The Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) offers a deferred 0% interest loan for eligible "first-time homebuyers" to help purchase a home within the Austin City Limits. Access to assistance must be made through through Trained Loan Officers (see Loan Officer Training, below) who are registered on the DPA’s List of Participating Lenders. Only trained loan officers can submit DPA applications for potential homeowners.
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How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance (DPA)
Review the information below, determine your eligibility, and fill out and submit the DPA Application.
What Does the Down Payment Assistance Program Cover?
- Down payment and closing costs, and pre-paid expenses associated with buying a home• Dollar amount is based on financial need
- Homebuyers may qualify for up to $40,000 in assistance
- Standard DPA: Up to $14,999 in a forgivable, 0% interest loan
- Shared Equity DPA: Up to $40,000 in a forgivable, 0% interest loan with shared equity
- Sales and/or appraisal price of the home cannot exceed $280,000
Am I Eligible?
- Have not owned a home in the last three years, or I have been displaced or divorced
- Buying a single-family home or condominium identifiable via the Austin Jurisdictions Web Map
- Completed HousingSmarts or other comparable home buyer education class
- Is approved for a mortgage loan from a participating lender
- Household income is 80 percent or less than the Austin area median family income (MFI)
What Do I Need to Apply?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Confirm that the property is within Austin City Limits
- Participating Lenders (A list of lenders must accompany DPA application.)
- DPA Application
Down Payment Assistance Loan Officer Training
Only Trained Loan Officers listed on the DPA’s list of participating Lenders can submit DPA applications for potential homeowners. To be included on the DPA list, individual loan officers must attend DPA training offered by Neighborhood Housing and Community Development.
If you are interested in attending our next Lender/Loan Officer Training, please email NHCDCS@austintexas.gov. Future Down Payment Assistance Lender Training can be provided on request to groups of five or more. For more information, contact 512-974-3100 or send an email to NHCDCS@austintexas.gov.