First-time home buyer programs in San Antonio
2 programs run by local housing agencies help buyers in San Antonio with the down payment, and the statewide Texas programs work here too.
- Programs offered locally
- 2
- Largest amount
- $30,000
- A grant or loan
- A forgivable loan
Down payment help in San Antonio
| Program | Amount | A grant or loan | Income limit | First-time buyers only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP 120). City of San Antonio Neighborhood & Housing Services Department runs it. | Up to $15,000 | A forgivable loan | Your gross household income can't be more than 120% of Area Median Income. | Yes |
| Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP 80). Its operator is City of San Antonio Neighborhood & Housing Services Department. | Up to $30,000 | A forgivable loan | Your gross household income can't be more than 80% of Area Median Family Income. | Yes |
Which people can qualify under Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP 120)?
- Location requirement: San Antonio city limits.
- Your gross household income can't be more than 120% of Area Median Income.
- First-time buyer status is required.
- You must take a homebuyer education course.
- The price limit is $301,700 for an existing home and $332,800 for new construction.
- Pre-qualify for a first lien mortgage in one of these categories: Conventional, FHA or VA.
- Put down at least $500 as an earnest money deposit.
No payments are required on this 0% interest second lien. Over 10 years, 75% is forgiven. Ownership changes, sale, or refinance with cash back results in repayment of 25%.
Once you keep the home for the number of years the program sets, the forgivable loan is written off.
NHSD works with the buyer's mortgage lender to complete the submission package for a HIP loan. For the full rules, read City of San Antonio Neighborhood & Housing Services Department's page for Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP 120).
Which people can qualify under Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP 80)?
- Location requirement: San Antonio city limits.
- Your gross household income can't be more than 80% of Area Median Family Income.
- First-time buyer status is required.
- You must take a homebuyer education course.
- The price limit is $260,000 for an existing home and $284,000 for new construction.
- You don't need a credit score.
- Pre-qualify for a first lien mortgage in one of these categories: Conventional, FHA or VA.
No payments are due on the 0% interest second lien. The loan is forgiven over 10 years. If ownership changes, or if there's a sale or refinance with cash back, part of the balance left is repaid.
NHSD works with the buyer's mortgage lender to complete the submission package for a HIP loan. For the full rules, read City of San Antonio Neighborhood & Housing Services Department's page for Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP 80).
San Antonio is also served by Texas's statewide programs.
| Program | Amount | A grant or loan |
|---|---|---|
| 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, offered by Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs / Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation. The income figure for Bexar County appears in our HUD income limits lookup.
Buying in San Antonio? Ask a lender
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? Once you share your information, the lender will contact you.