First-Time Homebuyer Grants 2026: Complete 50-State Database
Every state in America has programs that give first-time buyers free money toward a home purchase. California offers up to $150,000. Florida gives $35,000 to community workers. Texas provides 5–6% grants requiring zero repayment. Most buyers never claim these benefits because they don't know they exist.
50
States covered
complete database
$150K
Max grant (CA)
Dream For All
$35K
Max grant (FL)
Hometown Heroes
$0
Required repayment
for most grants
⚡ How to Use This Database
- Find your state in the section below (states grouped by region)
- Note the program name, max grant amount, and credit score requirement
- Most programs require: 640+ credit, income under $110–$185K, and first-time buyer status (no home ownership in last 3 years)
- Click "Find My State's Programs" to get matched with lenders who work with your state's HFA
Northeast — First-Time Homebuyer Grants 2026
11 states covered in this region. Programs verified June 2026. Contact your state HFA for current availability.
Connecticut (CT) — CHFA Down Payment Assistance
Up to $20,000Max DPA
Up to $20,000
Repayment Type
Deferred loan
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $135K
Delaware (DE) — DSHA Preferred Plus Program
Up to $15,000 (3% of purchase)Max DPA
Up to $15,000 (3% of purchase)
Repayment Type
Forgivable 5yr
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $125K
Maine (ME) — Maine Housing First Home Loan
Up to $5,000 Advantage grantMax DPA
Up to $5,000 Advantage grant
Repayment Type
Grant
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $130K
Maryland (MD) — Maryland DHCD SmartBuy 3.0
Up to $40,000 student debt relief + 15% DPAMax DPA
Up to $40,000 student debt relief + 15% DPA
Repayment Type
Grant
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $210K
Massachusetts (MA) — MassHousing Down Payment Assistance
Up to $30,000Max DPA
Up to $30,000
Repayment Type
Deferred loan
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $168K (varies)
New Hampshire (NH) — NHHFA Home Flex Plus
Up to 3% of purchase priceMax DPA
Up to 3% of purchase price
Repayment Type
Forgivable 4yr
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $125K
New Jersey (NJ) — NJHMFA First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage
Up to $15,000 DPAMax DPA
Up to $15,000 DPA
Repayment Type
Forgivable 5yr
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $140K
New York (NY) — SONYMA Down Payment Assistance Loan
Up to $15,000Max DPA
Up to $15,000
Repayment Type
Deferred 0% loan
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $175K (NYC)
Pennsylvania (PA) — PHFA Keystone Advantage Assistance
Up to $6,000Max DPA
Up to $6,000
Repayment Type
Deferred 0% loan
Min Credit Score
660+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $125K
Rhode Island (RI) — RIHousing First-Time Buyer Assistance
Up to $17,500Max DPA
Up to $17,500
Repayment Type
Deferred loan
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $112K
Vermont (VT) — VHFA ASSIST Program
Up to $7,500Max DPA
Up to $7,500
Repayment Type
Deferred 0% loan
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $120K
Southeast — First-Time Homebuyer Grants 2026
10 states covered in this region. Programs verified June 2026. Contact your state HFA for current availability.
