City of Henderson First Time Homebuyer Program
City of Henderson First Time Homebuyer Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Henderson, Kentucky, administered by City of Henderson Community Development Division.
The program asks for
- First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
- The home is occupied as a primary residence
- Residency: Home must be located within the City of Henderson
- Applicant must call/email Community Development to be placed on a waiting list; applications mailed when funding is available.
- A home inside Henderson city limits
It doesn’t cover
- Households above 80% of area median income
- Homes outside Henderson
These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.
Income limit
80% of Henderson County’s area median income
HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.
Where it applies
Henderson’s homesHenderson’s homes, and the ones this program accepts
- 58.8% single-familysingle-family
- 2.5% townhousetownhouse
- 13.5% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 18% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 7.2% mobile & othermobile home & other
A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.
$160,100
Henderson median home value
60.5%
built before 1980
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Henderson
How to apply
How to applyTwo steps, in this order
Contact City of Henderson Community Development Division to reserve funds
Funds are reserved through Waiting list; applications mailed to waitlisted households when funding is available, and are subject to availability.
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 homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Questions about this program
What is City of Henderson First Time Homebuyer Program?
City of Henderson First Time Homebuyer Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Henderson, Kentucky, administered by City of Henderson Community Development Division. The City of Henderson's First Time Homebuyer Program helps low-income families purchase their first home using federal CDBG/HOME funds. The city provides an interest-free deferred loan of up to the lesser of 6% of the purchase price or $10,000 toward down payment and closing costs, and can additionally loan up to $35,000 for home repairs. The deferred loan carries no monthly payments. Assistance is provided to households on a waiting list as federal funding becomes available. Interest-free deferred loan up to lesser of 6% of purchase price or $10,000 for down payment/closing costs. Up to $35,000 for home repairs. No monthly payments. No prepayment penalty. Funding comes from U.S. HUD CDBG and HOME entitlement funds.
How much assistance does it provide?
City of Henderson First Time Homebuyer Program offers up to $10,000 in assistance. Award tiers: Down payment/closing costs: lesser of 6% of purchase price or $10,000; Home repairs: up to $35,000 (combined up to $45,000). Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — City of Henderson Community Development Division determines any individual award.
Do you have to pay it back?
City of Henderson First Time Homebuyer Program is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off. Repayment is triggered by Repaid when home is sold, transferred, or no longer the borrower's primary residence; may be repaid early without penalty. 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?
City of Henderson First Time Homebuyer Program is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time homebuyer" usually means not having owned a home in the last three years, but the program sets its own definition. Residency requirement: Home must be located within the City of Henderson. Applicant must call/email Community Development to be placed on a waiting list; applications mailed when funding is available.
What are the income limits?
City of Henderson First Time Homebuyer Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Household income eligibility determined using HUD Section 8 income limits for Henderson County, KY. FY2026 80% (Low Income) 4-person limit = $60,900. 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?
City of Henderson First Time Homebuyer Program can be used for Single Family.
Where does it apply?
City of Henderson First Time Homebuyer Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Henderson, Kentucky.
How do you apply?
Applications for City of Henderson First Time Homebuyer Program go through City of Henderson Community Development Division, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through Waiting list; applications mailed to waitlisted households when funding is available. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Also for Henderson homebuyersOther programs open to Henderson homebuyers
- Habitat for Humanity of Henderson Home Partnership ProgramDeferred
- Welcome Home Program (FHLB Cincinnati)Up to $10,000
- KHC Affordable Down Payment Assistance Program (Affordable DAP)Up to $6,000
Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.
All 73 programs for HendersonProgram terms are set by City of Henderson Community Development Division and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.