Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP)

Administered by: Harris County Housing and Community Development · County · Forgivable Loan

Funding status: Active

How much assistance

Up to $23,800 (Forgivable Loan)

Loan is fully forgiven after maintaining residence in the home for 5 years.

Eligibility

  • Income limits: Must meet income requirements based on household size at or below 80% AMI.
  • Purchase price limit: $200,000
  • First-time buyer required: Yes — Must be a first-time homebuyer or have not owned a home in the last 3 years.
  • Credit score minimum: 620
  • Geographic restrictions: Must purchase a home in an unincorporated area of Harris County. Cannot be within the City of Houston, Pasadena, or Baytown city limits.
  • Homebuyer education required: Yes

How to Apply for Harris County Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP)

Step 1: Complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course, then apply through Harris County Housing and Community Development. Front-end DTI cannot exceed 39% and back-end DTI cannot exceed 42%.

Notes

Maximum purchase price is $200,000 for pre-existing homes and $228,000 for new construction. Covers down payment, closing costs, and pre-paids. Note: This program is for unincorporated Harris County only, not City of Houston residents.

Cities Where This Program Is Available