Down Payment Assistance Programs in Houston TX 2026 | TSAHC, HAP & More

Down Payment Assistance Programs in Houston TX 2026 | TSAHC, HAP & More

One of the biggest myths I hear from first-time homebuyers in Houston is that they need to save up 20% for a down payment before they can buy a home. The truth is, there are programs available right now that can dramatically reduce — or even eliminate — the amount of money you need to bring to closing.

Here is a breakdown of the most important down payment assistance programs available to buyers in the Houston area in 2026.

TSAHC: The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation

TSAHC is one of the most powerful tools available to first-time homebuyers in Texas. The program offers a grant of up to 5% of the loan amount to help cover your down payment and closing costs. Unlike a loan, a grant does not need to be repaid. To qualify, you generally need a minimum credit score of 620 and must meet income limits, which are generous enough to include many working families in the Houston area.

On a 300,000 home, 15,000 — money that goes directly toward your down payment or closing costs. This program can be combined with FHA, conventional, VA, and USDA loan types.

The City of Houston Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP)

For buyers purchasing within the City of Houston city limits, the HAP program can provide up to $30,000 in assistance. To qualify, you must be a first-time homebuyer (or not have owned a home in the last three years), meet income requirements, and complete a homebuyer education course. The assistance is structured as a forgivable loan, meaning it is forgiven over time as long as you remain in the home.

Harris County Down Payment Assistance

For buyers purchasing in unincorporated Harris County (which includes many areas of Northwest Houston and the 77084⁄77095 zip codes), Harris County offers its own down payment assistance program. Buyers need a minimum credit score of 580 and must meet income guidelines.

How I Help My Clients Use These Programs

Navigating these programs on your own can feel overwhelming. Each program has its own income limits, property requirements, and lender requirements. As your Realtor, I work closely with lenders who are certified in these programs to make sure you are using every dollar of assistance you are entitled to. I have helped buyers in Cypress, Katy, Spring, and the 77084 and 77095 zip codes purchase their first homes using these programs — sometimes with as little as 1, 000to 3,000 out of pocket.

Ready to Find Out If You Qualify?

The fastest way to find out if you qualify for down payment assistance is to have a quick conversation with me. I will ask you a few simple questions and connect you with the right lender to get you pre-approved. I am Marysol Calvillo, Real Estate Broker at Elite Properties, LLC. I serve first-time homebuyers throughout Cypress, Katy, Spring, Hockley, and Northwest Houston. Hablo español.

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