USDA Construction-Eligible County
Build a New Home in Martin County with $0 Down — USDA Construction Loans
One loan. One closing. Land, construction, and your permanent mortgage — with no down payment for qualified buyers. Across Martin County, outside Stuart's urban core, USDA-eligible territory lets you build instead of bidding on what's already standing.
Jim Blackburn · NMLS #1072866 · 7× Scotsman Guide Top Producer · $500M+ closed · (954) 993-1625
$0
Down Payment
USDA Guaranteed loans allow 100% financing for qualified buyers.
$119,850
Income Limit · 1–4 Person Household
$158,250 for households of 5–8. Total household income counts — not just the applicants.
No Cap
USDA Loan Limit
USDA Guaranteed loans have no set maximum — your qualifying income sets the ceiling.
1
Closing · Start to Finish
Financing locks before construction begins. No payments due until your home is complete.
Key Facts & Highlights
Key facts about the USDA construction loan in Martin County
Each point below is sourced from federal or county authorities. Verify any of them directly through the linked references.
- The USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed program allows up to 100% financing — no down payment — for qualified buyers in eligible areas of Martin County. (USDA Rural Development guaranteed loan program)
- New construction is explicitly eligible: new dwellings, new manufactured homes, and site preparation costs — grading, foundation, well, septic, driveway — can all be financed. (FDIC Affordable Mortgage Lending Guide)
- USDA Guaranteed loans carry no maximum loan amount — qualifying income sets the ceiling, not a county cap. (USDA Rural Development loan criteria)
- The 2026 USDA income limit for Martin County is $119,850 for a 1–4 person household and $158,250 for 5–8 — counting all adult household income. (USDA SFHGLP income limits)
- Property eligibility is determined per address on USDA's official map — eligibility can differ lot to lot, so nearby parcels can get different answers. (USDA official property eligibility lookup)
- Buyers above the income limit can build in Martin County with FHA financing up to $541,287 (2026) or conventional financing up to $832,750. (HUD FHA mortgage limits · FHFA conforming loan limit values)
- Martin County permits and inspections run through the county; deeds record with the Clerk of the Court. (Martin County government · Clerk of the Court official records)
How It Works
The One-Time Close: land + build + mortgage in a single loan
Around Stuart and the towns and acreage beyond it, buyers keep looking outward for buildable land — and that's exactly the territory where the USDA One-Time Close works. It wraps your land purchase, construction costs, and 30-year mortgage into one closing, before the first shovel hits dirt. Every file is guided personally by Jim Blackburn, NMLS #1072866.
One closing, start to finish
Lock your financing before construction begins, close once, and convert automatically to a standard 30-year mortgage when the home is done. Site-built, modular, and new double-wide manufactured homes may all qualify.
Honest expectations
Construction loans have more moving parts than a standard purchase: your builder must be registered, draws are paid only for completed work, and no work can begin before closing. We walk both you and your builder through every step.
Where It Works
Which parts of Martin County may qualify
USDA draws its eligibility lines by neighborhood, not by county or ZIP code — so the answer always comes down to the exact address. Broadly: Stuart's urban area is the county's main exclusion, and eligibility resumes quickly beyond it.
City-by-city eligibility picture
Largely Eligible
Hobe SoundIndiantownJensen BeachPalm CityPort Salerno
Partially Eligible
Stuart
Eligibility lines run through the urban core and its fast-growing edges — some addresses qualify, others don't. This is where verifying the exact lot matters most.
Based on the official USDA eligibility map. Final determination is always per-address — check yours below.
