Idaho first-time home buyer programs
Idaho Housing and Finance Association list 3 programs that help buyers in Idaho with the down payment or closing costs. Amounts and terms are shown as the agency publishes them.
- Programs from the agency
- 3
- Biggest amount listed
- 8% of the loan
- First-time buyers only
- None of them
- Income caps
- 80% of area median or $170,000
Down payment assistance programs in Idaho
| Program | Amount | Grant or loan | Income limit | First-time buyers only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Down Payment Assistance (Idaho Housing's down payment assistance program). homebuyer course. | Up to 8% of the price or value | Repayable loan: Second mortgage repaid in small monthly payments with your main mortgage over years. | Household income must be $170,000 or less; some loan programs set lower limits. | No |
| HOME Homebuyer Activity (Down Payment Assistance - DPA), Fee Simple. credit score 640+. | Set by your need, so housing costs come to about 35% of income | Deferred loan: 0% loan. You repay it when you sell, give the home to someone else, borrow against the home or fall behind on your loan. | Household income must be 80% of area median income (AMI) or less. | No |
| HOME Homebuyer Activity (Down Payment Assistance - DPA), CLT/Resale. Only for buyers of CLT or fee simple resale housing units reserved through a developer or partner. credit score 620+. | Set by HOME based on income, housing expense ratio and debt-to-income | Deferred loan: 0% loan. You repay it if you sell to a buyer who does not qualify, hand the home over without approval, borrow cash against it or fall behind on your loan. | Household income at or below 80% of area median income (AMI). | 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 Idaho Housing and Finance Association 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 Idaho's programs.
How do you repay Idaho's programs?
- Repayable loan: a small second mortgage you pay back monthly, usually along with your first mortgage payment.
- 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 Idaho'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Boise City | $110,700 | $88,550 |
| Idaho Falls | $101,100 | $80,900 |
| Coeur d'Alene | $108,300 | $82,800 |
| Lewiston | $102,900 | $76,650 |
| Pocatello | $100,800 | $80,650 |
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 Idaho 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 Idaho'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?
Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming or programs for all 50 states plus DC.