Down Payment Assistance
Down payment assistance: help getting to the closing table.
For many buyers, the down payment is the biggest hurdle. Assistance programs are designed to help you clear it.
Down payment assistance (DPA) programs provide grants or second loans that help cover your down payment and, in some cases, closing costs. They can dramatically reduce the cash you need to buy.
Programs vary by location, income, and buyer profile - and eligibility rules change. The key is matching the right program to your situation, which is exactly what we help you do.
Quick facts
- Forms
- Grants & second loans
- Covers
- Down payment + some closing costs
- Best for
- First-time & moderate-income buyers
Key advantages
- Grants that may not need to be repaid
- Deferred or forgivable second-mortgage options
- Can be paired with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans
- Often geared toward first-time and moderate-income buyers
What to keep in mind
- Eligibility depends on income, location, and program funds
- Some programs require homebuyer education
- Assistance funds can be limited and change over time
Frequently asked questions
Finished “Down Payment Assistance”? Here's what's next
- Assistance FinderWhy: Enter your ZIP to see which programs actually apply to you.
- First-Time Home Buyers guideWhy: Most assistance programs are built around first-time buyers.
- Construction loans: from blueprint to front door.Why: Closely related reading: “Construction loans: from blueprint to front door.”
- Conventional loans: the flexible standard.Why: Closely related reading: “Conventional loans: the flexible standard.”
Last reviewed January 2026. Educational information only, not a commitment to lend, a rate quote, or a guarantee of approval. Blueprint Home Loans LLC is licensed in Florida; loan program rules are federal and apply nationally.
Let's find the assistance you qualify for.
Tell me where you're buying and I'll help identify programs that fit your situation.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of approval. Program guidelines, rates, and eligibility vary by lender, location, and individual circumstances and are subject to change. Please consult a licensed mortgage professional for guidance specific to your situation.