Why buyers pick USDA in Martin County
- No down payment for qualified households
- Guarantee fee typically costs less monthly than FHA mortgage insurance
- New construction and new manufactured homes are eligible
- Site work — well, septic, grading, driveway — can be financed
- Seller or builder can contribute up to 6% toward closing costs
For Those Who Serve
Military or veteran? You may have two $0-down ways to build in Martin County
USDA eligibility is about the place — VA eligibility is about the person. Veterans, Guard, and Reserve members live in every corner of Martin County, and your VA benefit travels with you. If you have VA eligibility and you're building in a USDA-eligible part of the county, both zero-down construction programs may be on the table.
| At a glance | USDA Construction Loan | VA Construction Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Down payment | $0 | $0 |
| Where you can build | USDA-eligible areas only (address-by-address) | Anywhere — including inside Stuart |
| Household income cap | Yes — 115% of area median income | None |
| Debt-to-income approach | Guideline ratios apply; some flexibility with strong compensating factors | Significantly higher DTI possible — no fixed cap; qualification is driven by residual income |
| Loan limit | No set maximum | None with full entitlement |
| Program fees | Upfront guarantee fee + annual fee (both can be financed) | One-time funding fee — waived for veterans with service-connected disability |
| Who can use it | Anyone within the income limit | Eligible service members, veterans & surviving spouses |
When USDA tends to fit
Your household income is within the county limit, your target address is in an eligible area, and your debt ratios are comfortable. Non-military buyers: this is your zero-down path.
When VA tends to fit
Your income is above the USDA cap, or your debt-to-income ratio is the hurdle — VA allows a significantly higher DTI than USDA, because qualification is driven by residual income rather than a fixed ratio cap. Also the fit if you want to build inside Stuart, or your funding fee is waived due to a service-connected disability.
When you qualify for both
That's a good problem. We run both programs side-by-side on your actual numbers — income, debts, the parcel you're eyeing — so you can choose with the full picture in front of you.
Program guidelines, fees, and qualifying standards are set by USDA and VA and are subject to change. This comparison is general information, not a loan offer or approval. Your scenario is reviewed individually.
Does your address qualify?
Eligibility lines cut through neighborhoods — two homes on the same road can get different answers. Check yours against the official USDA map right now.
Preliminary result only — final determination is made by USDA per exact address. Prefer to check it yourself? Use the official USDA eligibility lookup.
Common Questions
Martin County USDA construction loan FAQ — 81 answers from the guidelines
Sourced from the USDA handbook and construction program guides, localized to Martin County. Reviewed by Jim Blackburn, NMLS #1072866. Click any question.
Program Basics5 Q
Who backs USDA loans in Martin County?
USDA Rural Development guarantees the loan through the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP); private lenders like our team originate and close them for Martin County buyers.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
You must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. non-citizen national, or a qualified alien. Non-citizens legally admitted to the U.S. document their status with their USCIS number, and the lender verifies legal residency as part of the file. In Martin County — including around Palm City and Port Salerno — the same guideline applies.
How soon after closing do I have to move in on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Within 60 days of closing on a standard purchase. On a construction loan, occupancy applies once the home in Martin County is completed — you move in when it's done, and it must remain your principal residence.
Are USDA construction loans available in my state in Martin County?
The USDA program operates in all 50 states. Our team serves borrowers in every state except Massachusetts and New York, and eligibility comes down to the property in Martin County location and your household income — not which state you live in today.
What's the difference between USDA Guaranteed and USDA Direct loans in Martin County?
Guaranteed loans come from private lenders like our team and serve low-to-moderate income buyers — this is what most people mean by 'USDA loan.' Direct loans are made by USDA itself, only for low and very-low income applicants, through USDA offices. The construction program discussed here is the Guaranteed side. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
Property, Land & Site12 Q
What types of homes are eligible to build — stick-built, modular, manufactured on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Stick-built (site-built) and modular construction are both fully eligible. New manufactured homes qualify with site development, transport, and set-up costs financeable; existing manufactured homes older than 20 years at closing are not eligible. In Martin County — including around Palm City and Port Salerno — the same guideline applies.
What if my Martin County address shows ineligible with a USDA construction loan?
Eligible territory may sit minutes away — around Hobe Sound or Indiantown — and VA or FHA construction paths work anywhere in Martin County. An ineligible answer starts a conversation, it doesn't end one.
Can I buy the land and build the house with one USDA loan in Martin County?
