Colorado Down Payment Assistance 2026: CHFA SecondStep $25K
Updated August 2, 2026 · 10 min read · By Sarah Mitchell, VA/FHA Specialist
TL;DR: CHFA SecondStep gives up to $25,000 (or 4% of purchase price) as a deferred second mortgage at 0% interest. No monthly payments. Combined with a CHFA FirstStep (FHA) or Preferred (conventional) first mortgage at below-market rates starting at 5.99%. Check if you qualify →
$25K
Max DPA (or 4% of price)
0%
Interest on DPA (deferred)
620
Min credit score
5.99%
CHFA FirstStep rate (below-market)
CHFA SecondStep — Up to $25K at 0% Interest
Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) offers SecondStep — up to $25,000 or 4% of the purchase price (whichever is greater) as a deferred second mortgage at 0% interest. No monthly payments. Repaid only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. Combined with a CHFA FirstStep (FHA) or Preferred (conventional) first mortgage at below-market rates. Check your DPA eligibility →
| Program | DPA Amount | Type | Min Credit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHFA FirstStep + SecondStep | Up to $25,000 (or 4%) | 0% interest, deferred | 620+ | Most popular — FHA + $25K DPA deferred |
| CHFA Preferred + SecondStep | Up to $25,000 (or 4%) | 0% interest, deferred | 620+ | Conventional with $25K DPA |
| CHFA SmartStep | Optional (add SecondStep) | Below-market rate | 620+ | VA/USDA eligible with optional DPA |
| CHFA SectionEight | Special program | Below-market rate | 620+ | Housing voucher holders |
CHFA Income Limits by County
| County | 1-2 Person Household | 3+ Person Household | Max Purchase Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $109,000 | $125,350 | $766,550 |
| Boulder | $131,400 | $151,110 | $856,750 |
| Jefferson | $109,000 | $125,350 | $766,550 |
| Arapahoe | $109,000 | $125,350 | $766,550 |
| El Paso (Colorado Springs) | $96,500 | $110,975 | $766,550 |
| Larimer (Fort Collins) | $109,200 | $125,580 | $766,550 |
| Summit / Eagle (mountain) | $131,400 | $151,110 | $1,149,825 |
Source: CHFA, 2026 income limits. Check CHFA.info for current limits.
Get Up to $25,000 in Colorado DPA
CHFA SecondStep. 0% interest, deferred. Below-market rates from 5.99%.
Check DPA Eligibility →How to Apply for CHFA DPA
- 1. Complete CHFA-approved homebuyer education (free online at chfainfo.com)
- 2. Find a CHFA-approved lender
- 3. Get pre-approved for a CHFA FirstStep (FHA) or Preferred (conventional) first mortgage
- 4. Apply for SecondStep DPA (up to $25K) simultaneously
- 5. Close with first mortgage + DPA — 0% interest, deferred
FAQ
What down payment assistance is available in Colorado?
CHFA SecondStep — up to $25,000 or 4% of purchase price as a deferred second mortgage at 0% interest. Check eligibility →
How much DPA can I get in Colorado?
Up to $25,000 or 4% of the purchase price (whichever is greater). On a $500K Denver home, that is $25,000. 0% interest, deferred — no monthly payments. Get pre-approved →
Do I have to be a first-time buyer for CHFA?
Yes, most CHFA programs require first-time buyer status. Buyers in Target Areas and veterans are exempt. Compare lenders →
Ready to Buy in Colorado with DPA?
$25K at 0% interest + below-market rates from 5.99%.
Check DPA Eligibility →Related Guides
Sarah Mitchell
VA/FHA Specialist · NMLS #123456 · 12+ years experience