Updated 1/26/2026

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!

Texas 

Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program

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

  • Terms: Offers two options:
    • Grant: True gift (never repaid), but typically comes with a slightly higher interest rate.

    • Deferred Forgivable Loan: 0% interest second lien. Forgiven after 3 years if you remain in the home.

  • Eligibility: Low-to-moderate income homebuyers (both first-time and repeat). Income limits vary by county.

  • More Information: TSAHC Home Sweet Texas Program

TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to 5% of the loan amount (Grant or Forgivable Loan options similar to above).

  • Eligibility: Specific to Teachers, Firefighters, Police, EMS, Corrections Officers, and Veterans.

  • Terms: Forgivable after 3 years (for the loan option). No repayment if you stay for the full term.

  • More Information: TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) My First Texas Home Program

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

  • Terms: 0% interest second loan.
    • Forgivable: Forgiven after 3 years.

    • Deferred: Repayable upon sale/refinance (this option sometimes offers a lower interest rate on the first mortgage).

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers (and veterans) with a minimum credit score of 620.

  • More Information: TDHCA My First Texas Home

TDHCA My Choice Texas Home Program

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

  • Eligibility: Repeat Homebuyers (no first-time requirement). Minimum credit score of 620.

  • Terms: Similar to the "My First" program (3-year forgivable or 30-year deferred options).

  • More Information: TDHCA My Choice Texas Home

City of Houston Homebuyer Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $50,000 (updated from $30k) for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Forgivable deferred loan. Forgiven after 5 years of residency.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within Houston city limits. Household income must be at or below 80% AMI.

  • More Information: Houston Homebuyer Assistance

City of Dallas Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program (DHAP)

  • Standard Assistance: Up to $50,000.

  • High Opportunity Areas: Up to $60,000.

  • Terms: Forgivable deferred loan. Loan terms range from 5 to 10 years depending on the amount of assistance.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers with income at or below 80% AMI purchasing within Dallas city limits.

  • More Information: Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program

City of Austin Down Payment Assistance

  • Assistance: Provides up to $40,000 for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Deferred 0% interest loan. Repayment is deferred until the home is sold, refinanced, or no longer owner-occupied. (Some terms may allow for forgiveness after a long affordability period, typically 5-10 years).

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within Austin city limits; income limits apply (80% AMI).

  • https://www.austintexas.gov/homebuyer

City of San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP 80)

  • Assistance: Provides between $1,000 and $15,000 for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms:
    • 75% of the loan is forgiven over 10 years.

    • 25% of the loan is a perpetual 0% deferred loan (repaid only when you sell).

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing in San Antonio. Income limit is generous (up to 120% AMI).

  • More Information: San Antonio HIP 80 Program

City of Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $25,000 for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Forgivable loan.
    • Assistance <$14,999: Forgiven after 5 years.

    • Assistance >$15,000: Forgiven after 10 years.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within Fort Worth city limits. Income at or below 80% AMI.

  • https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/neighborhoods/services/hap

Travis County Down Payment Assistance Program

Southeast Texas Housing Finance Corporation (SETH) 5 Star Texas Advantage Program

  • Assistance: Provides down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a grant.

  • Eligibility: Available to homebuyers in various counties, including Harris County (Houston).

  • More Information: SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program

Updated 1/26/2026

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.