Delaware first-time home buyer programs
Delaware State Housing Authority lists 6 programs that help buyers in Delaware with the down payment or closing costs. Amounts and terms are shown as the agency publishes them.
- Programs from the agency
- 6
- Biggest amount listed
- $12,000
- First-time buyers only
- 2 of 6 programs
- Income caps
- Up to $184,050
Down payment assistance programs in Delaware
| Program | Amount | Grant or loan | Income limit | First-time buyers only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First State Home Loan. With a Delaware Mortgage Program first mortgage through Welcome Home or Open Door; credit score 620+. | Up to 3% of the home loan | Deferred loan: 0% loan. You repay it when you sell, refinance, move out or give the home to someone else. | Varies by county and household size, from $111,400 to $141,105 with DSHA's Welcome Home loan, or $133,680 to $184,050 with its Open Door loan. | No |
| Keys4You Home Loan. With a Delaware Mortgage Program first mortgage through Welcome Home or Open Door; credit score 620+. | Up to 4% of the home loan | Deferred loan: 0% loan. You repay it when you sell, refinance, move out or give the home to someone else. | Varies by county and household size, from $111,400 to $141,105 with DSHA's Welcome Home loan, or $133,680 to $184,050 with its Open Door loan. | No |
| Take5 Home Loan. With a Welcome Home first mortgage from the Delaware Mortgage Program (Welcome Home only); credit score 620+. | Up to 5% of the home loan | Deferred loan: 0% loan. You repay it when you sell, refinance, move out or give the home to someone else. | In New Castle County, $122,700 for 1 or 2 people and $141,105 for 3 or more; in Kent and Sussex, $111,400 and $128,110. | Yes |
| Diamond in the Rough Home Loan. With a Delaware Mortgage Program Welcome Home first mortgage; buyer must qualify for the FHA 203(k) limited program; credit score 620+. | Up to 5% of the home loan | Deferred loan: 0% loan. You repay it when you sell, refinance, move out or give the home to someone else. | By household size: $122,700 to $141,105 in New Castle County, and $111,400 to $128,110 in Kent and Sussex. | Yes |
| Home Sweet Home Program. credit score 620+; price limit $285,000. | Up to $12,000 | Forgivable loan: 0% second loan that can be forgiven; the agency page does not say on what terms. | Income limits apply; check the DSHA homeownership website. | No |
| Delaware Diamonds Home Loan. Only for essential workers in education and medical fields, first responders, and veterans. credit score 620+. | Up to $10,000 | Forgivable loan: 0% second loan that can be forgiven. | Income limits apply; find them on the DSHA homeownership website. | 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 Delaware State Housing Authority 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 Delaware's programs.
How do you repay Delaware's programs?
- Deferred loan: nothing to pay each month, but the full amount comes due when you sell, refinance or pay the first mortgage off.
- Forgivable loan: keep the home and its first mortgage for the set years, and this second loan is written off.
How does your income compare with Delaware'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.
| HUD area | Median family income | HUD low-income limit |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $122,700 | $98,150 |
| Dover | $112,100 | $86,200 |
HUD uses about 80% of the median as a starting point. Its own caps can hold that number down, including a yearly cap on increases, so the low-income limit is under 80% in a few areas.
Talk to a lender that works with Delaware 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 Delaware'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?
Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or programs for all 50 states plus DC.