Updated 1/23/2026

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!

Missouri

Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) First Place Loan Program

  • What It Offers: Provides up to 4% of the loan amount in down payment and closing cost assistance.

  • Who Qualifies: First-time homebuyers and veterans using an MHDC loan.

  • Income Limits: Based on county and household size.

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

  • Website: https://mhdc.com/services/homebuyer-programs/first-place/

MHDC Next Step Program

  • What It Offers: Provides down payment assistance for repeat homebuyers.

  • Who Qualifies: Homebuyers using MHDC mortgage programs.

  • Income Limits: Based on area median income (AMI).

  • Repayment: Loan is repayable monthly over 10 years.

  • Website: https://mhdc.com/services/homebuyer-programs/next-step/

City of St. Louis Homebuyer Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $50,000 in down payment assistance (via ARPA/CDA funds) for eligible buyers, or standard amounts of $5,000–$10,000 through other city initiatives.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within St. Louis city limits.

  • Repayment: Generally a 0% interest forgivable loan (term depends on the amount received, often 5–10 years).

  • Website: https://www.developstlouis.org/homestl

St. Charles County

  • Assistance: Offers a zero-interest loan of up to $10,000.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing in the "Urban County" (St. Charles City, St. Peters, Cottleville, Wentzville, etc.).

  • Repayment: Deferred loan (no monthly payments); forgiven after 5 years if the buyer remains in the home.

  • More Information: https://www.sccmo.org/313/Down-Payment-Loan-Program

City of Columbia

City of Springfield

  • Assistance: Provides $5,000 to $10,000 (or up to $35,000 for very low-income households) in down payment and closing cost assistance.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within the city limits.

  • Repayment: 0% interest deferred loan, forgivable over 5 or 10 years depending on the loan amount.

  • More Information: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/685/Down-Payment-Assistance

Jefferson City

Updated 1/23/2026

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.