
Discover Dallas-Fort Worth's most comprehensive down payment assistance programs. From Dallas's generous $60,000 DHAP program to Tarrant County's $50,000 assistance and statewide Texas programs, find the financial support you need to make homeownership a reality in the DFW metroplex.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex provides one of the nation's most robust down payment assistance ecosystems, combining generous city programs, county initiatives, state resources, and nonprofit partnerships. With Dallas offering up to $60,000, Tarrant County providing $50,000, and Fort Worth contributing $25,000, DFW homebuyers have access to more substantial assistance than most metropolitan areas in the United States. The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) and Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) further expand options with specialized programs for educators, veterans, first responders, and all Texas homebuyers.
💡 Key Insight: Dallas-Fort Worth's down payment assistance programs work with conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. Most programs are structured as forgivable second mortgages, meaning you could receive thousands in assistance that disappears over time as you build equity. Dallas's program offers up to $60,000 in High Opportunity Areas - nearly double what most major cities provide. This isn't money you repay monthly; it's assistance designed to help you become a homeowner and stay in your home long-term.
Available Throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Statewide Down Payment Assistance with Mortgage
Created by the Texas Legislature, TSAHC provides down payment assistance to homebuyers throughout Texas including all DFW cities. The organization offers DPA as either a grant (no repayment) or deferred forgivable loan (only repaid if you sell or refinance within 3 years). TSAHC has helped thousands of DFW residents achieve homeownership.
TSAHC Program for Hero Professions
This specialized TSAHC program provides down payment assistance and competitive mortgage rates to Texas hero profession workers. Eligible professions include educators, police, firefighters, EMS, veterans, active military, corrections officers, and healthcare faculty - all critical to DFW communities.
TSAHC Program for All Homebuyers
If you don't qualify for a hero profession, Home Sweet Texas offers the same down payment assistance benefits to all eligible Texas homebuyers. This program provides flexibility with grant or loan options, working with participating lenders throughout the DFW area.
TDHCA Program with MCC Option
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) My First Texas Home program offers flexible down payment assistance combined with low-interest mortgages. First-time buyers can also apply for a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) providing annual federal tax credits.
TDHCA Program for Repeat Buyers
My Choice Texas Home extends TDHCA assistance to repeat homebuyers who don't meet the first-time buyer definition. This program recognizes that many Texans need assistance even if they've owned before, making homeownership accessible to more DFW residents.
Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas provides down payment and closing cost assistance to income-qualified first-time homebuyers through participating member financial institutions. This program allocated $17 million for 2026, demonstrating strong commitment to DFW homeownership.
First-time homebuyers in Texas can apply for a Mortgage Credit Certificate through TDHCA, which converts a portion of mortgage interest into a direct federal tax credit. This can save you thousands annually.
Discover generous local programs in addition to statewide options
Dallas offers the most generous city-level down payment assistance program in Texas through DHAP, providing up to $60,000 in High Opportunity Areas and $50,000 in other Dallas locations. The program uses forgivable deferred loans that are interest-free with no monthly payments, prorated annually based on occupancy. This exceptional assistance makes Dallas homeownership attainable even with the competitive market prices.
Anti-Displacement Option: Long-term Dallas residents (10+ years) with income between 50-120% AMI can access up to $50,000 with NO sales price limit for homes in targeted areas.
Fort Worth provides up to $25,000 in forgivable down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers through the Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP). The program offers flexible fund usage options and forgives completely after 10 years of primary residence occupancy. Administered by the Neighborhood Services Department, HAP has helped hundreds of Fort Worth families achieve homeownership.
Tarrant County offers exceptional down payment and closing cost assistance up to $50,000 for eligible first-time homebuyers. This county-level program covers Fort Worth, Arlington, and other Tarrant County cities, providing substantial support that rivals major city programs. Applications are limited and competitive, so eligible buyers are encouraged to apply early when funding becomes available.
Recent News: In late 2024, Tarrant County reopened applications for this program after receiving new funding allocation. Monitor local housing resources for future availability.
Plano offers two assistance tiers through its First-Time Homebuyers Assistance and Educational Program: up to $10,000 or up to $55,000 depending on eligibility and need. The program provides financial assistance as deferred payment loans for down payments and closing costs, helping low and moderate-income households purchase homes within Plano city limits.
Arlington provides down payment and closing cost assistance up to $20,000 for income-eligible first-time homebuyers with modest incomes. The city actively promotes homeownership assistance to help residents overcome the financial barriers to buying their first home in Arlington's competitive housing market.
McKinney offers up to $10,000 through its First-Time Homebuyers Purchase Assistance Program, with an additional $5,000 bonus available through TDHCA's McKinney Gift Funds program for eligible borrowers using state DPA programs. This combination provides up to $15,000 total in city-sponsored assistance.
The Garland Housing Finance Corporation provides multiple down payment assistance options designed for first-time homebuyers, including programs with tax credit benefits. Garland's programs help increase buying capacity while providing upfront assistance for down payment and closing costs.
Denton offers exceptional down payment and closing cost assistance up to $50,000 for income-eligible first-time homebuyers. The program helps low and moderate-income families overcome financial barriers to homeownership, with comprehensive support through the Community Development Division.
Frisco provides forgivable loans up to $10,000 to qualified homebuyers for down payment and closing cost assistance. The program targets income-eligible first-time buyers, with loans that forgive over time as buyers maintain occupancy in their Frisco homes.