Alabama (AL) — AHFA Step Up Down Payment Assistance
Up to $10,000Max DPA
Up to $10,000
Repayment Type
Deferred 10yr
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $130K
Florida (FL) — Florida Hometown Heroes
Up to $35,000Max DPA
Up to $35,000
Repayment Type
Deferred second mortgage
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $128K
Georgia (GA) — Georgia Dream Homeownership Program
Up to $10,000 ($12,500 for PEN/PEP)Max DPA
Up to $10,000 ($12,500 for PEN/PEP)
Repayment Type
Deferred 0% loan
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $120K
Kentucky (KY) — KHC Regular Down Payment Assistance
Up to $10,000Max DPA
Up to $10,000
Repayment Type
Amortizing 3.75% 10yr
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $115K
Mississippi (MS) — MHC Smart6 Down Payment Assistance
Up to 6% of purchase priceMax DPA
Up to 6% of purchase price
Repayment Type
Forgivable (income-based)
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $105K
North Carolina (NC) — NCHFA NC Home Advantage Mortgage
Up to $15,000 DPAMax DPA
Up to $15,000 DPA
Repayment Type
Forgivable 15yr
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $134K
South Carolina (SC) — SC Housing Homebuyer Program
Up to $10,000 (Forgivable)Max DPA
Up to $10,000 (Forgivable)
Repayment Type
Forgivable 20yr
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $105K
Tennessee (TN) — THDA Great Choice Plus
Up to 5% DPAMax DPA
Up to 5% DPA
Repayment Type
Deferred loan
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $110K
Virginia (VA) — VHDA Down Payment Assistance Grant
Up to 2.5% of purchase priceMax DPA
Up to 2.5% of purchase price
Repayment Type
Grant (no repayment)
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $145K
West Virginia (WV) — WVHDF Homeownership Program
Up to $7,500Max DPA
Up to $7,500
Repayment Type
Deferred loan
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $110K
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Answer 5 quick questions — we match you to every program you're eligible for in your state. No SSN required, 60 seconds.
Take the Program Match Quiz →Midwest — First-Time Homebuyer Grants 2026
12 states covered in this region. Programs verified June 2026. Contact your state HFA for current availability.
Illinois (IL) — IHDA Access Deferred / Forgivable
Up to $10,000 (forgivable) or $7,500 (deferred)Max DPA
Up to $10,000 (forgivable) or $7,500 (deferred)
Repayment Type
Grant or deferred
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $120K
Indiana (IN) — IHCDA Next Home Program
Up to 6% DPAMax DPA
Up to 6% DPA
Repayment Type
Forgivable 2yr
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $130K
Iowa (IA) — IFA FirstHome Loan + DPA
Up to $5,000 grantMax DPA
Up to $5,000 grant
Repayment Type
Grant
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $115K
Kansas (KS) — KHRC First Time Homebuyer Program
Up to $15,000 (KFTHB Act 2026)Max DPA
Up to $15,000 (KFTHB Act 2026)
Repayment Type
Deferred 0%
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $110K
Michigan (MI) — MSHDA Down Payment Assistance
Up to $10,000Max DPA
Up to $10,000
Repayment Type
Deferred 0% second mortgage
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $117K
Minnesota (MN) — Minnesota Housing Start Up
Up to $18,000 (DPA Plus Program)Max DPA
Up to $18,000 (DPA Plus Program)
Repayment Type
Deferred 0%
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $120K
Missouri (MO) — MHDC First Place Homebuyer Program
Up to 4% DPAMax DPA
Up to 4% DPA
Repayment Type
Forgivable 10yr
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $110K
Nebraska (NE) — NIFA Homebuyer Assistance Program
Up to $10,000Max DPA
Up to $10,000
Repayment Type
Deferred 0%
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $120K
North Dakota (ND) — NDHFA FirstHome Program
Up to $5,000 DPAMax DPA
Up to $5,000 DPA
Repayment Type
Deferred 0%
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $115K
Ohio (OH) — OHFA Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance
2.5% or 5% DPAMax DPA
2.5% or 5% DPA
Repayment Type
Forgiven at 7 years
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $120K
South Dakota (SD) — SDHDA First-Time Homebuyer Program
Up to $8,000Max DPA
Up to $8,000
Repayment Type
Deferred 0%
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $110K
Wisconsin (WI) — WHEDA Home Close DPA
Up to 6% DPAMax DPA
Up to 6% DPA
Repayment Type
Deferred 0%
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $120K
South Central — First-Time Homebuyer Grants 2026
4 states covered in this region. Programs verified June 2026. Contact your state HFA for current availability.
