You may need far less cash to buy than you think. Texas down payment assistance comes as grants, forgivable second liens, and below-market subordinate financing — combinable with FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional first loans. Here's how it all fits together.
For most buyers, the real obstacle isn't the monthly payment — it's the cash needed at closing. Down payment assistance (DPA) solves exactly that. In Texas, DPA typically provides up to 5% of your loan amount toward your down payment and closing costs, delivered as a grant you never repay or a forgivable second lien. It layers on top of a standard first mortgage, so you keep a normal loan and just need less cash up front.
DPA isn't just for the down payment — it can cover closing costs as well, which is what lets many buyers get in with very little out of pocket.
Up to 5% DPA, any profession, no first-time requirement. Income limits by county.
View program →3–5% DPA for teachers, police, fire, EMS, corrections, and veterans.
View program →State first-time program: up to 5% DPA on FHA/VA/USDA, with optional MCC.
View program →Not a down payment grant, but stacks on top: up to $2,000/year federal tax credit.
View program →Beyond statewide TSAHC and TDHCA, some cities and counties (and local housing finance corporations) run their own DPA. I'll check what's available where you're buying.
Rough estimate for illustration only. Closing costs assumed ~3% of price. Not an offer or approval — your real numbers depend on rate, county limits, seller credits, and underwriting.
| Program | Who It's For | Assistance | First-Time Buyer? | Loan Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homes for Texas Heroes | Teachers, police, fire, EMS, corrections, veterans | 3–5% DPA | Not required | FHA·VA·USDA·Conv |
| Home Sweet Texas | Any profession, low–moderate income | Up to 5% DPA | Not required | FHA·VA·USDA·Conv |
| TDHCA My First Texas Home | First-time buyers & veterans | Up to 5% DPA | Required* | FHA·VA·USDA |
| Texas MCC | First-time buyers wanting an annual tax credit | Up to $2,000/yr credit | Required* | FHA·VA·USDA·Conv |
*First-time buyer = no primary-residence ownership in the past 3 years; waived for veterans and qualified targeted areas. Income and purchase-price limits apply by county for all programs.
Most buyers never check what assistance they qualify for. Let's run your county limits and see how much help is on the table. No cost, no obligation. English & Turkish.