How much down payment do I need to buy a house in Texas?

You can buy a home in Texas with as little as 0% down (VA/USDA), 3% down ($9,450 conventional), or 3.5% down ($11,025 FHA) on the median-priced home of $315,000.

What income do I need to buy a home in Texas?

To afford the median-priced home in Texas ($315,000) with a 30-year mortgage at 6.18%, you typically need a household income of approximately $77,939 per year (using the 28% rule). The median income in Texas is $63,826.

What is the FHA loan limit in Texas for 2026?

The FHA loan limit in Texas for 2026 is $472,030. This means first-time buyers using FHA loans can finance up to this amount with just 3.5% down payment.

First-Time Home Buyer Texas 2026

Q: What first-time home buyer programs are available in Texas?

Texas offers 3 major first-time buyer programs including TDHCA My First Texas Home, TDHCA My Choice Texas Home, SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage. These programs provide grants, forgivable loans, and below-market rates to help with down payment and closing costs.

Your complete guide to buying your first home in Texas. 3+ down payment assistance programs, FHA loans from 5.98%, and step-by-step guidance.

Median Price

$315,000

Min Down (FHA)

$11,025

DPA Programs

Best Rate

5.98%

Check My Texas Eligibility

What First-Time Buyer Programs Are Available in Texas?

Texas offers 3 major first-time home buyer assistance programs. These include TDHCA My First Texas Home, TDHCA My Choice Texas Home, SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage. Programs provide up to 5% of loan in down payment assistance through grants, forgivable loans, and below-market interest rates.

How Much Do I Need to Buy in Texas?

You can buy a home in Texas with as little as $0 down. VA and USDA loans require zero down payment. FHA loans need just 3.5% ($$11,025), and conventional loans start at 3% ($$9,450) on the median price of $315,000.

Loan Type	Down Payment	$ Amount	Monthly P&I	Min Credit
VA Loan	0%	$0	$1,874	620
USDA Loan	0%	$0	$1,925	640
Conventional 3%	3%	$9,450	$1,867	620
FHA Loan	3.5%	$11,025	$1,819	580
Conventional 20%	20%	$63,000	$1,540	620

Texas Down Payment Assistance Programs

TDHCA My First Texas Home

Below-market rate with DPA up to 5%

Up to 5% of loandeferred

TDHCA My Choice Texas Home

DPA for repeat buyers

Up to 5% of loandeferred

SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage

DPA + MCC tax credit combo

Up to 5% of loan + $2,000/yr MCCforgivable

5 Steps to Buy Your First Home in Texas

To buy your first home in Texas, start by checking your credit score, getting pre-approved, and researching DPA programs. The entire process typically takes 30-60 days from pre-approval to closing. Here's your step-by-step roadmap.

Check Your Credit & Finances

Review your credit score (aim for 620+), calculate your debt-to-income ratio, and save for closing costs. In Texas, you may need as little as $11,025 for an FHA down payment.

Get Pre-Approved

Compare rates from at least 3 lenders. Current Texas rates: 6.18% (30-year), 5.98% (FHA). Pre-approval shows sellers you're serious and locks your rate.

Apply for Texas DPA Programs

Texas has 3+ DPA programs. The TDHCA My First Texas Home offers up to 5% of loan. Apply early—funding can be limited.

House Hunt & Make an Offer

Popular cities in Texas: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth. Median price is $315,000 (+3.2% YoY). Work with a local real estate agent who knows the market.

Close on Your New Home

Closing costs in Texas typically run 2-5% of the purchase price ($9,450-$15,750). Some DPA programs also cover closing costs.

Start Your Texas Home Buying Journey

Get pre-approved in minutes and see what you qualify for.

Get Pre-Approved Now

Texas First-Time Buyer FAQ

What first-time home buyer programs are available in Texas?

Texas offers 3 major programs: TDHCA My First Texas Home, TDHCA My Choice Texas Home, SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage. These provide grants, forgivable loans, and below-market rates for down payment and closing cost assistance.