Grants To Help Buy First Home Apr 2026

Buying your first home is a huge milestone, but the upfront costs—especially the down payment and closing fees—can be a major hurdle. Fortunately, there are several federal, state, and local grants designed to bridge that gap. Unlike loans, these grants typically do not need to be repaid as long as you meet certain requirements, such as living in the home for a set number of years.

Direct cash toward your down payment. For example, some states offer flat grants (e.g., $5,000–$10,000) or a percentage of the home’s purchase price.

Search for your state name + "Housing Finance Agency" to see current grant listings. grants to help buy first home

Most direct "grants" come from . These vary by location but generally fall into two categories:

To secure these funds, you typically need to meet a few standard criteria: Buying your first home is a huge milestone,

You’ll usually need a minimum score (often 620 or 640) to qualify for the underlying mortgage.

Most grants are reserved for low-to-moderate-income households (often based on a percentage of the Area Median Income). Direct cash toward your down payment

Aimed at "community pillars" like teachers, firefighters, and law enforcement, this HUD program offers a 50% discount on the list price of homes in revitalization areas. 2. State and Local Assistance