Connecticut first-time home buyer programs
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) lists 4 programs that help buyers in Connecticut with the down payment or closing costs. Amounts and terms are shown as the agency publishes them.
- Programs from the agency
- 4
- Biggest amount listed
- $25,000
- First-time buyers only
- 2 of 4 programs
- Income caps
- 120% of area median
Down payment assistance programs in Connecticut
| Program | Amount | Grant or loan | Income limit | First-time buyers only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) Loan. With a CHFA mortgage from a CHFA-Participating Lender; homebuyer course. | Up to 4% of the price or value, at most $15,000 | Repayable loan: A second mortgage you pay back each month, at the same rate as your main home loan but never above 5%. | Your income must be within CHFA income limits. | Yes, with exceptions |
| Time To Own - Forgivable Down Payment Assistance. Only for current Connecticut residents who can show residency for the most recent three years. With a CHFA first mortgage loan. | Up to $25,000 | Forgivable loan: 0% loan with no payments. 10% is forgiven each year, so after ten years you owe nothing. | Must be within the Time To Own income limits, which are based on the area median income (AMI). | Yes, with exceptions |
| Next Move with Deferred Down Payment Assistance Program. With CHFA Next Move (Non-Bond) first mortgage; credit score 620+; homebuyer course; price limit no sales price limit. | Up to 3.5% of the home loan | Deferred loan: 0% loan with no monthly payment; the agency pages do not say when it must be repaid. | Household income up to 120% of area median income (AMI) | No |
| Homeownership Mortgage for Residents of Public Housing. Only for residents of public housing or those receiving rental assistance. homebuyer course. | Enough to cover the down payment | Repayable loan: A low-interest second mortgage that you pay back. | Ask the agency | No |
Usually, "first-time buyers only" means you haven't owned a home during the past three years, though every program sets a rule of its own. The name of each program links to a Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) page that says whether applications are open right now. The agency also maintains its own list of participating lenders. Compare down payment assistance programs across all states, or ask a lender that works with Connecticut's programs.
How do you repay Connecticut's programs?
- Repayable loan: a small second mortgage you pay back monthly, usually along with your first mortgage payment.
- Forgivable loan: keep the home and its first mortgage for the set years, and this second loan is written off.
- Deferred loan: nothing to pay each month, but the full amount comes due when you sell, refinance or pay the first mortgage off.
How does your income compare with Connecticut's caps?
Every program has its own income cap, which the table shows, and the exact chart is on that program's agency page. Use the HUD income limits lookup (FY2026) to find the figure for your county and household size. If a program relies on its own county chart or Freddie Mac's, the result can differ from HUD's number, and the agency's chart decides.
Talk to a lender that works with Connecticut programs
These programs are paid out through the agency's approved lenders, so the lender is your next step. Tell us where you're buying and a lender that works with Connecticut's programs can explain which ones fit you.
Rather not call? Send your details and the lender will reach you.
Are you buying near a state border?
Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island or programs for all 50 states plus DC.