While Irving and Richardson don't currently offer city-specific down payment assistance programs, residents have full access to all Texas statewide programs including TSAHC, TDHCA, and FHLB Dallas initiatives. These state programs provide substantial assistance with flexible eligibility requirements serving both first-time and repeat buyers throughout the DFW metroplex.
Understand qualifying criteria for each Dallas-Fort Worth down payment assistance program
| Program | Income Limit | Credit Score | First-Time Buyer | Max Assistance | Forgiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas DHAP | 80% AMI | Lender requirement | No (3-year rule) | Up to $60,000 | Prorated annually |
| Fort Worth HAP | 80% AMI | Lender requirement | Yes (3-year rule) | Up to $25,000 | 10 years occupancy |
| Tarrant County | Income limits apply | Program specific | Yes | Up to $50,000 | Program specific |
| Plano FTHB | Low-moderate income | Lender requirement | Yes (3-year rule) | $10K or $55K | Deferred loan |
| Arlington HAP | Modest income | Lender requirement | Yes | Up to $20,000 | Program specific |
| McKinney | Up to $118,565 | Lender requirement | Generally yes | $10K + $5K bonus | Program specific |
| Denton HAP | Low-moderate income | Program specific | Yes (3-year rule) | Up to $50,000 | Program specific |
| Frisco DPA | Income qualified | Lender requirement | Yes | Up to $10,000 | Forgivable loan |
| TSAHC Programs | Income limits apply | 620+ minimum | No | Program specific | 3 years (loan option) |
| TDHCA Programs | Income limits vary | Program specific | Varies by program | Flexible DPA | Program specific |
| FHLB Dallas HELP | Income qualified | Member bank req. | Yes | Program specific | Program specific |
Most DFW down payment assistance programs require completion of approved homebuyer education before closing:
💡 Pro Tip: Many DFW buyers qualify for multiple programs simultaneously. You might be eligible for Dallas DHAP, TSAHC, and FHLB Dallas programs at the same time. Work with a DPA-experienced lender who can evaluate all options and recommend the best combination for your situation. Some buyers use city programs for larger amounts, while others prefer state programs with shorter forgiveness periods.
Follow this proven roadmap to successfully navigate Dallas-Fort Worth down payment assistance programs
Identify which DFW programs you qualify for based on your city, income, credit score, and first-time buyer status. Most DFW buyers qualify for 3-6 different programs, giving you options to choose the best assistance for your situation.
Most programs require 8-hour homebuyer education courses through HUD-approved agencies. Complete this requirement early in your journey to avoid delays when you're ready to purchase. The education provides valuable knowledge about budgeting, financing, and homeownership responsibilities.
Work with a mortgage lender experienced with the specific DFW down payment assistance programs you want to use. TSAHC and city programs maintain lists of approved/participating lenders on their websites. Interview multiple lenders to find the best combination of expertise, rates, and service.
DFW assistance programs require extensive documentation to verify income, employment, assets, citizenship, and eligibility. Start gathering documents early so you're ready when you find your home. Missing documents cause the majority of application delays.
Obtain full mortgage pre-approval that specifically includes your down payment assistance program. This makes you a stronger buyer and demonstrates to sellers that you're fully qualified including your assistance funding. Your pre-approval letter should reference the DPA program.
Once you find your home, make an offer and begin the formal mortgage and DPA underwriting process. Your lender coordinates approval for both the primary mortgage and down payment assistance simultaneously. Stay responsive to underwriter requests to keep your closing on schedule.
At closing, you'll sign all mortgage documents including your down payment assistance agreements. The DPA funds disburse at closing, dramatically reducing your required cash to close. Review all documents carefully and ensure you understand your occupancy requirements and repayment terms.
💡 Timeline Expectations: The complete DFW home buying process with down payment assistance typically takes 75-120 days from pre-qualification to closing. Dallas DHAP applications (October-July window) may take longer due to annual funding cycles. Plan ahead if you have specific target dates. Homebuyer education alone takes 1-2 weeks to schedule and complete. Start early and stay organized for the smoothest experience.
Don't make ANY major financial changes during your application process. This includes buying cars, furniture, appliances, or opening new credit cards. Don't switch jobs unless absolutely necessary - lenders need to verify continuous employment. Avoid large bank deposits without documentation (gift letters required). Don't skip or rush through homebuyer education courses. For Dallas DHAP specifically, apply early in the October-July window before funds deplete. Don't assume you only qualify for one program - many DFW buyers have multiple options. Finally, ensure you understand occupancy requirements - most programs require you to live in the home as your primary residence for 3-10 years for full forgiveness.
With up to $60,000 available through Dallas programs, $50,000 through Tarrant County, and multiple state programs serving the entire DFW metroplex, now is the time to take advantage of exceptional down payment assistance opportunities. These programs help thousands of families annually overcome the down payment barrier and achieve the dream of homeownership in the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Dallas DHAP accepts applications October 1st through July 31st annually - funds often deplete before July. Tarrant County's $50,000 program has limited funding with competitive applications. Don't wait - contact a DPA-experienced lender today to determine which programs you qualify for and begin your pre-qualification process. The sooner you start, the more options you'll have and the better positioned you'll be when you find your perfect DFW home.


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