Louisiana first-time home buyer programs
Louisiana Housing Corporation lists 2 programs that help buyers in Louisiana with the down payment or closing costs. Amounts and terms are shown as the agency publishes them.
- Programs from the agency
- 2
- Biggest amount listed
- $55,000
- First-time buyers only
- Every program
- Income caps
- 80% to 115% of area median
Down payment assistance programs in Louisiana
| Program | Amount | Grant or loan | Income limit | First-time buyers only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HomeStart Assist. With a 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage through the LHC program; credit score 640+; homebuyer course. | Up to 4% of the home loan | Forgivable loan: 0% second mortgage, fully forgiven after 5 years (60 months) if you meet the program's rules. | Income up to 115% of area median income; up to 140% in targeted areas. | Yes |
| HomeStart Plus. Only for buyers purchasing in designated parishes affected by Hurricanes Laura, Delta, or Ida. With a 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage through the LHC HomeStart Plus program; credit score 640+; homebuyer course. | Up to 20% of the price, at most $55,000 | Forgivable loan: 0% second mortgage, forgiven a little each month over 10 years (120 months). | 80% of the HUD area median income; varies by household size and location. | Yes |
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 Louisiana Housing Corporation page that says whether applications are open right now. Compare down payment assistance programs across all states, or ask a lender that works with Louisiana's programs.
How do you repay Louisiana's programs?
- 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 Louisiana'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge | $94,500 | $75,600 |
| New Orleans-Metairie | $88,600 | $70,900 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City | $79,200 | $63,350 |
| Lake Charles | $93,000 | $74,400 |
| Lafayette | $90,300 | $72,250 |
Talk to a lender that works with Louisiana 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 Louisiana'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?
Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas or programs for all 50 states plus DC.