Yes — that's the core of the One-Time Close. The lot purchase, site development, construction costs, and permanent mortgage all roll into a single $0-down loan with one closing. In Martin County — including around Palm City and Port Salerno — the same guideline applies.
Are condos eligible for USDA in Martin County?
Yes, when the project meets agency approval requirements — less common in rural Martin County, but eligible where they exist.
My land has a loan on it — can the USDA construction loan pay it off in Martin County?
In many cases the balance on your lot in Martin County loan can be paid off and rolled into the construction loan at closing, as long as the total stays within the appraised value of the completed home. We'll structure this during pre-approval.
Can eligibility maps change on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Yes — USDA reviews eligibility areas periodically using census data. An eligible Martin County address today is locked for your loan once you're under contract and approved, but maps can shift for future buyers.
Can I at least clear trees or grade the lot before closing on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
No — site clearing and grading count as construction. Any site improvement before closing renders the project in Martin County ineligible, full stop. The lot must sit untouched until the loan records; then your builder can move as fast as they like.
Can I build on family land that's being gifted or deeded to me on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Yes — gifted or family-deeded land is a common and workable scenario. Title needs to be properly transferred, and the land value still counts toward the transaction's equity just as if you'd purchased it. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
Is Stuart eligible for USDA loans in Martin County?
Stuart's urbanized core is generally excluded, but eligibility often resumes just past the city limits — many addresses with a Stuart mailing address qualify. Check the exact address, not the city name. In Martin County — including around Palm City and Port Salerno — the same guideline applies.
Does a Martin County home need to be on a paved road for USDA?
The property needs legal access and an all-weather road surface — common on Martin County's rural routes. Private roads work with a recorded maintenance agreement.
How much land can I buy with a USDA loan in Martin County?
There's no fixed acreage cap — the site must be typical for the area, and rural Martin County parcels around Palm City routinely qualify. The land just can't be primarily income-producing.
How much of the U.S. is actually eligible for USDA financing in Martin County?
More than 92% of U.S. landmass is USDA-eligible. Most people are shocked — entire counties, and the outskirts of many metro areas, qualify. The word 'rural' is doing a lot less gatekeeping than you'd think. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
Income & Limits8 Q
How does USDA count a new job for Martin County buyers?
Stable, documented employment income can qualify without a long history when continuity is likely — common for buyers relocating to Martin County for work near Stuart.
I'm slightly over the income limit in Martin County — now what with a USDA construction loan?
Run the deductions first; many families qualify after childcare and per-child adjustments. Still over? FHA (up to $541,287 in Martin County), conventional (up to $832,750), or VA construction for veterans — none have income caps.
Does overtime count for a USDA loan in Martin County?
With a documented history of consistent receipt, overtime can count as repayment income for your Martin County loan — and it always counts toward the household limit.
How is household size defined for a Martin County USDA loan?
Everyone who will live in the Martin County home: borrowers, children, extended family — the count that picks your income limit tier ($119,850 vs $158,250).
Do USDA loans have purchase price limits in Martin County?
No. In Martin County, Unlike some down-payment-assistance programs, USDA sets no maximum purchase price — the constraints are appraised value, your qualifying income, and the household income limit for your county.
Can self-employed income qualify for USDA in Martin County?
Yes — typically with two years of returns; Martin County tradespeople, farmers' market vendors, and small business owners qualify regularly.
Is there a minimum income for a USDA loan in Martin County?
No minimum — the question is whether your repayment income supports the payment on the Martin County home you want, within ratio guidelines.
Does child support count toward USDA income limits in Martin County?
Received child support counts toward household income; it can also count as repayment income with documented, reliable receipt. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
Credit & Ratios6 Q
What debt-to-income ratio does USDA allow in Martin County?
Baseline guidance is about 29% housing / 41% total, but GUS regularly approves Martin County files beyond it when compensating factors are strong.
What credit score do I need for a USDA loan in Martin County?
USDA sets no absolute minimum. Around 640, files flow through GUS automation cleanly; below that, manual underwriting with compensating factors can still approve a Martin County loan.
