First-time home buyer programs in Houston
City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department runs Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP) for buyers in Houston: up to $75,000, as a forgivable loan.
- Program available locally
- 1
- Highest amount
- $75,000
- Loan or grant
- A loan that can be forgiven
Down payment help in Houston
| Program | Amount | Loan or grant | Income limit | First-time buyers only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP). The City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department runs it. | Up to $75,000 | A loan that can be forgiven | Household income: 80% of the Area Median Income or less. | Yes |
Who meets the requirements of Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP)?
This round has no money left.
- The home must be inside Houston city limits and pay taxes to the City of Houston.
- The limit for household income is 80% of Area Median Income.
- This program requires you to be a first-time buyer
- You must take a homebuyer education course.
- No maximum home price applies. Buyers can choose any home meeting the front and back-end ratio guidelines.
- The buyer must put at least $350 toward the transaction.
- At eligibility and at closing, liquid assets must be under $50,000.
Secured by a lien, this no-interest loan is forgivable. Living in the home for eight years fulfills it; otherwise, the buyer repays part of the original amount.
The program forgives a forgivable loan after you keep the home for the required years
Call 832.394.6200 to get a HAP ID and complete an application; also obtain a home loan through a lender. Read the full rules on City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department's page for Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP).
Texas's statewide programs are also available in Houston
| Program | Amount | Loan or grant |
|---|---|---|
| Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program | Up to 5% of the home loan | Grant or forgivable loan |
| My Choice Texas Home | Up to 5% of the home loan | Forgivable or deferred loan |
Every Texas first-time home buyer program comes from Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs / Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation. For Harris County, the income figure appears in our HUD income limits lookup.
Talk with a lender about a Houston purchase
Tell us where you're buying and a lender that works with Texas's programs can tell you which of these fit you, and which you can combine.
Would you rather not call? The lender will contact you after you send your details.