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City of Alexandria Homebuyer's Assistance Program (HAP)

City of Alexandria Community Development Department · Alexandria, Louisiana

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See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

50%

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 once the program's conditions are met

What is City of Alexandria Homebuyer's Assistance Program (HAP)?

City of Alexandria Homebuyer's Assistance Program (HAP) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Alexandria, Louisiana, administered by City of Alexandria Community Development Department.

  • The City of Alexandria's Homebuyer's Assistance Program (HAP), administered by the Community Development Department and authorized by HUD, provides direct subsidy assistance for up to 50% of down payment, mortgage principal reduction, closing costs, and/or education/training to first-time homebuyers at or below 80% of area median income, purchasing an existing or newly constructed home within Alexandria city limits. Assistance is a forgivable loan whose affordability period scales with the amount (5 years under $15,000 up to 15 years over $40,000). The program was created in 1992.
  • Direct subsidy up to 50% of down payment.
  • Principal reduction and closing-cost assistance.
  • Forgivable over the affordability period.
  • Existing or new-construction homes eligible.
  • Long-running program (since 1992).
  • This is a federal program, so it is available beyond a single state or city.
  • Funding comes from HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and/or HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds and/or other available funds.

How much assistance does it provide?

City of Alexandria Homebuyer's Assistance Program (HAP) provides assistance worth 50% of the purchase price, as set by the program.

  • Award tiers: Affordability period scales with assistance: under $15,000 = 5 yrs; over $40,000 = 15 yrs.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — City of Alexandria Community Development Department determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

City of Alexandria Homebuyer's Assistance Program (HAP) is a forgivable loan, so the balance is forgiven once the program's conditions are met.

  • Repayment is triggered by Forgivable over a HUD affordability period tied to the assistance amount (under $15,000 = 5-year minimum affordability period; over $40,000 = 15-year minimum). Subject to HOME/CDBG recapture if owner-occupancy is not maintained.
  • 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 Alexandria Homebuyer's Assistance Program (HAP) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: Exceptions for single parents who became divorced within the past 3 years and for displaced homemakers.
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Education/training referenced as an eligible use of program assistance; provider to be confirmed.
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-12): pending review. First-time homebuyer (no ownership interest in past 3 years per HUD) required, with exceptions for recently divorced single parents and displaced homemakers. GAP NOTES: the detailed HAP guidelines PDF (00-HAP Program Guidelines FINAL R1.pdf) returned a 404 after a 2024-25 website redesign - amount caps, income tables, education provider, and credit/DTI rules should be re-confirmed directly with the Community Development Department (318-449-5072 / cda@cityofalex.com). Administering office confirmed live on cityofalexandriala.com. Do NOT confuse with Alexandria, Virginia's FHAP.

The program excludes

  • 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?

City of Alexandria Homebuyer's Assistance Program (HAP) limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Household income at or below 80% of HUD area median income for the City of Alexandria. Specific dollar limits by household size to be confirmed with the Community Development Department (current guidelines PDF was unavailable/404 at verification).
  • 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 Alexandria Homebuyer's Assistance Program (HAP) can be used for Single Family.

  • New construction is eligible.

Where does it apply?

City of Alexandria Homebuyer's Assistance Program (HAP) is a federal program, so it is not limited to Louisiana.

How do you apply?

Applications for City of Alexandria Homebuyer's Assistance Program (HAP) go through City of Alexandria Community Development Department, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Education/training referenced as an eligible use of program assistance; provider to be confirmed..

  2. Contact City of Alexandria Community Development Department 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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