See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 7, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Alexandria, LA (2026)
Alexandria is located in central Louisiana along the Red River, serving as the seat of Rapides Parish and the commercial hub of the region. With a median home price around $160,000, the city offers very affordable homeownership. The City of Alexandria Homebuyer's Assistance Program (HAP) provides forgivable assistance covering up to 50% of the down payment plus closing costs and mortgage principal reduction for first-time buyers within city limits. At the state level, the LHC Pathways to Homeownership Soft Second and LHC Resilience Soft Second each offer up to $60,000 in forgivable assistance, and the LHC MRB Home Program provides 5% to 9% of the mortgage amount as a grant. Essential workers can access the LHC Keys for Service Program for 4% of the loan amount. With Alexandria's low home prices, combining the city HAP program with even one state program could cover the full cost of getting into a home.
City Programs in Alexandria
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Alexandria Homebuyer's Assistance Program (HAP) | Forgivable Loan | Up to 50% of down payment plus closing costs, mortgage principal reduction, and education training (amount based on demonstrated need) | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 50% of down payment plus closing costs, mortgage principal reduction, and education training (amount based on demonstrated need)
- First-time only:
- Yes
State Programs in Louisiana
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LHC Keys for Service Program | Forgivable Loan | 4% of loan amount for down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| LHC MRB Home Program | Grant | 5% to 9% of mortgage amount for down payment and closing costs | Yes | View → |
| LHC Pathways to Homeownership Soft Second | Forgivable Loan | Up to 20% of purchase price (up to $55,000) plus up to $5,000 for closing costs (up to $60,000 total) | Yes | View → |
| LHC Preferred Conventional Program | Grant | Up to 4% of total purchase price | Yes | View → |
| LHC Resilience Soft Second Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to $55,000 plus up to $5,000 for closing costs (up to $60,000 total) | Yes | View → |
| Louisiana Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) | Tax Credit | Federal tax credit of up to 40% of annual mortgage interest, capped at $2,000 per year | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- 4% of loan amount for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- 5% to 9% of mortgage amount for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 20% of purchase price (up to $55,000) plus up to $5,000 for closing costs (up to $60,000 total)
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to 4% of total purchase price
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $55,000 plus up to $5,000 for closing costs (up to $60,000 total)
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Tax Credit
- Amount:
- Federal tax credit of up to 40% of annual mortgage interest, capped at $2,000 per year
- 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
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. The City of Alexandria HAP program requires household income at or below 80% of the area median income as determined by HUD. You must be a first-time homebuyer, defined as not having owned a home in the past three years.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. The HAP program requires completion of homebuyer education training. The Louisiana Housing Corporation offers a no-cost two-day course facilitated by a live instructor totaling six hours. Online options through Frameworks ($75) and eHome America are also available.
Step 3: Apply for the City of Alexandria Homebuyer's Assistance Program (HAP) through the Community Development Department. The amount of assistance is based on your demonstrated financial need and can cover up to 50% of the down payment plus closing costs and mortgage principal reduction.
Step 4: Get pre-approved with a Louisiana Housing Corporation participating lender. Ask about the LHC MRB Home Program (5% to 9% grant), Pathways to Homeownership Soft Second (up to $60,000 forgivable), and the Resilience Soft Second (up to $60,000 forgivable).
Step 5: If you are a teacher, first responder, or healthcare worker, ask your lender about the LHC Keys for Service Program, which provides 4% of the loan amount with no first-time buyer requirement.
Step 6: Find a home within program limits. The HAP program requires the property to be within Alexandria city limits. State programs have separate purchase price limits by parish.
Step 7: Submit your applications and close on your home. The HAP assistance is secured by a forgivable second mortgage signed at closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Alexandria?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
How long do I need to stay in the home for the HAP loan to be forgiven?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
What makes Alexandria especially affordable for homebuyers?+−
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