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CT Forever Home

Housing Development Fund, Inc. (HDF) · Connecticut

Last verified
See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

$28,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Repayment

Repayable

Repaid on the terms set by Housing Development Fund, Inc. (HDF)

What is CT Forever Home?

CT Forever Home is a repayable second loan for homebuyers in Connecticut, administered by Housing Development Fund, Inc. (HDF).

  • CT Forever Home is a down payment assistance program offered by the Housing Development Fund (HDF), a statewide Connecticut nonprofit CDFI and NeighborWorks chartered member. It is a fully amortizing second mortgage of up to $28,000 at a 1% interest rate (APR 1.191%) to help first-time homebuyers with down payment costs anywhere in Connecticut. It may be layered with HDF's SmartMove CT. Properties are deed-restricted for 10 years; resale within that period must be at a price affordable to other homebuyers. Borrowers must use an HDF participating lender and complete homebuyer education.
  • Up to $28,000 in down payment assistance.
  • Low 1% interest rate (APR 1.191%).
  • Stackable with HDF SmartMove CT.
  • Available statewide in Connecticut.
  • Buyer contributes only 1% of own funds.

How much assistance does it provide?

CT Forever Home offers up to $28,000 in assistance.

  • Buyer contribution: Applicant must have at least 1% of the purchase price, plus inspection fees, appraisal fees, one year of homeowners insurance, and reserves.
  • The program can be combined with HDF SmartMove CT (and may be layered with another mortgage product).
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Housing Development Fund, Inc. (HDF) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

CT Forever Home is a repayable second loan and is repaid under the terms set by Housing Development Fund, Inc. (HDF).

  • Repayment is triggered by Fully amortizing second mortgage repaid via monthly payments; balance due on sale or payoff. A 10-year deed restriction applies; if sold before the 10-year period ends, the home must be sold at a price affordable to other homebuyers.
  • The assistance is recorded in Second position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

CT Forever Home is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: No specific minimum credit score published; applicant must have no outstanding collections, charge-offs, or current past-due accounts (or paid prior to applying). No bankruptcy in the last 4 years (from discharge); no foreclosure in the last 7 years.
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through HUD-approved agency, or online via eHome (ehomeamerica.org/HDF) or Finally Home; a landlord training class is also required when buying a multi-family home.
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident (green card), or holder of an approved visa from HDF's acceptable-visa list.
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-12): pending review. Verified active as of December 2025 (program page last modified 2025-12-03); flyer states available for a limited time. First mortgage must be a 30-year fixed-rate loan from an HDF participating lender; no cash back at closing; recommended ratios 37%/45%. UNCONFIRMED/OMITTED: specific minimum credit score, program-specific income limits, exact sales/purchase price limit, annual funding cap, prepayment penalty, recapture-tax treatment. An aggregator claim (CHFA first mortgage + $1,000 minimum) was NOT used because HDF's own materials contradict it.

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

CT Forever Home sets its income limit as follows: HDF income guidelines apply; the flyer states income limits and other eligibility requirements may apply. Program-specific limits were not published (the county income table on HDF's site applies only to SmartMove, not CT Forever Home).

  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

CT Forever Home caps the purchase price as follows: A sales price limit applies; the specific limit was not published on HDF's primary sources reviewed.

  • Eligible property types include Single Family, Condominium, Multi-Family (2-4 units), PUD, and Manufactured (if affixed to foundation).
  • Manufactured homes are eligible.

Where does it apply?

CT Forever Home serves buyers purchasing anywhere in Connecticut.

How do you apply?

Applications for CT Forever Home go through Housing Development Fund, Inc. (HDF), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through HUD-approved agency, or online via eHome (ehomeamerica.org/HDF) or Finally Home; a landlord training class is also required when buying a multi-family home..

  2. Contact Housing Development Fund, Inc. (HDF) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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