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Get Matched Free →First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Oregon (2026)
By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent
Oregon's state homebuyer help comes from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) in two forms. Flex Lending (FirstHome and NextStep) pairs a fixed-rate first mortgage with down payment assistance of 4% of the loan, or 5% under the Focused Demographics option, forgivable for buyers at or below 80% of area median income. OHCS also funds local organizations that give first-time and first-generation buyers at or below 100% of area median income up to $60,000 or 20% of the price, with 25% of funds set aside for veterans.
Compare Oregon Down Payment Assistance Programs
| Program | Max help | Who it’s for | Income cap | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OHCS Flex Lending Down Payment AssistanceForgivable Loan | Max help:4% of the first mortgage note amount, or 5% under the Focused Demographics option | Who it’s for:First-time and repeat buyers | Income cap:NextStep: $125,000 maximum qualifying income (includes non-occupying co-borrowers). FirstHome: HUD/IRS limits by county, household size and targeted area. DPA terms set by county AMI tier (Tier 1 at or below 80% AMI is forgivable). | Credit:640 |
| Oregon Down Payment Assistance (OHCS)Grant | Max help:Up to $60,000 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less, depending on the local program | Who it’s for:First-time buyers | Income cap:At or below 100% of area median income for the county (Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro 2026 HUD median family income for four: $128,300). | Credit:Lender sets |
First-Time Home Buyer Programs by City in Oregon
Compare Oregon cities
| City | county | Local programs | Largest local award | Median home | Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City: Portland | County:Multnomah County | Local programs:1 | Largest local award:Varies | Median home:$581,500 | Reviewed:Oct 2026 |
| City: Salem | County:Marion County | Local programs:0 | Largest local award:— | Median home:$416,900 | Reviewed:Oct 2026 |
Local programs are city, county and nonprofit help; every city also has the 2 statewide programs above. “Varies” means the local award depends on income or price.
All Oregon City Guides by County
Local programs serve that city, county or metro. Statewide programs are open across Oregon. Federal loans (FHA, VA, USDA) are not counted.