See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 2, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in West Haven, CT (2026)
West Haven is a coastal city of about 55,300 residents in New Haven County, Connecticut, located along Long Island Sound just west of New Haven. With a median home price around $365,000, the city offers a more affordable shoreline option compared to neighboring communities. West Haven provides a First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program through its Community Development Administration, funded by CDBG entitlement funds for income-eligible buyers. State programs add substantial additional support, including the CHFA Time To Own program (up to $50,000 in forgivable assistance), the HDF SmartMove program (up to 25% of the purchase price), and the HDF Live Where You Work program (up to $25,000 at 0% interest if you work in West Haven). Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven also serves the West Haven area. By combining local, state, and federal programs, West Haven buyers can stack meaningful assistance toward homeownership.
City Programs in West Haven
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Haven First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program | Grant | — | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- First-time only:
- Yes
State Programs in Connecticut
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHFA Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) | Repayable Loan | $3,000 to $15,000 | Yes | View → |
| CHFA Time To Own Forgivable Down Payment Assistance | Forgivable Loan | Up to $50,000 in high-opportunity areas; up to $25,000 in other areas | Yes | View → |
| HDF CT Forever Down Payment Assistance | Repayable Loan | Up to $28,000 | Yes | View → |
| HDF Live Where You Work | Zero-Interest Loan | Up to $25,000 | Yes | View → |
| HDF SmartMove Connecticut | Repayable Loan | Up to 25% of the purchase price | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Repayable Loan
- Amount:
- $3,000 to $15,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $50,000 in high-opportunity areas; up to $25,000 in other areas
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Repayable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $28,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $25,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Repayable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 25% of the purchase price
- First-time only:
- Yes
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
Nonprofit Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | No down payment required ($600 contribution); 0% interest 25-year mortgage | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- No down payment required ($600 contribution); 0% interest 25-year mortgage
- First-time only:
- Yes
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. West Haven's local program requires low to moderate income status as defined by HUD. Most state programs require that you have not owned a home in the past three years and meet income limits.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Connecticut state programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Housing Development Fund (HDF) offers free first-time homebuyer education classes. Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven at 203-785-0794 also offers homebuyer preparation courses.
Step 3: Contact the West Haven Community Development Administration. Visit the CDA office on the second floor of City Hall or call 203-937-3550 to request a first-time homebuyer assistance application. You can also reach Housing Specialist Ronald C. Dumas at 203-937-3546 or rdumas@westhaven-ct.gov.
Step 4: Connect with a CHFA-approved lender. Visit the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority website to find a CHFA-approved lender who can guide you through the state's down payment assistance programs including DAP, Time To Own, and SmartMove.
Step 5: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Work with your lender to determine your borrowing capacity and which state programs you qualify for. If you work in West Haven, ask about the HDF Live Where You Work program for up to $25,000 at 0% interest.
Step 6: Find a home in West Haven and submit your applications. Once you find a home, submit your CDA application along with all required documentation. Allow four to six weeks for local program approval. Your lender will process state program applications in parallel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in West Haven?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to get assistance in West Haven?+−
What is the maximum home price for assistance programs?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
How do I apply for West Haven's local homebuyer program?+−
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