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!

Oregon

Oregon Bond Residential Loan Program

  • Assistance: Provides cash assistance equal to 3% of the loan amount to help with closing costs.

  • Terms: The assistance is often structured as a silent second mortgage or grant depending on the specific lender implementation, but it typically comes with a slightly higher interest rate on the first mortgage compared to the "Rate Advantage" option.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers (not owned in 3 years) with a minimum credit score of 620. Income and purchase price limits apply.

  • More Information: https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/homeownership/lenders-real-estate-professionals/pages/oregon-bond.aspx

Oregon Individual Development Account (IDA) Initiative

  • Assistance: A powerful matched savings program. Participants typically receive a 5:1 match (up to $12,000 or more in matching funds) on their savings.

  • Terms: Grant (Match). No repayment is required once you complete the savings goal and financial education.

  • Eligibility: Low-to-moderate income residents (typically 80% AMI). Requires enrollment before you buy, usually 6–12 months in advance.

  • More Information: Oregon IDA Initiative

OHCS Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $60,000 or 20% of the purchase price (whichever is less) for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Forgivable second lien.
    • 0% interest with no monthly payments.

    • Forgiven fully after 5 years of owner-occupancy.

  • Eligibility: Focuses on "First-Generation Homebuyers" (those whose parents/guardians have not owned a home). Income limits apply (typically 100% AMI).

  • More Information: OHCS Down Payment Assistance

Portland Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL)

  • Assistance: Provides up to $80,000 (amounts can vary by Urban Renewal Area/neighborhood) for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Forgivable loan.
    • 0% interest, no monthly payments.

    • Forgiven after 15 years if the buyer remains in the home.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within Portland city limits; household income caps apply (usually 80% or 100% AMI depending on the funding source).

  • More Information: Portland Housing Bureau DPAL

Portland Housing Center Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP)

  • Assistance: Offers a second mortgage of up to $80,000 (MAP 80) to cover 20% of the purchase price, eliminating the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI).

  • Terms: Fixed-interest rate loan (often 30 years). Repayment is required (this is not a grant).

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers working with the Portland Housing Center.

  • More Information: Portland Housing Center

Springfield Home Ownership Program (SHOP)

  • Assistance: Provides between $10,000 and $35,000 (updated from the older $7k limit) depending on your income tier.

  • Terms: Deferred 0% interest loan.
    • No payments for the first 5 years.

    • Forgiven 20% per year during years 6 through 10.

    • Fully forgiven after 10 years of residency.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing in Springfield. Income must be at or below 80% AMI.

  • More Information: Springfield SHOP Program

NeighborImpact Down Payment Assistance (Central Oregon)

  • Assistance: Provides a loan of up to 20% of the purchase price to eliminate PMI.

  • Terms: Amortized Loan. This is a 30-year loan with monthly payments (interest rate is typically capped at 2% above your first mortgage rate). It is not forgivable.

  • Eligibility: Low-to-moderate income first-time buyers in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties.

  • More Information: NeighborImpact Down Payment Assistance

DevNW

  • Services: Provides down payment assistance, homebuyer education, and counseling services in various regions of Oregon.

  • More Information: DevNW Homebuyer Assistance

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.