Short answer: First-time buyers in the Houston area can get thousands of dollars toward a down payment and closing costs. The two biggest local programs are the City of Houston Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP), which has offered up to $50,000 for buyers inside city limits, and the Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program, which offers up to $40,000 for homes in unincorporated Harris County. Both are for income-qualified buyers and require a homebuyer education class.

Here's who qualifies, how much you can get and how to apply.

City of Houston Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP)

The City of Houston's program helps low- to moderate-income families buy a home inside Houston city limits.

• Amount: Up to $50,000 under recent program guidelines, as a forgivable loan toward down payment, closing costs and principal reduction
• Income limit: At or below 80% of the area median income (about $79,000 for a family of four under recent limits)
• Where: The home must be inside the City of Houston limits
• First-time buyer: Generally required
• Your contribution: A small minimum contribution of your own money (recently $350)
• Education: An 8-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education course
• Savings cap: Buyers with more than about $30,000 in liquid assets may not qualify

Because it's a forgivable loan, you usually don't repay it as long as you live in the home for the required number of years. If you sell or move out early, you may have to pay some of it back.

Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP)

If you're buying outside Houston city limits but still in Harris County, such as in some areas near Channelview, Spring, Katy, Cypress or Humble, the Harris County program may be a fit.

• Amount: Up to $40,000 (increased in November 2025)
• Where: Unincorporated Harris County only. Homes inside cities like Houston, Pasadena, Deer Park or La Porte do not qualify for this program.
• Price limits: About $285,000 for existing homes and $296,000 for new construction
• Credit: Minimum 580 credit score
• Savings cap: Liquid assets under about $30,000
• Stay requirement: 5 to 10 years, depending on how much assistance you receive

What about Pasadena, Pearland, Sugar Land and other cities?

If you're buying in a suburb like Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte, Pearland, Manvel or Sugar Land, the city and Harris County programs above may not apply. But you can still use statewide Texas programs, which work almost anywhere in the state:

• TDHCA My First Texas Home: 2% to 5% of the loan amount for first-time buyers
• TDHCA My Choice Texas Home: The same help for repeat buyers
• TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes: For teachers, police, firefighters, EMS, veterans and others
• TSAHC Home Sweet Texas: For income-qualified buyers in any profession

We break these down in our guide to Texas first-time home buyer programs.

Who counts as a "first-time" buyer?

For most programs, you're a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a home as your main residence in the past 3 years. So even if you owned a home years ago, you may still qualify. Veterans are often exempt from the first-time buyer rule.

How to apply

1. Check your income against the program limits for your household size.
2. Take a homebuyer education course. Many are offered online and cost little or nothing.
3. Find an approved lender. You apply for assistance through a participating lender, not directly with the city or state.
4. Get pre-approved and confirm which programs you qualify for. See our guide on how to get pre-approved in Houston.
5. Shop for homes that fit the program's location and price limits.

Tips before you apply

• Funding can run out. Local programs have limited budgets and can pause when money runs out. Start early.
• Allow extra time. Assistance programs can add a few weeks to closing. Let your agent know so your contract timeline accounts for it.
• Read the fine print. Know whether your help is a grant, a forgivable loan or a loan you'll repay when you sell.
• Program rules change. The amounts and limits above are based on recent guidelines. Confirm current details with the program or an approved lender.

Find a home that fits

Once you know which programs you qualify for, search homes for sale in Houston and surrounding cities within your price range. We can help you find homes that meet program location and price limits.

Program details are based on recently published guidelines and can change at any time. Confirm current amounts, income limits and availability with the program administrator or an approved lender.