Can I get a USDA loan in Martin County after foreclosure?
Yes, generally after a three-year waiting period, with rebuilt credit — and extenuating circumstances can shorten the path for some Martin County buyers.
Can I use a co-borrower or co-signer on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Co-borrowers who will occupy the home in Martin County can be added and their income used to qualify. Non-occupant co-borrowers are not permitted on USDA loans — everyone on the note must intend to live in the home.
Do I need reserves for a USDA loan in Martin County?
Not required — but reserves are a powerful compensating factor, especially on construction files and manual underwrites in Martin County.
Can I get a USDA loan in Martin County after bankruptcy?
Yes, after standard waiting periods with re-established credit — Martin County buyers do it every year. Recent clean history matters more than old events.
Construction & Builders16 Q
How does a USDA construction loan work in Martin County?
One-Time Close: land, construction, and your 30-year mortgage close together before work begins on your Martin County build. Draws pay the builder for completed work; the loan converts automatically at completion.
Who inspects construction quality on my Martin County build with a USDA construction loan?
County building inspections run through the local permitting office, draw inspections verify stage completion, and a final completion inspection precedes conversion — three layers on every Martin County build.
What is a USDA One-Time Close (single-close) construction loan in Martin County?
One-Time Close means exactly that: one application, one approval, one closing, one set of closing costs. You close before construction starts, the home in Martin County gets built, and the loan automatically becomes your permanent 30-year fixed mortgage when it's done — no second closing and no re-qualifying.
How much money do I actually need out of pocket to build a home with a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Often very little. There's no down payment, closing costs can frequently be financed or covered by seller/builder contributions, and interim construction costs can be built into the loan. Your main out-of-pocket items are typically the appraisal, inspections, and any earnest money on the land. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
Can I build a barndominium in Martin County with a USDA loan?
Potentially — it must appraise as a typical residence with Martin County comparables and meet residential standards. Around Palm City, comparable availability is usually the deciding factor; we review plans case by case.
What is a plot plan and why is it required on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
A drawing showing the proposed placement of the home in Martin County, well, and septic on your property, including distances between them. Health departments and appraisers both rely on it, and on rural sites the separation distances between well and septic are regulated — the plot plan proves your layout works.
Can my builder get registered if they aren't already — and how long does that take on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Yes — most established builders can complete registration quickly, typically while the rest of your file is being processed. We send them the package and walk them through it, so it rarely adds time to the deal. In Martin County — including around Palm City and Port Salerno — the same guideline applies.
Can I be my own general contractor or self-build with a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Generally no — owner-builders are not permitted on the One-Time Close program. Construction must be performed by a registered, licensed builder under a fixed-price contract. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
How long do I have to complete construction on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Construction timelines typically allow up to 12 months from closing, which is why up to 12 months of loan payments can be financed into the loan to cover the build in Martin County period. Most single-family builds finish well inside that window.
Do I need two loans to build a house in Martin County — one for construction and one for the mortgage with a USDA construction loan?
Not with the USDA One-Time Close. The construction financing and the permanent 30-year mortgage are the same loan. You close once, and the loan simply converts to regular monthly payments when the home in Martin County is complete.
What happens if construction goes over budget on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
That's what the contingency reserve is for — up to 10% of the cost can be set aside from loan funds to absorb overruns. Beyond that, change orders are negotiated with the builder, which is also why a fixed-price contract matters. In Martin County — including around Palm City and Port Salerno — the same guideline applies.
Can I be my own builder on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
No — owner-builds aren't permitted. Your Martin County project requires a licensed, insured general contractor registered with our construction partner, under a fixed-price contract.
Can I make changes (change orders) to the plans after closing on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Minor change orders are possible through your builder, but the budget was approved at closing — significant changes that raise costs come out of contingency or your pocket. Finalize your selections before closing whenever possible. In Martin County — including around Palm City and Port Salerno — the same guideline applies.
