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Down Payment Assistance · Texas

Down Payment Assistance in Texas (2026)

The real programs that can cover your down payment in Texas — and the honest truths about them, from a mortgage insider since 2007 who sells nothing.

Texas runs its down payment assistance through two statewide agencies — TDHCA and TSAHC — plus a deep bench of city and county programs in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and beyond. There's a lot here, and most Texans qualify for more than they think.

The main down payment assistance programs in Texas

These are the flagship programs — but funding, income limits, and rates change constantly, so always confirm current details at the official source below before you count on one.

My First Texas Home (TDHCA)

A low-rate loan paired with down payment and closing-cost assistance for first-time buyers who meet income and credit requirements.

My Choice Texas Home (TDHCA)

Similar assistance, but open to repeat buyers too — not just first-timers.

Texas Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)

Not down payment help, but a yearly federal tax credit on a slice of your mortgage interest — real money back every year you own.

TSAHC ‘Homes for Texas Heroes’

Assistance for teachers, police, firefighters, EMS, corrections officers, and veterans.

TSAHC ‘Home Sweet Texas’ Home Loan

Down payment help for low-to-moderate-income Texans in any eligible profession.

Before you take any of them — read this first Every DPA program has strings: some are true grants, some are silent seconds that can trap your rate, and many aren't actually free — you pay through a higher interest rate. Read the honest DPA guide so you know exactly what you're signing.

Who qualifies in Texas

Most Texas programs share the same gates: income limits (which vary by county and household size), a first-time buyer rule (usually not having owned a home in the last three years — often waived for veterans and in targeted areas), a homebuyer education course, a minimum credit score, and a tighter debt-to-income limit than a standard loan. Because that DTI cap is stricter, qualifying often comes down to restructuring a monthly payment or two — run your numbers here to see what you'd need.

Find & apply in Texas

TDHCA (Texas Dept. of Housing)
The state agency behind My First / My Choice Texas Home and the MCC.
Open →
TSAHC (Texas State Affordable Housing Corp.)
Homes for Texas Heroes and Home Sweet Texas — check eligibility and lenders.
Open →
DownPaymentResource
The national database — search 2,000+ programs by your exact city and county.
Open →

See how assistance changes what you need

A covered down payment means a lower income to qualify. Run your Texas price and loan type — free, no pitch.

Open the Income Calculator →

Frequently asked questions

Is there down payment assistance in Texas?
Yes. Texas has statewide programs through its Housing Finance Agency, plus city and county programs. Start with the official sources above and DownPaymentResource, which tracks programs by your exact location.
Is Texas down payment assistance free?
Sometimes. True grants can be free or forgivable, but many marketed products are funded through a higher interest rate. Always ask whether it's a true grant or you're paying for it in your rate.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
Usually you must not have owned a home in the last three years, but that's often waived for veterans and in designated target areas. Check the specific program's rules.

Educational content only — not financial, mortgage, or legal advice, and not a loan offer or solicitation. Timothy George has been in the mortgage business since 2007; he is not a currently-licensed loan originator and does not originate loans. Texas program terms, funding, income limits, and rates change constantly — confirm every detail with the program administrator, the Texas Housing Finance Agency, and a currently-licensed professional before you act. Linked third-party sites are for convenience and are not endorsements.