Down Payment Assistance in Houston: Every 2026 Program, Who Qualifies, and How to Claim It

If you’re renting in Houston and assuming you need 20% down to buy a home, here’s some good news: you probably don’t — and you may be leaving thousands of dollars in free grant money on the table without knowing it.

Texas has one of the most generous sets of down payment assistance (DPA) programs in the country. Between county grants, city programs, and statewide funds, qualified Houston-area buyers can access up to $23,800 toward a down payment — and many of these are grants you never have to repay. The problem isn’t a lack of help. It’s that every program has its own rules, and almost nobody tells you which ones you actually qualify for.

Want to skip the reading? Take our free 60-second eligibility quiz and we’ll match you to the programs you qualify for.

What is down payment assistance, exactly?

Down payment assistance is money — usually a grant or a forgivable second loan — that helps cover your down payment and sometimes your closing costs. There are three common types:

Grants you never repay. Many Texas programs (TSAHC, SETH) fall here. The money is yours once you close and meet the program rules.
Forgivable loans. A second loan that’s wiped out after you live in the home for a set number of years.
Low-interest second mortgages. Repaid over time, but at favorable terms — useful when paired with the right first mortgage.

You don’t have to figure out which type fits you alone. That’s exactly what a DPA-experienced agent and lender do.

Houston & Harris County down payment programs

Harris County DPA — up to $23,800

For first-time buyers at or below 80% of the area median family income, buying outside the Houston, Pasadena, and Baytown city limits. It’s a grant — no repayment — and it applies to new and existing homes (existing homes under 20 years old).

City of Houston DPA — up to $15,000

For buyers who pay City of Houston taxes and don’t currently own property. It runs through the Houston HOPE and Workforce Housing tiers and is structured as no-repay assistance.

Montgomery County DPA — up to $14,500

For first-time buyers at or below 80% AMFI, buying outside Conroe city limits, within HUD price caps. A great option for buyers looking at Conroe-area suburbs and The Woodlands fringe.

Statewide Texas programs (available in Houston too)

Homes for Texas Heroes (TSAHC) — up to 5%

Built for teachers, first responders, veterans, corrections officers, nurses, and more. It’s a grant — never repaid — and it’s available anywhere in Texas. If you work in public service, this is often the most valuable program for you.

Home Sweet Texas (TSAHC) — up to 5%

Open to all qualifying buyers (not just public servants), subject to income and price limits. Also a no-repayment grant, available statewide.

SETH 5 Star Program — up to 6%

One of the highest assistance percentages available, calculated on your total loan amount. Statewide with a few city exclusions and household income limits.

My First Texas Home (TDHCA) — up to 5%

A second-mortgage assistance option with income limits by household size, available statewide. Useful for buyers who don’t fit the grant programs.

Pair DPA with a low-down-payment loan

Most assistance programs stack on top of a government-backed loan:

FHA: as little as 3.5% down.
VA: 0% down for eligible veterans and active military.
USDA: 0% down in eligible (often suburban/rural) areas.

Layer a DPA grant on top and your out-of-pocket cost at closing can shrink dramatically — sometimes close to nothing.

“I’m not a first-time buyer — am I out of luck?”

Not necessarily. Several statewide programs (like Home Sweet Texas and SETH) allow repeat buyers. And “first-time” usually just means you haven’t owned a home in the last three years. If that’s you, you may qualify even if you’ve owned before.

What credit score do I need?

Most programs start around a 620 credit score, and some are more flexible. If your credit needs a little work, a good lender can give you a simple plan to get there — many buyers start below the line and get approved within a few months.

How to find the programs you qualify for

Here’s the honest truth: the hardest part of DPA isn’t the money — it’s the matching. Income limits, price caps, location boundaries, and occupation rules vary by program, and combining them correctly is where most buyers get stuck or give up.

That’s where we come in. Take our free 60-second quiz — six quick questions, no credit pull, no obligation — and we’ll match you to the Texas programs you’re actually eligible for. From there, we connect you with DPA-experienced lenders, confirm your real numbers, and help you shop homes that fit both your budget and the program rules.

Common questions

Do I have to pay down payment assistance back?

Many Texas programs (TSAHC, SETH) are grants you never repay; others are forgivable after a set period or low-interest second mortgages.

How much down payment assistance can I get in Houston?

Up to $23,800 in Harris County, up to $15,000 from the City of Houston, plus statewide grants of 5–6%.

What credit score do I need for down payment assistance in Texas?

Most programs start around 620, and some are more flexible.

Can repeat buyers get down payment assistance?

Yes — several statewide programs allow buyers who haven’t owned in the last three years.

Bruno Fine Properties is a licensed Texas real estate brokerage — not a lender. Assistance amounts and eligibility are subject to program approval and can change. Figures reflect program maximums as of 2026.