Arkansas (AR) — ADFA Move-Up Program + DPA
Up to 5% DPAMax DPA
Up to 5% DPA
Repayment Type
Forgivable 10yr
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $110K
Louisiana (LA) — LHC Soft Second Program
Up to $55,000 in high-need areasMax DPA
Up to $55,000 in high-need areas
Repayment Type
Deferred forgivable
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $100K
Oklahoma (OK) — OHFA Gold Program + DPA
Up to 3.5% DPAMax DPA
Up to 3.5% DPA
Repayment Type
Forgivable
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $115K
Texas (TX) — TSAHC Home Sweet Texas
Up to 5% DPA grantMax DPA
Up to 5% DPA grant
Repayment Type
Grant (no repayment)
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $120K
Mountain West — First-Time Homebuyer Grants 2026
8 states covered in this region. Programs verified June 2026. Contact your state HFA for current availability.
Arizona (AZ) — ADOH HOME Plus Program
Up to 5% DPAMax DPA
Up to 5% DPA
Repayment Type
Forgivable 3yr
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $122K
Colorado (CO) — CHFA Down Payment Assistance Grant
Up to 4% DPAMax DPA
Up to 4% DPA
Repayment Type
Grant
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $130K
Idaho (ID) — IHFA First Loan Program
Up to $7,500Max DPA
Up to $7,500
Repayment Type
Deferred 0%
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $120K
Montana (MT) — MBOH Bond Advantage Program
Up to 5% DPAMax DPA
Up to 5% DPA
Repayment Type
Deferred 0%
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $115K
Nevada (NV) — NSHD Home Is Possible DPA
Up to 4% DPAMax DPA
Up to 4% DPA
Repayment Type
Forgiven after 3 years
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $130K
New Mexico (NM) — MFA FirstHome Program + DPA
Up to $8,000Max DPA
Up to $8,000
Repayment Type
Deferred 0%
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $110K
Utah (UT) — Utah Housing Corporation DPA
Up to 6% DPAMax DPA
Up to 6% DPA
Repayment Type
Second mortgage low rate
Min Credit Score
660+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $135K
Wyoming (WY) — Wyoming Community Development Authority
Up to 5% DPAMax DPA
Up to 5% DPA
Repayment Type
Deferred 0%
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $120K
Pacific West — First-Time Homebuyer Grants 2026
5 states covered in this region. Programs verified June 2026. Contact your state HFA for current availability.
Alaska (AK) — AHFC First Home Limited Program
Up to $10,000Max DPA
Up to $10,000
Repayment Type
Deferred 0%
Min Credit Score
640+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $130K
California (CA) — CalHFA Dream For All Shared Appreciation
Up to 20% of home price (max $150K)Max DPA
Up to 20% of home price (max $150K)
Repayment Type
Shared appreciation loan
Min Credit Score
660+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $180K
Hawaii (HI) — HHFDC Affordable Resale Program + DPA
Up to $40,000Max DPA
Up to $40,000
Repayment Type
Deferred 0%
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $155K (Honolulu)
Oregon (OR) — Oregon Housing and Community Services DPA
Up to $15,000Max DPA
Up to $15,000
Repayment Type
Deferred 0%
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $125K
Washington (WA) — WSHFC Home Advantage + DPA
Up to 5% DPAMax DPA
Up to 5% DPA
Repayment Type
Deferred 0%
Min Credit Score
620+
Income Limit (approx.)
