on the builder; a cost-plus contract leaves it with you. The contingency reserve inside the loan absorbs the first layer either way. This is why we push St. Johns County clients toward fixed-price contracts with a healthy contingency — the risk is decided before it happens.
Can my builder get an advance at closing to get started in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Programs vary — some allow a limited initial draw at closing for permits, materials deposits, and mobilization; others fund strictly on completed work. Any advance is documented in the draw schedule and offset against later draws. We set the expectation with your St. Johns County builder before closing so there's no day-one friction.
Who pays the interest that accrues during construction in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
You do, but there are two ways: pay it monthly as interest-only bills on drawn funds, or finance an interest reserve inside the loan that makes those payments for you. The reserve route means no construction-period payments at all — helpful when you're paying rent in St. Augustine while your St. Johns County home goes up.
Can family gift me land to build on in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Yes — gifted or inherited land is fully acceptable for a conventional construction loan, and its value can count toward your down payment and equity. Freddie Mac explicitly recognizes land acquired by gift, inheritance, or court award. A parcel carved off the family property in St. Johns County is one of the most common ways builds begin.
When do realtor commissions get paid on a construction deal in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
A commission paid by the land seller is paid at closing, when the land is paid off. A commission the builder owes per the contract pays at completion. Knowing the split keeps every party's expectations straight from day one. In St. Johns County — including around Elkton and Hastings — the same guideline applies.
What happens when construction is finished in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Three steps: final inspection confirms the home matches the appraised plans, the certificate of occupancy is issued, and the loan converts to permanent financing — automatically or via a simple modification agreement. Then you move in and regular payments begin. No second closing, no requalifying, no drama in St. Johns County.
What if the contract price changes before closing in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Notify us immediately — the construction department recalculates the file so your closing figures stay accurate. Price changes before closing are manageable; surprises at the closing table are not. In St. Johns County — including around Elkton and Hastings — the same guideline applies.
Does my builder have to be approved for a conventional construction loan in St. Johns County?
Yes — your builder must be licensed, insured, and registered with our construction partner before funds can flow. It's a straightforward package: license, insurance certificates, references, and financials. Most established St. Johns County builders complete it quickly, and we handle the coordination.
Do I make mortgage payments while my home is being built in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
During construction you typically make interest-only payments on the funds drawn so far — not the full mortgage payment. Some structures let interest accrue into the loan instead. Full principal-and-interest payments begin once the home is complete and the loan converts to permanent financing. We'll walk you through how your St. Johns County build would be structured.

Fees, Money & Timing8 Q

Can my closing costs be financed in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
If you own your lot, yes — closing costs can be financed through lot equity as long as the loan stays within 90% of value. Land you've held becomes working capital for the deal. In St. Johns County — including around Ponte Vedra Beach and Saint Augustine — the same guideline applies.
Who pays for the appraisal and draw inspections in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
The borrower, as with any loan — the plan-review appraisal runs somewhat above a standard appraisal, and each draw inspection carries a modest fee, all disclosed up front on your estimate. Some builders absorb inspection costs in the contract. No surprises: every St. Johns County fee is on paper before you commit.
How are builder deposits handled on a conventional build in St. Johns County?
Deposits you've paid the builder for plans or to reserve a slot are documented and credited to you within the transaction — they're part of your investment in the project, not lost money. Keep every receipt. Large deposits before loan approval carry risk, though: on a St. Johns County custom build, keep pre-closing deposits modest until financing is locked.
How does the construction term affect my cash to close in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Directly — the term drives the interest and soft-cost figures built into the transaction, so a 12-month selection costs more upfront than a 6-month one. We size the term to your builder's actual schedule, not a guess. In St. Johns County — including around Elkton and Hastings — the same guideline applies.
Can gift funds cover my down payment on a conventional loan in St. Johns County?
Yes — gifts from family members can cover the entire down payment and closing costs on a primary residence, with a simple gift letter and paper trail. Combine a cash gift with gifted or discounted family land and a St. Johns County build can launch with remarkably little of your own savings.
How do property taxes and insurance work during construction in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
During the build you'll typically carry a builder's-risk insurance policy (often through the builder) and pay taxes on the land value only. At conversion, standard homeowner's insurance takes over and the escrow account begins collecting for St. Johns County taxes and premiums with your regular payment. We line up the insurance handoff so there's never a coverage gap.
Are points and temporary buydowns allowed on conventional loans in St. Johns County?
Yes — discount points can permanently reduce your rate, and temporary buydowns (like 2-1 structures) can lower early payments, often funded by the builder as an incentive. On purchase-structured construction loans these are available within the interested-party contribution caps. We run the break-even math for your St. Johns County scenario so incentives are real, not cosmetic.
How long does approval take for a conventional construction loan in St. Johns County?
Pre-approval: usually a day or two. Full approval through closing: commonly 30–45 days once your builder's package and plans are complete, since the appraisal reviews the full plan set. The critical path is almost always builder paperwork, not your file — which is why we start the St. Johns County builder registration on day one.