Are subcontractor bids required on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Bids for foundation, well, and septic work are collected when applicable. They substantiate the cost breakdown numbers — evidence that the budget reflects real quotes, not guesses. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
How do construction draws work on a Martin County build with a USDA construction loan?
The builder is paid in stages for completed, inspected work — never upfront. Each draw on your Martin County project releases only after inspection confirms the stage.
Why do people say USDA construction loans only require one closing in Martin County?
Because USDA issues its Loan Note Guarantee right after closing — before the house is even built. That single guarantee covers both phases, so there's no need for a second closing, a second appraisal fee, or a second round of closing costs when construction wraps up. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
Manufactured & Modular4 Q
Do modular homes need the same paperwork as manufactured homes on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
No — modular homes are built to the same local building codes as site-built houses and are documented like site-built projects: full plans, specs, and inspections. The factory-title and HUD-foundation items that apply to manufactured homes don't apply to modular. In Martin County — including around Palm City and Port Salerno — the same guideline applies.
Can I trade in my old mobile home toward the new one on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Yes — a net trade-in credit can be applied within the transaction on manufactured home purchases. The trade value is documented and factored into the calculation, reducing what the loan needs to cover. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
What is an MCO or MSO on a manufactured home on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
The Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin — essentially the factory title document for the home. It's collected during the process and delivered to the settlement agent when the unit is paid off, then retired as the home becomes real property on your land in Martin County.
When does the factory get paid for a manufactured home on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
The first draw can pay the manufacturer's invoice before the home in Martin County even leaves the factory — provided the factory invoice is documented and insurance coverage is in place before transport. It's one of the few upfront-payment exceptions in construction lending, and it keeps factory orders moving.
Fees, Money & Timing10 Q
Can the seller or builder pay my closing costs on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Yes — contributions up to 6% of the price can cover closing costs and prepaids on your Martin County purchase or build (applied to actual charges, never cash back).
What if the appraisal comes in lower than the total cost to build on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
The loan amount must be supported by appraised value, so a shortfall means adjusting the budget with your builder, revisiting the plans, or bringing the difference in cash. We pressure-test the numbers against local comps before you're committed. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
Why can't the builder get reimbursed for materials sitting on site on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Because draws fund verified work in place — materials are credited once they're installed or, in defined cases, delivered and documented. It prevents the nightmare scenario of paid-for materials walking off an unfinished site. In Martin County — including around Palm City and Port Salerno — the same guideline applies.
Is sales tax included in the price of the home on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Yes — any sales or excise tax the builder or retailer will incur must be included in the base home price from the start. Taxes discovered late blow up budgets; taxes included early are just another line item. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
Can anyone put a lien on my property during construction on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Protecting clear title is exactly what the draw-inspection-title-update system is designed for: no other liens may attach to the property in Martin County before conversion. Verified draws mean paid subs, and paid subs mean no mechanic's liens. It's one more reason the structure exists.
When do my regular monthly mortgage payments start on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
After the home in Martin County is complete, passes final inspection, and the loan converts to its permanent phase. Your first regular payment follows conversion — the construction period itself is covered by the financed interim payments.
What fees are unique to a USDA construction loan (inspection fees, draw fees, interim costs) in Martin County?
Construction files add draw-inspection fees, an interim administration component, and title update costs during the build in Martin County — most of which can be financed within the loan. We itemize every construction-phase fee on your estimate upfront so nothing surprises you.
Can my rate change between closing and move-in on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
No. In Martin County, That's a core One-Time Close advantage — the permanent rate is locked at the single closing, so a rate spike during your 8–12 month build can't reach you.
Can closing costs be financed into a USDA loan in Martin County?
Uniquely, yes — when the appraised value exceeds the price, Martin County borrowers can finance closing costs up to the appraised value.
What closing costs should I expect on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
The standard stack — lender fees, title, appraisal, Florida doc stamps and intangible tax, prepaids — plus the guarantee fee. Our Closing Cost Calculator shows a full hypothetical Martin County worksheet.
