How Much Assistance Is Available in Houston?
Houston sits in one of the more generous DPA markets in the country. Depending on where you are buying and what your household income looks like, the assistance available ranges from $25,000 to $125,000. Some of that comes from the city, some from the county, some from the state.
Most programs are structured as forgivable loans — meaning if you stay in the home for a set number of years, the balance is forgiven and you owe nothing back. They are not grants in name, but the practical effect is the same for buyers who plan to stay put.
Brandon coordinates the DPA application alongside your mortgage. You are not managing two separate processes or filling out paperwork twice.
| Program | Max Assistance | Forgivable? | Key Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Houston HAP | Up to $50,000 | Yes, after occupancy period | Income at or below 80% AMI, first-time buyer or 3-year gap, City of Houston limits |
| Harvey HbAP 2.0 | Up to $125,000 total | Varies by component | Must purchase in Harvey-impacted area, income limits apply |
| TSAHC My First Texas Home | Up to 5% of loan amount | Yes, after 3 years | First-time buyer, income limits by county, 620+ credit score |
| TSAHC My Choice Texas Home | Up to 5% of loan amount | Yes, after 3 years | Repeat buyers eligible, income limits by county, 620+ credit score |
| Harris County DPA | Up to $25,000 | Varies | Must purchase in Harris County, income limits apply |
City of Houston Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP)
The City of Houston's HAP program provides up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time buyers purchasing within Houston city limits.
The assistance is structured as a forgivable loan with a five-year term. Stay in the home for five years and the balance is gone.
Eligibility requirements:
- First-time buyer (no homeownership in the past three years)
- Household income at or below 80% of the Houston area median income
- Property must be within Houston city limits
- Works with FHA and conventional loans
This program is income-restricted. The income limit varies by household size — Brandon confirms your eligibility numbers at the start of the conversation.
Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program 2.0 (Harvey HbAP)
Harvey HbAP 2.0 provides up to $125,000 in total assistance — the most of any single program in the Houston area — for buyers purchasing in Harvey-impacted areas.
This is not a standard DPA program. It was created to support homeownership recovery in neighborhoods most affected by Hurricane Harvey. The coverage area includes much of Houston and surrounding communities.
If your home is within the eligible zone, Harvey HbAP can cover your entire down payment and closing costs on many purchase price ranges. Brandon checks address eligibility during pre-approval.
TSAHC — Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation
TSAHC operates two programs that cover the entire state of Texas, including all of Houston.
My First Texas Home
Available to first-time buyers and veterans statewide. Provides a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage combined with a forgivable second lien for the down payment assistance. The assistance is forgiven after three years.
Credit score: Minimum 620
Income limits: Vary by county and household size. Updated annually by TSAHC.
My Choice Texas Home
Available to both first-time and repeat buyers. Same structure as My First Texas Home but without the first-time buyer restriction. Repeat buyers who have owned before and want to buy again can use this program.
Credit score: Minimum 620
Income limits: Vary by county and household size. Updated annually by TSAHC.
Both programs work with FHA, VA, and conventional loans. Income and purchase price limits apply and vary by county.
Homes for Texas Heroes — A TSAHC sub-program with additional benefits for teachers, police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and veterans. If you work in one of these professions, you likely qualify.
Harris County DPA
Harris County offers up to $25,000 in forgivable down payment assistance for first-time buyers purchasing anywhere in Harris County outside the Houston city limits.
This covers buyers in Baytown, Pasadena, Humble, Katy, Cypress, Spring, and other Harris County communities that fall outside Houston's city boundaries.
Eligibility:
- First-time buyer (no ownership in the past three years)
- 620 or higher credit score
- Income within Harris County guidelines
- Forgivable after five years
Can Programs Be Combined?
In some cases, yes. Certain combinations of programs can be layered to maximize total assistance. The specific combinations that are currently available depend on the programs and the lender, and they change periodically.
Brandon tracks which combinations are active and applies the most advantageous available stack for each buyer's situation.
How DPA Works Alongside Your Mortgage
DPA programs do not replace your mortgage. They provide a second source of funds — structured as a second lien or grant — that covers the down payment and sometimes closing costs, so your primary loan amount stays at or near the purchase price without requiring cash from you.
Most programs are compatible with FHA loans, which is the most common pairing. Some also work with conventional and VA loans. Learn more: FHA Loans Houston | Conventional Loans Houston.
The practical result for many buyers: you bring little or nothing to closing. Your mortgage handles the purchase price. The DPA handles the upfront cost.
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)
- Credit score of 580 to 620 depending on the program
- Completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course
- Property within the program's eligible geography
The income limits depend on household size. A household of four qualifies at a higher income ceiling than a household of one. Brandon runs your numbers against each applicable program at the start of the pre-approval process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to repay the assistance?
Most Houston DPA programs are forgivable after five years of occupancy. If you stay in the home for the required period, the balance is forgiven. If you sell or refinance before the period ends, you may owe back a prorated portion. Brandon explains the specific terms of any program you apply for.
Does DPA affect my mortgage interest rate?
It depends on the program. Some programs use a slightly higher interest rate on the primary mortgage in exchange for the down payment assistance. Others do not. Brandon runs the full cost comparison — monthly payment, total interest, and net benefit of the assistance — so you can make an informed decision.
Can I use DPA if I have owned a home before?
Most programs define "first-time buyer" as someone who has not owned a home in the past three years, not someone who has never owned. TSAHC My Choice Texas Home is also available to repeat buyers with no first-time requirement at all.
Do I need a specific lender for DPA?
Most programs require you to work with an approved lender. Brandon is approved for major Houston DPA programs and coordinates the application as part of your mortgage process.
How long does the DPA application add to my timeline?
In most cases, nothing significant. The DPA application runs parallel to the mortgage application. Closing timelines are generally the same as a standard purchase — 21 to 40 days after contract.
What is the homebuyer education requirement?
Nearly all DPA programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course before closing. These are available online and typically take four to eight hours. Brandon can point you to approved providers.
Apply for Down Payment Assistance
Brandon works with all major Houston DPA programs and can tell you which ones you qualify for in a single consultation. The process starts with a pre-approval to determine your loan amount, then identifying the best DPA match for your income, location, and homebuyer status.
Related Resources
- First-Time Homebuyer Houston - Complete guide for first-time buyers
- FHA Loans Houston - The most common loan 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
Find Out Which DPA Programs You Qualify For
Houston has programs that cover your down payment and closing costs. Brandon reviews your income, credit, and location to identify every program available to you. Free consultation, no obligation.
Talk to Brandon About DPA Programs