First-Time Homebuyer Grants by State: Up to $35,000 Free (2026)

Down payment assistance, closing cost grants, and forgivable loans available in all 50 states.

The down payment is the #1 barrier to homeownership in America — but in every state, programs exist to cover part or all of it for free. This guide lists the primary down payment assistance program in all 50 states, plus federal programs available everywhere.

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Federal Programs (Available in All 50 States)

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling

Free one-on-one counseling to help you understand every program available in your county. Required by many DPA programs. Find a counselor at hud.gov/counseling.

FHA Loans (3.5% down, flexible credit)

Not a grant, but enables homeownership with as little as 3.5% down and credit scores as low as 580. Often combined with state DPA programs.

VA Home Loan (0% down for veterans)

No down payment, no PMI, competitive rates for veterans and active duty service members. Apply at va.gov.

USDA Rural Development (0% down in rural areas)

Zero down payment for homes in rural and suburban areas. No income limit for the loan, but area must qualify. Check at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov.

Highest-Value State Programs

New York City HomeFirst

Up to $100,000 forgivable for NYC homebuyers. Forgiven after 10 years of living in the home. Income limits apply.

California CalHFA

Up to 10% of purchase price. Multiple programs stack on top of each other. Income limits apply by county.

Maryland SmartBuy

Pays up to $30,000 in student loan debt at closing in exchange for buying a home in Maryland. Unique to MD.

Minnesota Housing

Up to $12,500 deferred loan. One of the highest dollar amounts in the Midwest.

Louisiana Housing Corporation

Up to $55,000 soft second mortgage in some programs. One of the highest in the South.

How to Stack Programs for Maximum Benefit

Federal + State + Local = Zero Down

Many buyers use a federal loan (FHA/USDA/VA), a state DPA for the down payment, and a local/city grant for closing costs — bringing total out-of-pocket to near zero.

Where to Find Your Local Program

Search '[your city] down payment assistance' and '[your county] homebuyer assistance.' Many cities have programs on top of state programs.

Down Payment Resource

Free searchable database of all DPA programs by address at downpaymentresource.com.

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grantlantern.org · 426+ programs · Updated March 2026