Down Payment Assistance 2025: Get Up to $100,000 FREE Money
2,624 down payment assistance programs are available in 2025 - a record high! NYC offers up to $100,000, the federal government proposes $25,000, and every state has programs. Yet 75% of first-time buyers don't know these exist. Here's how to get YOUR free money.
💰 Find Your $25K-$100K Down Payment Assistance
Search 2,624 programs by ZIP code. See which grants, loans, and tax credits YOU qualify for. Takes 2 minutes.
Find My Down Payment Assistance →📈 2,624 Programs Available - Record High!
🚨 BREAKING NEWS
Down payment assistance programs increased 7% in 2025 - the highest number ever recorded! States and cities are desperate to help first-time buyers overcome the affordability crisis.
- • 2,624 total programs nationwide (up from 2,453 in 2024)
- • Every state has at least 10 programs
- • Average assistance: $15,000-$25,000
- • Top programs: $50,000-$100,000 in high-cost cities
Top 10 Highest Assistance Programs 2025
NYC HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance
New York City, NY
$100,000
Federal First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit (Proposed)
Nationwide (pending approval)
$25,000
California Dream For All
California (when funded)
$150,000
San Francisco DALP
San Francisco, CA
$200,000
Illinois Homebuyer Assistance
Illinois
$20,000
These are just the top 5! Search by your ZIP code to find ALL programs you qualify for - most people qualify for 3-5 programs they can stack together.
💵 4 Types of Down Payment Assistance
Grants (FREE Money - Never Repay)
True gifts that you NEVER have to repay. These are the best programs but often have income limits and first-time buyer requirements.
Examples:
- • NYC HomeFirst: $100,000 grant (never repay)
- • Federal Tax Credit: $25,000 (if approved)
- • State Housing Finance Agencies: $5,000-$15,000
Typical requirements: First-time buyer, income under $100K-$150K, complete homebuyer education course, stay in home 3-5 years.
Forgivable Loans (FREE if You Stay)
Loans that are forgiven (erased) if you stay in the home for X years. Most common: 5-10 years.
How it works:
- • Get $15,000 forgivable loan for down payment
- • Stay 5 years → Loan forgiven (FREE!)
- • Sell before 5 years → Repay prorated amount
- • Example: Sell after 3 years = repay $6,000 (40%)
Best for: People planning to stay long-term. If you stay the full term, it's 100% free money!
Deferred Payment Loans (0% Interest, No Payments)
Loans with 0% interest and NO monthly payments. You only repay when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
How it works:
- • Get $20,000 at 0% interest
- • No monthly payments (silent second mortgage)
- • Repay when you sell or refinance
- • If home appreciates, you keep the equity!
Best for: People who need help now but can repay later. No impact on monthly budget.
Low-Interest Loans (1-3% Interest)
Traditional loans but with very low interest rates (1-3% vs 6-7% market rate). You make monthly payments.
Example:
- • Borrow $15,000 at 2% interest
- • Monthly payment: ~$50-75
- • Repay over 10-30 years
Best for: People who don't qualify for grants but need extra funds. Still much better than credit cards or personal loans.
🗺️ Top Programs by State (2025)
Every state has programs, but these 10 states offer the MOST assistance:
🏆 California
Programs: 180+ | Max: $150,000
- • CalHFA MyHome Assistance: $20,000
- • Dream For All: $150,000 (when funded)
- • SF DALP: $200,000
🗽 New York
Programs: 120+ | Max: $100,000
- • NYC HomeFirst: $100,000
- • SONYMA DPA: $15,000
- • Buffalo Home Ownership: $10,000
🌴 Florida
Programs: 95+ | Max: $25,000
- • Florida Assist: $10,000
- • HFA Hardest Hit Fund: $25,000
- • Miami-Dade SHIP: $15,000
🌵 Texas
Programs: 110+ | Max: $30,000
- • TSAHC: $15,000-$30,000
- • My First Texas Home: $20,000
- • Austin Housing: $80,000
🌲 Washington
Programs: 75+ | Max: $50,000
- • House Key: $20,000
- • Seattle OH: $50,000
- • Tacoma Housing: $25,000
🏔️ Colorado
Programs: 65+ | Max: $30,000
- • CHFA Down Payment: $15,000
- • Denver TOD: $30,000
- • Boulder Housing: $25,000
💡 PRO TIP
You can often stack multiple programs! Example: Use a $25,000 federal grant + $15,000 state grant + $10,000 city grant = $50,000 total assistance. Work with a lender who knows how to combine programs.
