See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated March 28, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Knoxville, TN (2026)
Knoxville, a vibrant city in Knox County and home to the University of Tennessee, has a median home price around $315,000. The City of Knoxville offers up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for qualifying buyers purchasing partner-developed homes. The THDA Great Choice Plus program provides up to $6,000 as a forgivable second mortgage or up to $15,000 as a repayable loan. Knoxville Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes with zero-to-low interest mortgages in Knox County. By combining city, state, and federal programs, Knoxville buyers can access significant assistance toward homeownership.
City Programs in Knoxville
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Knoxville Down Payment Assistance Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to $25,000 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $25,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
State Programs in Tennessee
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THDA Great Choice Home Loan | Government-Insured Mortgage | 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage used with FHA, VA, USDA-RD or conventional financing (up to 96.5% financing on FHA, 100% on VA/USDA-RD); optional Great Choice Plus DPA of 5% of price up to $15,000 (amortizing) or $6,000/$10,000 (deferred, forgivable after 10 years) | Yes | View → |
| THDA Great Choice Plus - Amortizing Option | Repayable Loan | Up to 5% of the purchase price, maximum $15,000 | Yes | View → |
| THDA Great Choice Plus - Deferred Option | Forgivable Loan | $6,000 forgivable second mortgage | Yes | View → |
| THDA Homeownership for Heroes | Government-Insured Mortgage | 0.50% interest rate reduction on a THDA Great Choice Home Loan (FHA, VA or USDA-RD only); optional Great Choice Plus DPA of up to 5% of price (max $15,000) amortizing, or $6,000/$10,000 deferred and forgivable | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage used with FHA, VA, USDA-RD or conventional financing (up to 96.5% financing on FHA, 100% on VA/USDA-RD); optional Great Choice Plus DPA of 5% of price up to $15,000 (amortizing) or $6,000/$10,000 (deferred, forgivable after 10 years)
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Repayable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of the purchase price, maximum $15,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- $6,000 forgivable second mortgage
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- 0.50% interest rate reduction on a THDA Great Choice Home Loan (FHA, VA or USDA-RD only); optional Great Choice Plus DPA of up to 5% of price (max $15,000) amortizing, or $6,000/$10,000 deferred and forgivable
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knoxville Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable home with zero-to-low interest mortgage and silent forgivable second mortgage | Yes | View → |
| The Housing Fund Down Payment Assistance | Repayable Loan | Up to $35,000 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable home with zero-to-low interest mortgage and silent forgivable second mortgage
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Repayable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $35,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. The City of Knoxville DPA program requires income at or below 80% AMI and is limited to homes developed by partner organizations. THDA programs have county-specific income limits for Knox County.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. All THDA programs require completion of a homebuyer education course from a THDA-certified counselor. Knoxville Habitat for Humanity also requires education for their program participants.
Step 3: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Contact a THDA-approved lender to apply for a Great Choice Home Loan with down payment assistance. A minimum credit score of 640 is required.
Step 4: Explore City of Knoxville DPA. Contact the City of Knoxville Housing and Neighborhood Development office at (865) 215-2865 to learn about available partner-developed homes with up to $25,000 in assistance.
Step 5: Consider Knoxville Habitat for Humanity. If your income qualifies, apply during open application periods. The program takes 12-18 months and requires 300 hours of sweat equity. Call 865-523-3539 for information.
Step 6: Find a home within program limits and close. Work with your real estate agent and lender to coordinate all assistance programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Knoxville?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What is the maximum home price I can pay in Knoxville?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
What is the Knoxville Habitat for Humanity program?+−
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