Down Payment Assistance Programs in Houston

How Much Assistance Is Available in Houston?

The help you can get depends on where you buy, your income, and which programs have funds. Some help comes from the city, some from the county, and some from the state. As of October 21, 2026, the City of Houston program is not taking new applications. The Harris County program is full except for some disaster buyers.

Many programs are forgivable loans. If you live in the home for the required time and follow the rules, the balance is forgiven. Some are grants. Some are paid back when you sell or refinance.

Each program has its own steps. Ask Brandon which programs he can work with and what each one needs.

Program	Type of Help	Area	Status as of 10/21/2026
City of Houston HAP	Forgivable loan	Houston city limits	Not taking new applications
Harvey HbAP 2.0	City help for Harvey survivors	Lived in Houston on 8/25/2017	New applications on hold
TDHCA My First Texas Home	Second loan, forgiven or paid back	Statewide, first time buyers and qualified veterans	No pause shown by TDHCA
TDHCA My Choice Texas Home	Second loan, forgiven or paid back	Statewide, repeat buyers too	No pause shown by TDHCA
TSAHC	Grant or second loan	Statewide, first time and repeat buyers	No pause shown by TSAHC
Harris County DPA	Forgivable second loan	Harris County outside Houston city limits	Full. Only takes Beryl or May 2024 windstorm buyers

City of Houston Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP)

The City of Houston runs the Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP). It helps first time buyers buy a home inside city limits. The help can go toward part of the down payment, closing costs, and some other costs. It comes as a forgivable loan.

The city forgives a share of the loan for each full year you live in the home. If you sell, rent it out, move out, or take cash out in a refinance before the end, you pay back the part not yet forgiven.

Eligibility requirements:

• First-time buyer (no homeownership in the past three years)
• Household income at or under the city's limit. It is 80% or 120% of the area median income, based on the fund source.
• Property must be within Houston city limits
• Finish an 8 hour homebuyer class from a HUD approved agency before you apply
• Every person in the home must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

The income limit depends on household size. Brandon can check your numbers against the current limit.

Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program 2.0 (HbAP 2.0)

This city program is for people who lived in Houston city limits on August 25, 2017, when Hurricane Harvey hit. It has an income limit of 120% of the area median income.

Status: As of October 21, 2026, the city has put new applications on hold. Only buyers who already have the program's preapproval can move forward. Check the city's Harvey program page for updates.

TDHCA and TSAHC Statewide Programs

Two Texas groups run statewide programs. They cover all of Houston and its suburbs. TDHCA is a state agency. TSAHC is a nonprofit set up by the state.

Both programs work with FHA, VA, and conventional loans. Income and purchase price limits apply and vary by county.

TSAHC programs: TSAHC offers a grant you never pay back, a second loan forgiven after 3 years, or a second loan you pay back when you sell or refinance. It is open to first time and repeat buyers. Its Homes for Texas Heroes program is for teachers, police, fire, EMS, corrections officers, and veterans. TSAHC lists credit scores as low as 620. Ask Brandon if he can help with these programs.

Harris County DPA

Harris County has a program for homes in the county outside Houston city limits.

Status: As of October 21, 2026, the county says its program is full. It only takes buyers hurt by Hurricane Beryl or the May 2024 windstorm.

Some cities in the county run their own programs. Check the address with Brandon before you count on this one.

Eligibility:

• Household income at or under 80% of the area median income
• The county lists a minimum credit score of 620
• An 8 hour homebuyer class from a HUD approved agency
• You must live in the home for a set time after you buy

Can Programs Be Combined?

In some cases, yes. Some programs can be used together, and some cannot. The rules change from time to time.

Ask Brandon which programs can be used together for your loan.

How DPA Works Alongside Your Mortgage

DPA does not replace your home loan. It is a second source of funds, as a second loan or a grant. It can help with the down payment and sometimes closing costs.

Many programs work with FHA loans. Some also work with conventional and VA loans. Learn more: FHA Loans Houston | Conventional Loans Houston.

For buyers who qualify, DPA can lower the cash you bring to closing. You still need to qualify for the loan.

Who Qualifies

Eligibility varies by program, but the general requirements across most Houston DPA programs are:

• First-time buyer status (defined as no homeownership in the past three years for most programs)
• Household income within program limits (typically 80% of area median income)
• A credit score at or above the program's minimum. Many list 620.
• Completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course
• Property within the program's eligible geography

The income limits depend on household size. A larger household has a higher limit. Brandon can check your numbers against each program when you get preapproved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apply for Down Payment Assistance

Start with a preapproval. It shows your price range and loan type. Then ask Brandon which DPA programs are open now and which ones may fit your income, location, and buyer status.

Related Resources

• First-Time Homebuyer Houston - Complete guide for first-time buyers
• FHA Loans Houston - A loan often paired with DPA
• Conventional Loans Houston - Another option for DPA pairing
• Mortgage Pre-Approval Houston - Start the process today
• Bad Credit Mortgage Houston - Options for lower credit scores