Colorado First-Time Home Buyer
Programs 2026: Up to $25,000 CHFA
Colorado's CHFA provides up to $25,000 in down payment assistance, a federal MCC tax credit saving $1,500–$2,500/year, and city programs up to $50,000 in Boulder. With Colorado's high home prices, stacking these programs is essential. Find your CHFA-approved lender →
Last updated: May 8, 2026 · Verified against CHFA 2026 program guidelines and local city program databases.
Colorado Home Buyer Programs 2026
CHFA DPA Grant
Slightly higher rate in exchange
CHFA Second Mortgage (DPA)
Repaid at sale/refi
Metro Mortgage Assistance Plus (Denver)
Denver city limits only, income < 100% AMI
Boulder County DPA
Very competitive, apply early
CHFA Mortgage Tax Credit (MCC)
~$1,500–$2,500/year savings
USDA Loan (Rural CO)
USDA-eligible areas (suburbs + rural)
CHFA Income Limits by County 2026
| County / Area | 1–2 Person Limit | 3+ Person Limit | Est. Max Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver + suburbs (Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Douglas) | $132,000/yr | $152,000/yr | $700,000+ |
| Boulder County | $180,000/yr | $207,000/yr | $900,000+ |
| El Paso County (Colorado Springs) | $115,000/yr | $132,250/yr | $550,000 |
| Larimer County (Fort Collins) | $125,000/yr | $143,750/yr | $600,000 |
| Weld County (Greeley) | $107,400/yr | $123,510/yr | $525,000 |
| Mesa County (Grand Junction) | $90,000/yr | $103,500/yr | $500,000 |
| Pueblo County | $90,000/yr | $103,500/yr | $450,000 |
| Eagle County (Vail/Aspen area) | $180,000/yr | $207,000/yr | $800,000 |
Limits are estimated 2026 CHFA figures. Verify exact limits for your county with a CHFA-approved lender →
Maximum Savings: Stacking Colorado Programs
Example: Denver Teacher Buying $450,000 Home
Get matched with a CHFA lender who can stack programs for you →
Colorado First-Time Buyer FAQ
What first-time home buyer programs are available in Colorado in 2026?
Colorado first-time home buyer programs in 2026 include: (1) CHFA (Colorado Housing Finance Authority) Preferred and Advantage — 30-year fixed loans at below-market rates + down payment assistance. (2) CHFA Down Payment Assistance Grant — up to $25,000 or 3% of purchase price. (3) CHFA DPA Second Mortgage — up to 4% of loan amount at 0% interest. (4) Metro Mortgage Assistance Plus (Denver) — $10,000 grant for Denver metro buyers. (5) Boulder County down payment assistance — up to $50,000 in targeted areas. (6) USDA loans — $0 down for rural/suburban Colorado. (7) VA loans for military/veterans. Colorado's high home prices make CHFA programs especially valuable — up to $25,000 in assistance.
What are the income limits for CHFA programs in Colorado 2026?
CHFA income limits for 2026 vary by county and household size. Key counties: Denver/Adams/Arapahoe/Jefferson counties (metro): 1–2 person: $132,000, 3+ person: $152,000. Boulder County: 1–2 person: $180,000, 3+ person: $207,000. El Paso County (Colorado Springs): 1–2 person: $115,000, 3+ person: $132,250. Larimer County (Fort Collins): 1–2 person: $125,000, 3+ person: $143,750. Pueblo County: 1–2 person: $90,000, 3+ person: $103,500. Purchase price limits: Denver metro $700,000+, rural counties $550,000–$650,000.
What credit score do I need for Colorado CHFA programs?
CHFA credit score requirements for 2026: FHA with CHFA: 620 minimum. Conventional with CHFA (Preferred): 620 minimum. Conventional with CHFA (Advantage): 640 minimum. VA with CHFA: 620 minimum. USDA with CHFA: 620 minimum. In practice, lenders prefer 640+ for the smoothest process. If below 620: work on paying down credit card balances under 30%, correcting credit report errors, and avoiding new inquiries. Most buyers can improve 40–60 points in 90–120 days.
Is the CHFA Down Payment Assistance Grant free money?
CHFA offers two forms of down payment assistance: (1) CHFA Grant — this IS free money. You receive up to 3% of your loan amount as a true grant that never needs to be repaid. In exchange, you accept a slightly higher interest rate (typically 0.50%–1.00% above market rate). (2) CHFA Second Mortgage — 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. No monthly payment. Repaid when you sell or refinance. Which is better? The grant is better if you plan to sell within 7–10 years (the higher rate cost exceeds the grant value over longer periods). The second mortgage is better for long-term stays where the 0% loan preserves cash at closing.
Can I buy a home in Denver or Boulder with first-time buyer assistance?
Yes — both Denver and Boulder area buyers can access assistance: Denver Metro Mortgage Assistance Plus: $10,000 forgivable grant for Denver city limits buyers with income under 100% AMI (~$89,000 for 1 person). CHFA programs cover all metro Denver counties (Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Douglas, Boulder). Income limits are higher for Denver metro ($132,000–$152,000) than most states. Boulder County: separate programs with up to $50,000 in targeted areas (very competitive — apply early). First-time buyer requirement: not owned a primary home in the past 3 years. Boulder's high home prices (median $900K+) make stacking programs critical.
Ready to Buy Your First Colorado Home?
With Colorado's high prices, stacking CHFA + city grants is essential. Get matched with a CHFA-approved lender today.
Find My CHFA Lender + Programs →About the Author
Sarah Mitchell is a Senior Mortgage Advisor with 12+ years specializing in first-time homebuyer programs and state DPA programs including CHFA, OHFA, IHDA, and Georgia Dream. She has helped Colorado buyers navigate CHFA grants, Denver city programs, and Boulder assistance to buy homes with minimal out-of-pocket cost. Certified NMLS professional and First-Time Homebuyer Counselor.
View full profile & all articles →