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HouseHartford Homebuyer Assistance Program

Hartford, Connecticut

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Assistance

20%

Of the purchase price, as the program sets it

Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 15 years

What is HouseHartford Homebuyer Assistance Program?

HouseHartford Homebuyer Assistance Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Hartford, Connecticut.

  • HouseHartford is the City of Hartford's down-payment assistance program for low- and moderate-income homebuyers purchasing 1-4 family homes and condominiums in Hartford as primary residences. Created by the City of Hartford in partnership with HUD and Fannie Mae, the program provides up to 20% of the purchase price (maximum $40,000) as a 0% interest second-mortgage forgivable loan. The loan is forgiven over a 5- to 15-year affordability period tied to the assistance amount. The program is administered by the City of Hartford's Division of Housing within the Department of Development Services and is delivered through five participating lenders. Buyers must complete an 8-hour homebuyer class with a partner counseling agency (CRT, Mutual Housing of Greater Hartford, Urban League, or NHS of Greater New Britain) and the property must pass a pre-closing HouseHartford inspection. Since inception the program has assisted more than 1,300 Hartford families.
  • Down-payment assistance up to 20% of the purchase price (maximum $40,000) structured as a 0% interest second-mortgage forgivable loan. Loan is forgiven over a 5- to 15-year affordability period (length tied to assistance amount) so long as the property is the buyer's primary residence. No monthly payments. May be used for 1-4 family homes and condominium units in the City of Hartford.
  • Funding comes from HOME, CDBG, Federal, and Local Government.

How much assistance does it provide?

HouseHartford Homebuyer Assistance Program provides assistance worth 20% of the purchase price, as set by the program.

  • Buyer contribution: Minimum buyer contribution from own funds: $1,000 (incomes <=50% AMI) or $2,000 (incomes 51-80% AMI).
  • The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

HouseHartford Homebuyer Assistance Program is forgiven after 15 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • Repayment is triggered by Forgivable second is forgiven over a 5-15 year affordability period so long as the property remains the buyer's primary residence. Due in full upon sale, refinance with cash-out, transfer, or loss of owner-occupancy during the affordability period.
  • The assistance is recorded in 2 position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

HouseHartford Homebuyer Assistance Program is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: No published minimum FICO; underwriting follows the buyer's first-mortgage product (typically 620+)
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Community Renewal Team (CRT) 860-560-5501; Mutual Housing Association of Greater Hartford 860-296-1797; Urban League of Greater Hartford 860-527-0147; Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater New Britain 860-224-2433. 8-hour homebuyer class required.
  • Residency: Property must be located within the City of Hartford, CT, and be the buyer's primary residence for the duration of the affordability period.
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen permitted by HUD HOME rules and the buyer's first-mortgage product
  • Property must be a 1-4 family home or condominium located in the City of Hartford and used as the buyer's primary residence. Buyer must complete an 8-hour homebuyer education class with one of the City's education partners. Buyer must use their own funds for a minimum contribution of $1,000 (households at or below 50% AMI) or $2,000 (households >50%-80% AMI). Property must pass the HouseHartford pre-closing inspection (heat, hot water, electric, roof, smoke/CO detectors, GFCI, paint condition, plumbing, etc.). The first-mortgage payment must be 'affordable' per HouseHartford underwriting. A $250 application fee is due at closing after final funding approval. Maximum assistance is the lesser of 20% of the purchase price or $40,000.

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Households above 80% of area median income

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?

HouseHartford Homebuyer Assistance Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Household income must not exceed 80% of the Hartford Area Median Family Income (updated annually by HUD). 2025 limits: 1-person $70,950; 2-person $81,050; 3-person $91,200; 4-person $101,300; 5-person $109,450 (additional household-size steps published annually).
  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower&rsquo;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?

HouseHartford Homebuyer Assistance Program caps the purchase price as follows: No fixed dollar maximum; HUD HOME 95% maximum-purchase-price rule applies.

  • Eligible property types include Single-family detached, 2-unit, 3-unit, 4-unit, and Condominium.
  • New construction is eligible.
  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

HouseHartford Homebuyer Assistance Program serves buyers purchasing in Hartford, Connecticut.

How do you apply?

Applications for HouseHartford Homebuyer Assistance Program go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Community Renewal Team (CRT) 860-560-5501; Mutual Housing Association of Greater Hartford 860-296-1797; Urban League of Greater Hartford 860-527-0147; Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater New Britain 860-224-2433. 8-hour homebuyer class required..

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Application submitted by participating lender on buyer's behalf to City of Hartford Division of Housing; subject to annual HUD HOME funding allocation., 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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