Updated 1/22/2026

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!

Minnesota

Minnesota Housing Start Up Program

• What It Offers: Provides up to $18,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
• Who Qualifies: First-time homebuyers with a credit score of at least 640.
• Income Limits: Varies by county and household size.
• Repayment: 0% deferred loan, repayable upon sale, refinance, or home no longer being the primary residence.
• Website: https://www.mnhousing.gov/homeownership/buy-a-home---refinance.html

Minnesota Housing Step Up Program

• What It Offers: Provides up to $14,000 in down payment assistance (Monthly Payment Loan option) for repeat homebuyers.
• Who Qualifies: Homebuyers using Minnesota Housing mortgage programs.
• Income Limits: Based on area median income (AMI).
• Repayment: Loan is repayable monthly over 10 years.
• Website: https://www.mnhousing.gov/homeownership/buy-a-home---refinance.html

St. Paul Down Payment Assistance Program

• What It Offers: Provides up to $40,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
• Who Qualifies: Homebuyers purchasing in St. Paul who meet income and credit requirements.
• Income Limits: Based on HUD guidelines.
• Repayment: 15-year deferred loan at 0% interest (not forgivable); repayable when the home is sold, refinanced, or no longer your primary residence.
• Status: As of August 2026, the program's application period is closed after reaching capacity; the city advises signing up for updates about future availability.
• Website: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/planning-and-economic-development/housing/citywide-downpayment-assistance-program

Minneapolis

• Assistance: Provides up to $20,000 in down payment assistance (amount can vary based on the specific "Minneapolis Homes" product cycle—e.g., Buildings vs Resale).
• Eligibility: Homebuyers purchasing within the city limits meeting income requirements.
• Repayment: 0% interest loan; often forgivable after a set affordability period (e.g., 5–30 years depending on the amount).
• https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/property-housing/housing/owning/down-payment-assistance/

Ramsey County

• Assistance: Provides up to $20,000 for standard first-time buyers (or up to $93,150 for first-generation buyers).
• Eligibility: First-time buyers earning 80% AMI or less; purchase price limit is approximately $372,600 (updated annually).
• Repayment: 0% interest deferred loan due upon sale or refinance (First-Gen portion may be forgivable).
• Status: As of August 2026, the FirstHome application portal is closed due to depleted funding, with reopening expected in late fall.
• More details at: https://www.ramseycountymn.gov/residents/property-home/homebuyer-homeowner-programs/homebuyer-assistance

City of Richfield

• Assistance: Offers up to $20,000 in zero-interest loans.
• Eligibility: First-time buyers (or those who haven't owned in 3 years).
• Repayment: Forgiven after 10 years of occupancy.
• Eligibility and program details can be found here: https://www.richfieldmn.gov/departments/community_development/housing/buying_a_home/first_time_homebuyer_program.php

Scott County

• Assistance: Provides a grant of up to $5,000 (updated for 2025) for down payment or closing costs.
• Eligibility: First-time buyers who attend the "Home Stretch" workshop and pre-purchase counseling.
• Repayment: This is a grant and does not need to be repaid.
• Learn more at: https://scottcda.org/resource/first-time-homebuyers/

City of Woodbury

• Assistance: Provides a deferred loan of up to 3.5% of the home's purchase price for down payment and closing costs; a below-market fixed rate applies, with a discounted rate for buyers 65+ or military veterans, and 0% interest for first-generation homebuyers.
• Eligibility: Purchase price limit is $451,500; gross household income limit is $158,000.
• Repayment: Payments are deferred until sale, refinance, or maturity (30 years).
• Program specifics are available here: https://www.woodburymn.gov/424/First-Time-Homeownership-Program

Hennepin County

• Assistance: Hennepin County largely administers funds through partner organizations (like NeighborWorks or the City of Lakes Community Land Trust) rather than a direct county-window program.
• Terms: The program's website doesn't explicitly outline the assistance type or repayment terms (grant vs. loan).
• Status: As of August 2026, Hennepin County's countywide homebuyer assistance fund is depleted, with no new funding expected until later this summer; NeighborWorks is listed as an alternative resource in the meantime.
• Contact: Email housing@hennepin.us for the current list of partner agencies.
• https://www.hennepincounty.gov/services/grants-funding-opportunities/housing-grants-funding/homeownership-assistance-fund

Anoka County

• Assistance: Provides up to $18,000 (county routes buyers to Minnesota Housing's Start Up loan), available through the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) or specific city programs (e.g., Coon Rapids Mortgage Assistance).
• Terms: Deferred loan — no monthly payments; repaid when you sell, refinance, transfer title, or it is no longer your primary residence.
• Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing in Anoka County.
• Details can be found here: https://www.anokacountymn.gov/163/First-Time-Home-Buyer

Updated 1/22/2026

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.