How can I get down payment assistance for a mortgage in 2026?​ 

A down payment is one of the biggest hurdles many homebuyers face. Fortunately, down payment assistance programs are available to ease the upfront cost of purchasing a home. 

The amount you could receive from these programs varies depending on where you live. For some of these programs, homebuyers will need to meet specific criteria or requirements. Using down payment assistance programs can help reduce the amount you will need to borrow with a mortgage when buying a home, potentially reducing your monthly mortgage payments. 

Are you ready to start the mortgage process and see what your monthly mortgage payments could like? Start a mortgage pre-approval application today. 

What does it mean to get down payment assistance on a mortgage? 

Down payment assistance programs can help you cover the upfront cost of purchasing a home. These can be helpful to first-time homebuyers or those who may be working on a tight budget. 

There are several types of down payment assistance programs available. Knowing the differences among them can help you decide which ones to look for. 

Here are some common types of down payment assistance programs. 

• Grants: Borrowers who receive funds from grants do not need to worry about repaying the amount. 

• Forgivable loans: Forgivable loans do not need to be repaid if certain requirements are met, typically being that the owner needs to live in the property for a set number of years. 

• Matched savings programs: Also known as Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), these programs will match any funds you have saved in a dedicated account. 

• Deferred payment loans: The money you borrow through one of these programs will not need to be paid back until you sell the home, refinance or pay off your mortgage. 

Which states or cities have down payment assistance available in 2026? 

With over 2,000 down payment assistance programs available in 2026, every state has at least one program available to homebuyers.  

California has the most down payment assistance programs at 424, with the largest program, the Dream For All program, covering $150,000 or 20% of the purchase price.  

Many major cities have their own down payment assistance programs that offer $10,000 to $40,000 in funding. Here are some major cities that have down payment assistance you could look into. 

• Chicago, Illinois 

• Los Angeles, California 

• Houston, Texas 

• Phoenix, Arizona 

How much down payment assistance can I get? 

How much you can receive in down payment assistance varies by where you live, from state to city and even county. Down payment assistance amounts can range from $3,000 to $150,000. 

Are there any requirements for down payment assistance that I should consider? 

Yes, down payment assistance programs will come with requirements that you or your property have to meet if you are hoping to qualify. 

Here are a few of the requirements you could see with down payment assistance programs. 

• First-time homebuyer: Many programs mandate that buyers will not have owned a home in at least the past three years. 

• Income limits: These programs are often set up to benefit low- to moderate-income households and will set income limits the buyers will need to be within. 

• Minimum credit score: Some programs will require a minimum credit score and maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. 

• Education courses: Several programs will require the completion of homebuyer education courses with approved organizations. 

• Property requirements: Programs typically require the property you buy to be your primary residence. Some programs may also have certain geographic and property-type criteria as well. 

How can I begin the homebuying process today? 

If you are looking to start the homebuying process, you can begin with a mortgage pre-approval. 

Pre-approvals will show you the mortgage amount you qualify for and what your monthly payments would look like. You can use a pre-approval to show sellers that you are a serious buyer and plan for what your monthly mortgage costs would be. 

Begin the homebuying process today by completing a mortgage pre-approval application. 

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_{Information provided is for educational purposes only. It should not be construed as financial or legal advice or instruction. Owning does not guarantee or assume liability for the accuracy, completeness or timelines of the information. You should conduct additional research before making any mortgage related decisions.}