Under $145K
Additional States — Key Programs at a Glance
| State | Program | Max DPA | Min Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska (AK) | AHFC First Home Limited | Up to $10,000 | 640+ |
| Hawaii (HI) | HHFDC Affordable Resale + DPA | Up to $40,000 | 620+ |
| Washington D.C. | DC HPAP (Home Purchase Assistance) | Up to $202,000 (no-interest loan) | 640+ |
| Iowa (IA) | IFA FirstHome + DPA | Up to $5,000 | 640+ |
| North Dakota (ND) | NDHFA FirstHome | Up to $5,000 | 620+ |
| South Dakota (SD) | SDHDA First-Time Homebuyer | Up to $8,000 | 620+ |
| Nebraska (NE) | NIFA Homebuyer Assistance | Up to $10,000 | 640+ |
| Kansas (KS) | KHRC First Time Homebuyer | Up to $15,000 | 620+ |
| New Hampshire (NH) | NHHFA Home Flex Plus | Up to 3% | 620+ |
| Vermont (VT) | VHFA ASSIST Program | Up to $7,500 | 620+ |
| Mississippi (MS) | MHC Smart6 DPA | Up to 6% | 640+ |
| Arkansas (AR) | ADFA Move-Up + DPA | Up to 5% | 640+ |
* All programs subject to funding availability. Contact your state HFA for current status. Updated June 2026.
National Programs Available in All 50 States
National Homebuyers Fund (NHF) Down Payment Assistance
Up to 5% of loan amountAvailable from participating lenders in all 50 states. Does not need to be repaid. FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional compatible.
Check Eligibility →Fannie Mae HomeReady + DPA
3% down, DPA varies by lenderIncome-based program for moderate-income buyers in all areas. Lenders often pair with state DPA grants.
Check Eligibility →Freddie Mac Home Possible + DPA
3–5% down, DPA from lenderSimilar to HomeReady. Available through all Freddie Mac approved lenders. No income limits in low-income census tracts.
Check Eligibility →FHA Loan + State DPA Combo
DPA covers full 3.5% required downMost state HFA programs are specifically designed to pair with FHA loans. 580+ credit qualifies for the FHA piece.
Check Eligibility →Frequently Asked Questions
What grants are available for first-time homebuyers in 2026?
First-time homebuyers in 2026 can access: (1) State Housing Finance Agency (HFA) programs — most states offer 3–6% DPA grants. (2) HUD-approved down payment assistance — grants that do not need to be repaid. (3) Federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program — $10K–$40K grants in qualifying areas. (4) Employer-assisted housing programs. (5) National programs like the National Homebuyers Fund (up to 5% DPA). Average DPA grant in 2026: $8,000–$15,000.
Do first-time homebuyer grants have to be repaid?
It depends on the program. Pure grants (gifted funds): Never repaid. These are the most desirable. Forgivable second mortgages: Forgiven after 3–5 years of occupancy — essentially free if you stay. Deferred payment second mortgages: Repaid only when you sell, refinance, or move. Amortizing second mortgages: Monthly payments, but at 0% or very low interest. Most HFA programs use forgivable or deferred structures. Always ask: "Is this a grant or a loan?" before applying.
What is the income limit for first-time homebuyer programs in 2026?
Income limits vary by state and program, but most are set at 80–120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Example: In a median-income area, the limit is often $75,000–$110,000 for a single buyer. Some programs (like Florida Hometown Heroes or California Dream for All) have higher limits — up to $185K. Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible have no income limits for borrowers in low-income census tracts.
Do you have to be a first-time buyer for these programs?
Most state programs define "first-time homebuyer" as someone who has not owned a primary residence in the last 3 years — not necessarily someone who has never owned a home. This means: (1) Previous homeowners qualify if it has been 3+ years since they last owned. (2) Divorced buyers who no longer have a home interest qualify. (3) Some programs waive the first-time requirement entirely for purchases in target areas (revitalization zones).
Find Every Grant You Qualify for in Your State
Most buyers leave $8,000–$35,000 on the table because they don't apply for these programs. Get matched to every grant available for your state, income, and credit profile — free, in 60 seconds.
Meet Sarah
Senior Mortgage Advisor & VA Loan Specialist
Sarah Mitchell brings over 12 years of mortgage industry expertise, specializing in VA loans and first-time homebuyer programs. As a certified NMLS professional, she has helped thousands of veterans and military families achieve homeownership through specialized loan programs. Her deep understanding of VA benefits and down payment assistance programs makes her a trusted advisor for service members transitioning to civilian life.
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Helped 2,500+ veterans secure home loans