A Guide to Connecticut's Local Down Payment Assistance Programs
Last update: 1/15/2026
These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. You should have enough info here to go it alone, but to make it easier, if you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and a lender with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.
How Down Payment Assistance Works
I need to give a quick overview of how down payment assistance works. After that, the programs are listed.
With down payment assistance, you'll run into two different types:
- A grant
- A loan
A Grant
If we meet the qualifications up front, then it's money that does not need to be repaid.
A Loan
If the down payment assistance comes in the form of a loan, then pay attention to the three different types:
- Repayable
- Deferred
- Forgivable
Repayable is just as most imagine. It charges interest over a certain amount of time, with monthly payments until it's paid off.
Deferred loans usually don't require a monthly payment, and typically don't charge interest. It's due in full when you refinance, sell the home, or when it ceases to be your primary residence.
Forgivable loans will disappear if you meet the criteria, which usually comes down to keeping the home as your primary residence for a specific amount of time.
Okay with that, here are the programs!
Connecticut
CHFA Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP)
- Offers low-interest second mortgage loans up to $15,000 for down payment and closing costs
- For first-time homebuyers or buyers in targeted areas; must qualify for CHFA first mortgage
- Repayable monthly loan (not forgivable)
- Active
- https://www.chfa.org/homebuyers-homeowners/homebuyers/downpayment-assistance-program-dap-loan/
HDF SmartMove and Related Programs
- Up to 25% of purchase price in low-interest or forgivable second loans; other programs offer $25Kâ$28K
- For first-time buyers under income limits; must complete counseling
- Terms vary by program (low-interest or forgivable)
- Active
- https://hdfconnects.org/downpayment-closing-costs-assistance/
Time To Own Forgivable Down Payment Assistance Loan
- 0% interest loan up to $25,000 (20% down payment, 5% closing costs)
- Must be a CT resident for 3+ years and qualify for CHFA mortgage
- Forgiven 10% per year over 10 years
- Active
- https://www.chfa.org/homebuyers-homeowners/homebuyers/time-to-own-down-payment-assistance-program-loan/
Fairfield First Time Homebuyer Assistance
- Up to $30,000 deferred loan for down payment + $2,500 closing cost grant
- For income-eligible first-time buyers purchasing in Fairfield
- Loan repayable at sale/refinance; grant is forgivable
- Active
- https://www.fairfieldct.org/service/community___economic_development/community_development/homebuyer_assistance_program.php
Bridgeport Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance
- Forgivable loan up to $25,000
- For first-time buyers under 80% AMI purchasing in Bridgeport
- Forgiven after 5â10 years based on loan amount
- Active
- https://www.bridgeportct.gov/government/departments/housing-community-development/first-time-homebuyer-down-payment-closing-cost-assistance-program
Hartford HouseHartford Program
- Up to $40,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs
- For first-time buyers under 80% AMI purchasing in Hartford
- Forgivable over 5â15 years based on assistance amount
- Active
- https://www.hartfordct.gov/Government/Departments/DDS/DDS-Services/Homebuyer-Assistance
New Haven Down Payment Assistance
- Up to $10,000 forgivable loan
- For first-time buyers under 80% AMI purchasing in New Haven
- Forgiven over 5 years
- Active
- https://www.newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/economic-development-administration/housing-administration-and-development/homebuyers
Hamden Down Payment Assistance Grant
- Dollar-for-dollar match up to $15,000
- For first-time buyers under 80% AMI purchasing in Hamden
- Likely forgivable if owner-occupancy conditions are met
- Active
- https://www.hamdenedc.com/down-payment-assistance/
Last update: 1/15/2026
These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. You should have enough info here to go it alone, but to make it easier, if you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and a lender with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.