Updated 1/21/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.

Connect with a DPA team

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!

Louisiana

Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) Homebuyer Programs

  • What It Offers: Provides up to 4% (sometimes up to 5% or 9% depending on the specific product) of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs.

  • Who Qualifies: First-time and repeat homebuyers with a minimum credit score of 640.

  • Income Limits: Varies by parish and household size.

  • Repayment: Assistance is often a second lien that may be forgivable or repayable depending on the specific option chosen (e.g., some are forgiven over time, others are repayable upon sale).

  • Website: https://www.lhc.la.gov/down-payment-assistance-homebuyers

Resilience Soft Second Program 

  • What It Offers: Provides up to $55,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.

  • Who Qualifies: Homebuyers purchasing within New Orleans or Baton Rouge who meet income requirements.

  • Income Limits: Based on HUD guidelines.

  • Repayment: Forgivable after 10 years if the buyer remains in the home.

  • Website: https://www.lhc.la.gov/soft-second

LHC Keys for Service

  • What It Offers: Provides 4% of the loan amount (or up to $10,000) in down payment assistance.

  • Who Qualifies: Active full-time employees of a Louisiana-based employer in eligible fields (Education, First Responders, Healthcare).

  • Repayment: Forgivable after 5 years.

  • Website: https://www.lhc.la.gov/keys-for-service

The Finance Authority of New Orleans (FANO) Homebuyer Assistance

  • What It Offers: Provides up to 5% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs.

  • Who Qualifies: Homebuyers purchasing in New Orleans who meet credit and income requirements.

  • Income Limits: Based on HUD guidelines.

  • Repayment: Forgivable after a set period.

  • Website: https://financenola.org/down-payment-assistance/

Jefferson Parish Finance Authority (JPFA) Southern Mortgage Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides 3% or 4% of the loan amount as down payment assistance.

  • Eligibility: Buyers with a credit score of 640+; income limits apply.

  • Repayment: Assistance is a 0% interest second mortgage, forgiven after 5 years.

  • Website: https://jpfinanceauthority.com/our-programs/

Lake CharlesDown Payment Assistance Program

Shreveport Home Ownership Assistance Program (HAPPI)

  • Assistance: Provides up to 20% of the sales price or appraised value, capped at $10,000 for existing homes (or $20,000 for new construction in targeted areas).

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers with income at or below 80% AMI.

  • Website: https://www.shreveportla.gov/715/Home-Ownership-Assistance

Lafayette First-Time Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance

  • Assistance: Provides a loan of up to $11,000 for down payment and/or closing costs.

  • Eligibility: First-time buyers meeting income requirements; must complete the Home Ownership Training (HOT) course.

  • Repayment: Secured by a second mortgage with a 2% interest rate, repayable over 15 years.

  • Website: https://www.lafayettela.gov/DP/community-services/first-time-homebuyer

Baton Rouge Capital Advantage Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to 5% of the final loan amount as a grant for down payment, closing costs, prepaid items, or mortgage insurance buyout.

  • Eligibility: Homebuyers must meet credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and income limits based on parish.

  • Website: https://thecafa.org/homebuyers/capital-advantage-program

Finance Authority of St. Tammany Soft Second

  • Assistance: Provides a grant of 2% to 6% of the loan amount.

  • Eligibility: Homebuyers meeting income and purchase price limits in St. Tammany Parish.

  • Repayment: This is a grant and does not have to be repaid.

  • Website: http://www.stpfinanceauthority.com/

Updated 1/21/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.