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

Homebuyer Programs in Lubbock, TX (2026)

Population: 279,104 | Median home price: $240,000 | Est. closing costs: $5,000 - $7,000

Skyline of Lubbock, TX

Lubbock is a growing city in West Texas and home to Texas Tech University, with a population nearing 280,000 and a median home price around $240,000 that remains well below the state average. The Homeownership Across Texas (HAT) Grant Program, administered locally by the Lubbock Housing Finance Corporation, provides up to 5% of the loan amount as a grant that never needs to be repaid for FHA, VA, and USDA borrowers, or 3% for conventional loans. Texas state programs including Home Sweet Texas, My First Texas Home, Homes for Texas Heroes, and the SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program offer additional grants and forgivable loans of up to 5% of the loan amount. By stacking the HAT Grant with a state program, an eligible Lubbock buyer purchasing at the median price could potentially access over $20,000 in combined assistance toward their down payment and closing costs.

City Programs in Lubbock

Homeownership Across Texas (HAT) Grant Program
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Up to 5% of the loan amount (FHA/VA/USDA) or 3% (Conventional)
First-time only:
No

State Programs in Texas

Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program
Type:
Grant
Amount:
2%, 3%, 4% or 5% of the total loan amount (borrower chooses); grant on FHA/VA/USDA loans or 0% 3-year forgivable second lien
First-time only:
No
Homes for Texas Heroes Program
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Up to 5% of the loan amount (between 3% and 5%)
First-time only:
No
My First Texas Home
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to 5% of the first lien mortgage amount
First-time only:
Yes
SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to 5% of the loan amount
First-time only:
No

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

Lubbock Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program
Type:
Zero-Interest Loan
Amount:
Affordable home purchase at no profit with 0% interest mortgage
First-time only:
No

How to Apply

Step 1: Check your eligibility. For the HAT Grant Program, your annual income must be below the Lubbock County limit of approximately $90,720, and you need a credit score of at least 620. State programs through TSAHC and TDHCA have their own income requirements, and Collin County income limits tend to differ from Lubbock County limits, so check with a participating lender.

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. The HAT Grant Program requires completion of an eligible homebuyer education course, available online or in person. State programs through TSAHC and TDHCA also require their own homebuyer education courses, which can typically be completed online in a few hours.

Step 3: Contact the Lubbock Housing Finance Corporation at 806-744-5397 to learn about HAT Grant availability and connect with a participating HAT lender. They can walk you through the application process and help determine which combination of programs works best for your situation.

Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. You must be approved for a 30-year FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional mortgage from a participating HAT lender to receive the HAT Grant. For state DPA programs, work with a TSAHC or TDHCA participating lender.

Step 5: Find a home in Lubbock. The property must be your primary residence. There are no specific purchase price caps for the HAT Grant, but state programs may have limits that vary by county. Lubbock Habitat for Humanity at 806-763-4663 is another option for families seeking affordable homeownership.

Step 6: Submit your application and close. The HAT Grant is applied at closing toward your down payment and closing costs. Coordinate with your lender to ensure all program requirements are met and allow time for processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in Lubbock?+
Lubbock buyers can access substantial assistance through multiple programs. The HAT Grant Program provides up to 5% of the loan amount as a grant for FHA, VA, or USDA loans, or 3% for conventional loans. On a $240,000 home with an FHA loan, that could be up to $12,000. State programs like Home Sweet Texas and My First Texas Home add up to 5% more in grants or forgivable loans. By stacking programs, an eligible buyer could potentially receive over $20,000 in combined assistance.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+
No. The HAT Grant Program does not require first-time buyer status, making it available to repeat buyers as well. The TSAHC Home Sweet Texas program also does not require first-time buyer status. My First Texas Home through TDHCA does require first-time buyer status or not having owned in the past three years. Lubbock Habitat for Humanity does not have a strict first-time buyer requirement.
What is the income limit for down payment assistance in Lubbock?+
The HAT Grant Program income limit for Lubbock County is approximately $90,720, though this should be verified for the current year at hatgrant.com. State programs through TSAHC and TDHCA have separate income limits based on the Lubbock area median income, which may differ. Contact a participating lender or the Lubbock Housing Finance Corporation at 806-744-5397 for current limits.
What homebuyer education is required?+
The HAT Grant Program requires completion of an eligible homebuyer education course, available online or in person. State programs through TSAHC and TDHCA require their own homebuyer education courses, which are typically available online and take a few hours to complete. Lubbock Habitat for Humanity also provides education as part of their homeownership process.
Does the HAT Grant have to be repaid?+
No. The Homeownership Across Texas (HAT) Grant is a true grant, not a loan, and never has to be repaid. There are no additional closing costs associated with the program. This makes it one of the most straightforward assistance options available to Lubbock buyers.
Can I combine the HAT Grant with state programs?+
In many cases, yes. The HAT Grant can often be layered with state programs like Home Sweet Texas or My First Texas Home for additional assistance. Work with a participating lender who is familiar with both the HAT Grant and state DPA programs to determine compatibility and maximize your total assistance.

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