Process, Docs & Underwriting7 Q

What documents do I need to apply for a conventional construction loan in St. Johns County?
Your side: pay stubs, W-2s or two years of tax returns if self-employed, bank statements, and ID. The project side: builder contract, plans and specs, cost breakdown, and land documentation (deed or purchase contract). We split the list cleanly between you and your St. Johns County builder so nobody duplicates effort.
How is underwriting different for a conventional construction loan in St. Johns County?
Your personal qualification is identical to any conventional loan. What's added is project underwriting: the builder's credentials, the contract, the cost breakdown, and an appraisal from plans. Think of it as approving the borrower and the build. Strong files with weak project documents stall — so we perfect both halves of every St. Johns County submission.
Will my documents expire during the months of construction in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Fannie Mae specifically allows extended document age on single-closing construction-to-permanent loans — credit and appraisal documents that would normally go stale are given room to accommodate build timelines. It's one of the quiet structural advantages of the single-close: your St. Johns County approval is built to survive the calendar.
What is the project calculation and why does it come first in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
It's the structured math of your entire deal — contract price, land, soft costs, interest, and term — run before underwriting so your loan amount and cash-to-close are right the first time. Deals structured correctly upfront don't blow up at the closing table. In St. Johns County — including around Elkton and Hastings — the same guideline applies.
What is the final inspection and completion certification in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
After the certificate of occupancy, the appraiser (or an approved inspector) issues a completion report confirming the home was built to the plans the value was based on. That report is the trigger for conversion to permanent financing. It's the last checkpoint of your St. Johns County build — and the moment the project officially becomes your home loan.
Can I switch lenders mid-process and keep my appraisal in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
No — appraisal transfers aren't accepted on this program; the as-completed appraisal is ordered fresh with the finalized contract and plans. If you're unhappy where you are, the restart is smaller than it feels. We'll show you the real timeline. In St. Johns County — including around Elkton and Hastings — the same guideline applies.
What happens between clear-to-close and closing day in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Underwriting clears the credit file, the construction department gives final project approval, and closing figures are prepared from the verified construction numbers. At closing you bring down payment, escrows, and closing costs — lot equity can offset both. In St. Johns County — including around Ponte Vedra Beach and Saint Augustine — the same guideline applies.

Comparisons5 Q

What happens if my project cost exceeds the conforming limit in St. Johns County on a conventional construction loan?
Above $832,750 (the 2026 one-unit limit in St. Johns County), the loan becomes jumbo construction — still very financeable, with larger down payments and full-documentation underwriting. Sometimes trimming the budget under the limit or applying more land equity keeps you conforming. We model both structures so you choose with the full picture.
New conventional construction loan vs HomeStyle Renovation in St. Johns County — which do I need?
Ground-up on vacant land is construction-to-permanent territory. Buying or owning an existing St. Johns County home that needs transformation — additions, gut remodel, hurricane hardening — is HomeStyle Renovation, one loan covering purchase-plus-rehab on the after-improved value. Tear-down-and-rebuild scenarios can go either way; we structure whichever fits the project.
Conventional vs VA construction — what's the difference in St. Johns County?
VA is exclusively for eligible veterans and service members: $0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance, an unbeatable combination when it applies. Conventional is open to everyone and adds second-home and investment builds VA doesn't cover. Veterans in St. Johns County should almost always look at VA first — and we'll show conventional beside it so the choice is proven, not assumed.
Conventional vs USDA construction loan in St. Johns County — how do I choose?
USDA One-Time Close offers $0 down but requires an eligible rural address and household income under the county limit. Conventional works at any St. Johns County address with no income cap, allows second homes and investments, and its PMI cancels. Rural site plus moderate income? USDA is hard to beat. Otherwise conventional carries the day. Dual-eligible families should see both priced together.
Building vs buying an existing home in St. Johns County — how does financing compare on a conventional construction loan?
Financing effort is nearly identical with a One-Time Close — one approval, one closing, just like a purchase. Building adds the builder package and a longer runway but delivers new-code construction, current wind mitigation (real insurance savings in Florida), zero deferred maintenance, and exactly the floor plan you want. With St. Johns County resale inventory aging, the build math deserves a genuine look.
Local Pulse

What's happening in St. Johns County

Axios · 2026-07-20

SPONSORED Whole Foods Market set to anchor new Durbin Park retail development

Major retail development anchored by Whole Foods signals commercial growth and increased amenities for St. Johns County residents and property values.

The Business Journals · 2026-07-02

New state law gives developers streamlined path to build on agricultural land in St. Johns County

Streamlined development approval process on agricultural land accelerates housing and development projects throughout St. Johns County.

Jacksonville Daily Record · 2026-07-21

Regional Project Update, Nassau and St. Johns Counties: D-BAT exploring site, Madison Seagrass multifamily community broke ground and more

Multiple commercial and multifamily projects underway demonstrate continued residential and economic development momentum in the county.

Updated automatically — sources are original local publishers.

Strong file? Make it work for you.

Jim Blackburn (NMLS #1072866) — $500M+ closed. Conventional priced against USDA, FHA, and VA on your actual numbers, every time.

Conforming loan limits are set by FHFA and subject to change. Program guidelines are subject to change. Educational content — not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of approval. Down payment and PMI treatment depend on qualification.

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