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By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated May 6, 2026

Homebuyer Programs in Derby, KS (2026)

Population: 26,062 | Median home price: $315,000 | Est. closing costs: $6,500 - $9,500

Skyline of Derby, KS

Derby is a fast-growing suburb of Wichita in southern Sedgwick County, anchored by McConnell Air Force Base, strong schools, and a popular Madison Avenue retail corridor. The median home price in Derby is approximately $315,000 — meaningfully higher than Wichita and the county average — and although the City of Derby itself does not fund a direct down payment assistance program for buyers, eligible first-time homebuyers can combine substantial help from state and regional sources. The KHRC First-Time Homebuyer Program offers a 0% interest forgivable second mortgage of 15-20% of the purchase price (up to $40,000) that is forgiven after 10 years of owner-occupancy. The Kansas Housing Assistance Program (KHAP), co-sponsored by Sedgwick County, layers on up to 4% in cash assistance for down payment and closing costs. Wichita Habitat for Humanity provides affordable zero-interest mortgages to selected households earning 35-80% AMI in Sedgwick County, including Derby. Combined with FHA, VA, and USDA loans (parts of southern Sedgwick County qualify as USDA-rural) plus the Kansas First-Time Home Buyer Savings Account tax deduction, Derby buyers can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs.

State Programs in Kansas

Kansas First-Time Home Buyer Savings Account
Type:
Tax Credit
Amount:
State income tax deduction up to $3,000 individual / $6,000 joint per year (lifetime cap $24,000 / $48,000)
First-time only:
Yes
Kansas Housing Assistance Program (KHAP)
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Up to 4% cash assistance (3% option for buyers with 640-659 credit scores)
First-time only:
Yes
KHRC First-Time Homebuyer Program
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
15-20% of purchase price (up to $40,000)
First-time only:
Yes

Federal Programs

FHA Loans
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
Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD)
Type:
Government Property Sale Program
Amount:
50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
First-time only:
Yes
Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac)
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
HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae)
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
HUD $100 Down Program
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
USDA Rural Development Loans
Type:
Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
Amount:
100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
First-time only:
No
VA Loans
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

Wichita Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program
Type:
Repayable Loan
Amount:
Affordable mortgage on a Habitat-built home (no published dollar value of subsidy; mortgage is structured to be affordable for 35-80% AMI households)
First-time only:
Yes

How to Apply

Step 1: Check your eligibility. Derby is in Sedgwick County, where the KHRC First-Time Homebuyer Program is available (the Wichita city-limits exclusion does not apply to Derby). KHAP is available statewide. Wichita Habitat for Humanity serves households earning 35-80% AMI in Sedgwick County.

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Most assistance programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education certificate. Wichita Habitat for Humanity and area HUD-approved counseling agencies in Wichita provide qualifying courses that satisfy KHRC, KHAP, and Habitat requirements.

Step 3: Contact a local housing partner. Wichita Habitat for Humanity is located at 2220 N Opportunity Drive in Wichita and serves Derby; visit wichitahabitat.org for the homeownership application.

Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Use the KHRC participating lender search to find a Wichita-area lender (most serve Derby) that can originate the KHRC First-Time Homebuyer second mortgage and KHAP cash assistance.

Step 5: Find a home within program limits. The KHRC program has Sedgwick County-specific purchase price limits updated annually (often around $209,000 in most Kansas counties); confirm with your lender. Derby's median home price of about $315,000 is above the typical state program cap, so buyers using KHRC will need to look at lower-priced homes within Derby or consider higher-cap programs.

Step 6: Submit your application. State assistance is funded year-round but reserved on a first-come, first-served basis through your participating lender.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in Derby, KS?+
Derby buyers can stack multiple programs. The KHRC First-Time Homebuyer Program provides a forgivable second mortgage of 15-20% of the purchase price (up to $40,000). KHAP, co-sponsored by Sedgwick County, adds up to 4% cash assistance. Wichita Habitat for Humanity provides an affordable zero-interest mortgage for selected households at 35-80% AMI.
Can I use KHRC in Derby even though Wichita is excluded?+
Yes. The KHRC First-Time Homebuyer Program is excluded only from the city limits of Wichita, Topeka, Lawrence, Kansas City, and all of Johnson County. Derby is a separate city in Sedgwick County, so it is fully eligible for the KHRC program.
What is the maximum home price I can buy?+
The KHRC program sets Sedgwick County-specific purchase price limits updated annually (around $209,000 in most counties); your KHRC participating lender will give you the current cap. Derby's median home price of about $315,000 typically sits above the KHRC cap, so buyers using KHRC will generally need to look at lower-priced Derby listings. KHAP and FHA/VA/USDA loans follow standard county loan limits, which are higher.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?+
The KHRC First-Time Homebuyer Program requires first-time buyer status (no ownership in the past three years). KHAP does not require first-time status. Wichita Habitat for Humanity selects families based on housing need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner — not first-time status.
What homebuyer education is required?+
Most assistance programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Wichita Habitat for Humanity and area HUD-approved counseling agencies provide qualifying courses that satisfy KHRC, KHAP, and Habitat requirements.

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