✅ How to Qualify (Requirements)
Most programs have similar requirements. Here's what you need:
1️⃣ First-Time Homebuyer Status
Definition: Haven't owned a home in the past 3 years (not lifetime!). If you sold your home 4 years ago, you qualify again.
Exceptions: Some programs allow repeat buyers, veterans, or displaced homemakers.
2️⃣ Income Limits
Typical range: $80,000-$150,000 household income (varies by area).
High-cost areas (NYC, SF, LA) have higher limits ($150K-$200K). Rural areas have lower limits ($60K-$100K).
3️⃣ Credit Score
Minimum: 580-640 for most programs (same as FHA).
Some programs accept 580, others require 640+. Higher credit = more programs available.
4️⃣ Homebuyer Education Course
Required: 6-8 hour online course ($50-$100, sometimes free).
Covers budgeting, mortgage basics, home maintenance. Can complete in one day. Certificate valid 2 years.
5️⃣ Primary Residence Requirement
Must: Live in the home as your primary residence (not rental or vacation home).
Typically required to stay 3-5 years. If you sell early, may need to repay assistance (prorated).
6️⃣ Property Limits
Max price: Usually follows FHA limits ($498,257 standard, $806,500 high-cost).
Some programs have lower limits ($300K-$400K). Check your specific program.
🎯 Find ALL Programs You Qualify For
Search 2,624 programs by ZIP code. Most people qualify for 3-5 programs worth $25K-$100K total. Takes 2 minutes.
Search Programs by ZIP Code →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to repay down payment assistance?
Depends on the program type. Grants = never repay. Forgivable loans = free if you stay X years. Deferred loans = repay when you sell. Low-interest loans = monthly payments. Always read the specific program terms.
Can I use down payment assistance with FHA, VA, or USDA loans?
Yes! Most DPA programs work with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans. In fact, combining FHA (3.5% down) + DPA ($15K grant) is the most popular strategy for first-time buyers.
What if I make too much money to qualify?
Some programs have NO income limits! Look for: (1) Employer-assisted housing programs, (2) Teacher/nurse/veteran programs, (3) Programs in high-cost areas ($150K+ limits). Also, income limits are based on household size - larger families have higher limits.
How long does it take to get approved for DPA?
Typically 30-45 days (same as mortgage approval). Some programs have waitlists (especially popular ones like California Dream For All). Apply EARLY - many programs run out of funding mid-year.
Will DPA affect my mortgage rate or approval?
No! DPA doesn't change your mortgage rate. It's separate assistance that reduces your out-of-pocket down payment. Lenders LOVE DPA because it reduces their risk (you have more equity).
Can I use gift money from family AND down payment assistance?
Yes! You can combine: DPA + family gifts + your own savings. Example: $15K DPA + $10K gift + $5K savings = $30K down payment on a $300K home (10% down!).
What happens if I sell before the forgiveness period ends?
You repay a prorated amount. Example: $15K forgivable loan, 5-year term, you sell after 3 years = repay $6K (40%). The longer you stay, the less you owe. Stay the full term = $0 owed!
Are there down payment assistance programs for repeat buyers?
Yes, but fewer. Look for: (1) Teacher/nurse/firefighter programs (no first-time requirement), (2) Programs in designated revitalization areas, (3) VA loans (no first-time requirement). Search by ZIP code to find all options.
🎯 Get Your $25K-$100K Down Payment Assistance
Search 2,624 programs. Find grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits you qualify for. Free, 2-minute search.
Find My Down Payment Assistance →Trusted by 500,000+ first-time buyers | Average assistance: $18,500