Houston Homebuyers: Unlock Up to $50,000 in Down Payment Assistance

The City of Houston’s Homebuyer Assistance Program offers up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers with NO credit score requirement.

Verify Your Houston Homebuyer Assistance Eligibility
Little Daughter Showing New Home Keys Standing With Parents and Smiling in Houston

Step Into Homeownership with Houston’s Most Supportive Loan Program

The City of Houston's Homebuyer Assistance Program is designed to help first-time homebuyers achieve their dream of homeownership by providing financial assistance.

The program offers up to $50,000 in forgivable loans, aimed at covering down payments and closing costs for income-qualified individuals and families.

This forgivable loan makes homeownership more affordable—simply live in your new home for five years and the loan is completely forgiven.

This initiative supports those who may struggle with the upfront costs of purchasing a home, making homeownership more accessible for Houstonians.

The program is straightforward, with a step-by-step process designed to guide applicants from start to finish. By offering financial relief and expert guidance, the Homebuyer Assistance Program helps you move closer to owning a home in Houston, Texas.

Program Benefits: Helping You Afford Your First Home

The City of Houston’s Homebuyer Assistance Program offers a range of benefits to make homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers. Here’s how the program can help you:

Up to $50,000 in assistance.

Forgivable after 5 years.

No interest loan.

First-time homebuyer focus.

Helps low-to-moderate income buyers.

Flexible home choices within Houston.

No credit score requirement.

No application fees.

Step-by-step guidance.

Free city property inspection.

How It Works

Check Your Eligibility: Start by verifying if you qualify online.

Secure Your Home Loan: Work with a lender to get approved for a mortgage.

Complete Homebuyer Education: Attend a HUD-approved homebuyer education class and receive your certificate.

Find Your New Home: Choose a home within the City of Houston that meets the program's criteria.

Receive Assistance & Close: Finalize your loan, receive your assistance, and complete the closing process.

Are You Eligible? Check the Requirements

U.S. citizen or permanent resident (including co-applicant and spouse).

First-time homebuyer or have not owned a home in the last 3 years.

Household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Purchasing a home that pays taxes to the City of Houston.

Must obtain a home loan from a participating lender.

Completion of a homebuyer education course from a HUD-approved agency.

Less than $30,000 in liquid assets at the time of application and closing.

Loan Terms

The Homebuyer Assistance Program offers a no-interest, forgivable loan designed to cover your down payment and closing costs.

The loan can provide up to $50,000 based on your financial need, and as long as you live in the home for five years, it is fully forgiven.

If you sell the home or move before the five-year period is complete, you’ll be required to repay a prorated portion of the loan based on the remaining time.

There are no monthly payments on this loan, providing financial flexibility as you transition into homeownership.

Additionally, the program does not have a maximum home price but requires that the front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratios meet program guidelines.

All transactions are secured by a lien and are monitored to ensure compliance with program terms throughout the affordability period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much assistance can I receive through the program?

You may receive up to $50,000 in financial assistance based on your household's financial need.

Is the loan really forgivable?

Yes, the loan is forgivable after five years, provided you live in the home as your primary residence during that period.

Do I need to make monthly payments on the loan?

No, there are no monthly payments required. The loan is forgivable if you meet the residency requirement.

What happens if I move or sell the home before five years?

If you move or sell the home before the five-year period, you’ll need to repay a portion of the loan based on the time remaining.

Is there a credit score requirement to qualify?

No, the program does not have a credit score requirement, but you must meet the debt-to-income ratio guidelines.

Decades of Expertise, Thousands of Success Stories

With decades of experience in helping homebuyers achieve their dreams, we’ve assisted thousands of individuals and families in becoming homeowners through our down payment assistance programs.

Our team brings local expertise and a deep understanding of the Houston housing market, ensuring you receive personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs.

We pride ourselves on building trust with the community, offering reliable support every step of the way. When you work with us, you're partnering with a trusted organization dedicated to making homeownership accessible and achievable for all.