Process, Docs & Underwriting12 Q
What is a CAIVRS check on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
CAIVRS is a federal database screening for delinquent federal debt — defaulted student loans, prior government-backed loan losses, and similar. Delinquent federal debt must be resolved before a USDA loan can close, so if you suspect an issue, tell us early and we'll map the fix. In Martin County — including around Palm City and Port Salerno — the same guideline applies.
Can I use USDA to buy and renovate in Martin County?
Purchase-with-repairs options exist; for major work, the construction path is usually cleaner. We match the Martin County project to the right structure.
I don't have much credit history — can my rent payments help me qualify on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Yes. In Martin County, When credit is limited, the underwriter can consider a bona fide verification of rent from your landlord or 12 months of cancelled rent checks. A clean rent history is powerful evidence you can handle a housing payment.
I'm relocating to Martin County for work — can I use USDA?
Yes — relocation buyers with documented continuing employment use USDA constantly; eligible communities like Hobe Sound sit within commuting range of Stuart's employers. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
How is the appraisal done on a home that doesn't exist yet on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
The appraiser values the property in Martin County 'subject to completion' using your plans, specifications, and cost breakdown plus comparable sales of similar completed homes. The loan is based on that as-completed appraised value.
Can the process be done remotely, or do I need to visit an office on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
The entire loan side can be handled remotely — application, documents, and disclosures are all digital, with closing arranged locally to you. You'll want to be present for builder walk-throughs, but the financing never requires an office visit. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
Do I need USDA's approval in addition to the lender's approval in Martin County?
Yes — two green lights. The lender underwrites your file, then submits it to USDA Rural Development, which issues a Conditional Commitment confirming the government guarantee. Both happen before closing; we manage the hand-off. In Martin County — including around Palm City and Port Salerno — the same guideline applies.
Can a non-occupying co-borrower be added to a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Acceptable non-occupying co-borrowers can be permitted on the government One-Time Close programs, with the file evaluated through the automated underwriting findings. The home must still be the primary residence of the occupying borrower(s). If a parent or relative is helping you qualify, tell us up front and we will structure it correctly from the start. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
How do I document my earnest money deposit on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
All earnest money must be verified, sourced, and documented — meaning we can trace where it came from and see it clear your account. Keep copies of the check and your bank statement showing the withdrawal; it counts toward your transaction requirements. In Martin County — including around Palm City and Port Salerno — the same guideline applies.
Is my USDA construction loan treated as a purchase or a refinance in Martin County?
If you're purchasing the lot at closing, USDA treats the transaction as a purchase. If you already own the land, the structure adjusts accordingly — either way it's one closing, and we handle the classification behind the scenes. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
Will the lender pull my credit again before construction finishes on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
On the USDA One-Time Close, no requalification occurs once the loan has closed — the approval you earned at closing carries through completion. Still, smart practice during any build: no new debts, no new credit lines, no surprises. In Martin County — including around Palm City and Port Salerno — the same guideline applies.
Can I stack down payment assistance (DPA) on top of a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
No — DPA programs are not permitted with the One-Time Close construction product. The good news: with USDA's 100% financing, the down payment DPA would normally cover is already $0. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
Comparisons6 Q
USDA vs FHA in Martin County — which is cheaper?
USDA: $0 down and a 0.35% annual fee. FHA: 3.5% down and typically 0.55% MIP, often for the loan's life. Where the Martin County address qualifies and income fits, USDA usually wins the monthly math.
What does a conventional USDA construction loan require for down payment and credit in Martin County?
Typically 10% down (90% LTV) with a 680 minimum score — 700 for manufactured. Compare that to USDA at $0 down and 640, and you see why we check USDA eligibility first for every construction client. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
USDA construction vs buying existing in Martin County — cost difference?
Building adds time but buys a new-everything home at as-completed value with $0 down; existing purchases close faster but compete for thin Martin County inventory. We compare both on your actual budget.
Can I switch from FHA to USDA later on my Martin County home?
Refinancing between programs is possible when eligibility fits — but choosing right the first time on your Martin County purchase beats fixing it later.
