Down Payment Assistance · Texas
Texas Down Payment Assistance Programs (2026)
First-time buyers in Texas have access to grants, forgivable second mortgages, and deferred-payment DPA. Here's how they work, who qualifies, and how to stack them with an FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional loan.
Types of DPA available in Texas
- Grants — free money, no repayment. Usually 2–5% of the purchase price.
- Forgivable second mortgages — repayment forgiven after you stay in the home a set number of years (commonly 5 or 10).
- Deferred-payment seconds — no monthly payment; the balance is due only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
- Match programs — Texas agencies match your own savings 2:1 or 3:1 up to a cap.
Typical Texas eligibility
- First-time buyer (no ownership in the past 3 years)
- Income at or below the county's income cap (tied to area median)
- Minimum 640 FICO (some programs 620)
- HUD-approved homebuyer education certificate
- Primary residence in Texas only
- Purchase price under the county's cap (varies widely across Texas)
How to stack DPA with your first mortgage
Texas DPA layers on top of an FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional first mortgage. The most common pairing in Texas is FHA + DPA — FHA's 3.5% down requirement plus a DPA grant or second means many buyers close with $0 out of pocket beyond earnest money and inspection costs.
With property tax at 1.74% and average insurance near $3,900/yr, Texas's DTI math is unforgiving on high-price homes — DPA lowers your loan amount and payment enough to keep you inside program limits.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for down payment assistance in Texas?
Most Texas DPA programs require you to be a first-time buyer (no ownership in the last 3 years), meet an income cap tied to area median income, complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course, and use the assisted funds on a primary residence.
How much down payment assistance can I get in Texas?
Texas DPA typically ranges from 3% to 10% of the purchase price. Some programs cap at a flat dollar amount ($5,000–$25,000); others scale with your loan size. High-cost counties in Texas usually have higher caps.
Do I have to pay back down payment assistance in Texas?
It depends on the program. Texas offers three common structures: grants (never repaid), forgivable second mortgages (forgiven after living in the home 5–10 years), and deferred second mortgages (repaid only when you sell or refinance).
Can I combine Texas DPA with an FHA or VA loan?
Yes. Most Texas DPA programs are designed to layer on top of an FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional first mortgage. VA borrowers usually already have 0% down, so DPA is more common with FHA and Conventional in Texas.
What credit score do I need for down payment assistance in Texas?
Most Texas DPA programs require a 640+ FICO, though some accept 620. The first-mortgage program you pair with (FHA at 580+, Conventional at 620+) usually sets the floor.
See which Texas DPA programs you actually qualify for
The Readiness Scorecard cross-references your income, credit, and location against live Texas DPA program rules — no credit pull, 60 seconds, free.
Check my Texas DPA eligibility →