Updated · Mike Certo, NMLS #260555
Texas Down Payment Assistance Programs Guide
Texas has two statewide DPA program families (TSAHC and TDHCA) plus city and county programs in every major metro. Here's the practical Texas DPA program map.
TSAHC program family
TSAHC (Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation) is a self-sustaining nonprofit charged with helping low- and moderate-income Texans become homeowners.
Homes for Texas Heroes
Down payment grant of 3-5% of loan amount. Grant — NO repayment required. For eligible professions including teachers, school employees, firefighters, EMS, police, corrections officers, veterans, and many others. Income limits by county.
Home Sweet Texas
Statewide down payment grant for any qualifying buyer (not profession-restricted). 3-5% of loan amount. Grant — NO repayment required. Income limits by county.
TDHCA program family
TDHCA (Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs) is the state housing agency. Programs use below-market rate first mortgages paired with DPA second mortgages.
My First Texas Home
For first-time buyers. Below-market rate first mortgage paired with DPA second mortgage. Income and purchase-price limits by county.
My Choice Texas Home
For repeat buyers (not first-time-buyer restricted). Similar DPA structure to My First Texas Home.
Texas MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate)
Federal tax credit converting portion of mortgage interest into annual federal tax credit. Not cash assistance — reduces federal tax owed each year. Can sometimes layer with another DPA program.
Major Texas city DPA programs
- City of Houston HOAP (Homebuyer Assistance Program) — up to $30,000 for income-eligible Houston buyers
- City of Dallas DPA
- City of Austin DPA
- City of San Antonio HHSD DPA
- City of Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance Program
- City of El Paso DPA
- City of Arlington DPA
- City of Plano DPA
Major Texas county DPA programs
- Harris County DPA
- Dallas County DPA
- Bexar County DPA
- Travis County DPA
- Collin County DPA
- Tarrant County DPA
Eligibility variables
- Income limit: Typically tied to county area median income (AMI)
- Purchase-price limit: County-specific
- Credit score: Typically 640+ for TSAHC and TDHCA; some national programs accept 600+
- Occupancy: Primary residence only
- First-time buyer: Required for TDHCA My First Texas Home; not required for TSAHC or My Choice Texas Home
- Homebuyer education: Required for most programs
- Profession: Homes for Texas Heroes requires eligible profession
One assistance program per transaction
Texas DPA programs do not combine with each other (with the MCC tax credit being the limited exception). You select ONE DPA program per home purchase.
Next step
20-minute call. Bring city/county, household income, FICO ballpark, target purchase price, profession (Homes for Texas Heroes check). We map your top 2-3 program fits.
Related
FAQ
Can I combine TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes with City of Houston HOAP?
No. You select one DPA program per transaction. Most Texas DPA programs don't combine with each other.
Is TSAHC a grant?
Yes — TSAHC down payment assistance is a true grant. It does NOT require repayment, unlike TDHCA second mortgages, which technically defer payment but are loans.
What's the credit floor for Texas DPA?
Most TSAHC and TDHCA programs require 640+. Some national programs (Chenoa Fund) accept 600+.
Can the Texas MCC layer with another DPA?
Sometimes — MCC is a federal tax credit (not cash assistance), so it can layer with other programs in specific scenarios. Verify per program rules at application.