Which program allows the longest construction period on a USDA construction loan in Martin County?
All the OTC programs run standard terms up to 9 months, with 12-month terms available on an exception basis. If your builder's realistic timeline exceeds a year, that's a conversation to have before choosing the program — not month eleven. In Martin County — including around Palm City and Port Salerno — the same guideline applies.
Can I include a barn, guesthouse, or pool if I use a conventional USDA construction loan in Martin County?
Conventional programs may allow pools, barns, and guesthouses when comparable sales support the value — evaluated case by case. USDA does not permit them in the project in Martin County. If the outbuilding is essential to the plan, that pushes the decision toward conventional.
Refinance & Rehab2 Q
Can I refinance my USDA construction loan later — what are my options in Martin County?
Once your loan converts to its permanent phase, it's a standard USDA loan with three refinance paths: Streamlined, Streamlined-Assist, and Non-Streamlined. Each fits a different scenario — from minimal-documentation rate improvement to a full new appraisal that can add or remove borrowers. In Martin County — including around Palm City and Port Salerno — the same guideline applies.
Can I refinance out of a USDA loan into a conventional loan once I have equity in Martin County?
Yes — nothing locks you in. Once your equity and profile support it, refinancing to conventional can eliminate the annual fee. Whether that math wins depends on your remaining fee, new terms, and closing costs; it's a calculation we can run with you anytime. In Martin County — including around Hobe Sound and Indiantown — the same guideline applies.
Build Resources
Martin County offices you'll actually use during a build
Every link below points to the official county or state authority — the same offices your builder, surveyor, and closing agent will work with.
Permits & Inspections
Building & Permitting
Building permits, inspections, and fees for a new-construction home in Martin County.
martin.fl.us Zoning & Land Use
Planning & Zoning
Zoning, land-use, and setback rules that shape what you can build on your lot.
martin.fl.us Parcels & Values
Property Appraiser
Parcel search, GIS maps, and property records for every lot in the county.
pamartinfl.gov Parcel Maps
GIS / Parcel Map
Locate a parcel, confirm boundaries, and check the lay of the land before you buy.
martin.fl.us Septic Permits
Health Dept — Septic
Onsite sewage (septic) permitting for rural lots without sewer service.
martin.floridahealth.gov Well Permits
Water Management District
Well permitting for parcels served by private water.
sfwmd.gov Deeds & Records
Clerk of the Court
Deed recording and official records once your land purchase closes.
martinclerk.com Utilities
Utilities
Power and water service where available; most rural builds use private well + septic.
martin.fl.us County Directory
Every Martin County office & resource — verified links
Beyond the build offices above: the county's full civic directory. Moving here means knowing these.
Families
School District
Schools, zoning, and enrollment — the #1 question for relocating families.
martinschools.org Business
Chamber of Commerce
Local business network and relocation resources.
stuartmartinchamber.org Explore
Visitors Bureau
What living here actually looks like — parks, trails, and events.
discovermartin.com Local Pulse
What's happening in Martin County
Treasure Coast News · 2026-07-21
Home prices rise in all but 1 Treasure Coast county as inventory drops
Declining housing inventory across most Treasure Coast counties is driving home price appreciation in Martin County.
WPTV · 2026-07-01
Own a manufactured home? Here's how to qualify for Florida's new repair funding
New state funding programs now available to help manufactured homeowners finance repairs and improvements.
WPTV · 2026-07-21
Martin County receives $10M land donation to preserve scrub habitat and prevent development
Large land preservation donation removes significant acreage from future development, potentially affecting future building capacity.
Updated automatically — sources are original local publishers.
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USDA Construction Loans by Florida County
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* No USDA-eligible areas — see VA and FHA construction options for these counties.
USDA eligibility is determined solely by USDA Rural Development based on property location and household income — verify any address at the official USDA eligibility lookup. VA eligibility is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Income limits, loan limits, and program guidelines reflect published 2026 figures and are subject to change. This page is educational and is not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of approval.