Memphis Homebuyer Program Incentive Citizens (HIPC)
Memphis Homebuyer Program Incentive Citizens (HIPC) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Memphis, Tennessee, administered by City of Memphis Division of Housing & Community Development (HCD).
The program asks for
- The home is occupied as a primary residence
- Residency: Within Memphis city limits, in one of 15 HIPC-designated areas (zips 38106,38107,38108,38109,38114,38116,38118,38122,38126,38127,38128 plus Beltline, Binghampton/Highland Heights, Hickory Hill, Carnes Neighborhood).
- Owner-occupied primary residence; 5-year lien. Purchase within one of 15 HIPC-designated areas. Application through the first mortgage lender. Income/price limits are 2023 HUD figures, updated annually; confirm current-year. FTHB requirement, credit score, DTI not specified.
- A home inside Memphis city limits
It doesn’t cover
- Purchases above the $350,000 price cap
- Households above 200% of area median income
- Homes outside Memphis
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
200% of Shelby 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
Memphis’s homesMemphis’s homes, and the ones this program accepts
- 59.5% single-familysingle-family
- 5.1% townhousetownhouse
- 8.7% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 25.5% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 1.2% 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.
$169,000
Memphis median home value
67%
built before 1980
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Memphis
How to apply
How to applyTwo steps, in this order
Contact City of Memphis Division of Housing & Community Development (HCD) to reserve funds
Funds are reserved through Application made through the first mortgage lender., 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 Memphis Homebuyer Program Incentive Citizens (HIPC)?
Memphis Homebuyer Program Incentive Citizens (HIPC) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Memphis, Tennessee, administered by City of Memphis Division of Housing & Community Development (HCD). The City of Memphis HCD Homebuyer Program Incentive Citizens (HIPC) provides down payment and closing cost assistance to homebuyers purchasing within 15 designated revitalization areas of Memphis. Assistance is a forgivable, deferred-payment loan not exceeding $25,000 or 10% of the sales price, secured by a five-year lien with no monthly payments. Unlike the income-restricted Citywide DPA, HIPC allows incomes up to 200% of area median income. Up to $25,000 or 10% of sales price. 0% interest, no monthly payments. Forgiven after 5 years. High 200% AMI income ceiling. Covers down payment and closing costs. Funding comes from HUD HOME funds / City of Memphis HCD.
How much assistance does it provide?
Memphis Homebuyer Program Incentive Citizens (HIPC) offers up to $25,000 in assistance. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — City of Memphis Division of Housing & Community Development (HCD) determines any individual award.
Do you have to pay it back?
Memphis Homebuyer Program Incentive Citizens (HIPC) is forgiven after 5 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer, or failure to maintain as primary residence before the 5-year lien term is satisfied. 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?
Memphis Homebuyer Program Incentive Citizens (HIPC) is open to homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. Residency requirement: Within Memphis city limits, in one of 15 HIPC-designated areas (zips 38106,38107,38108,38109,38114,38116,38118,38122,38126,38127,38128 plus Beltline, Binghampton/Highland Heights, Hickory Hill, Carnes Neighborhood). Owner-occupied primary residence; 5-year lien. Purchase within one of 15 HIPC-designated areas. Application through the first mortgage lender. Income/price limits are 2023 HUD figures, updated annually; confirm current-year. FTHB requirement, credit score, DTI not specified.
What are the income limits?
Memphis Homebuyer Program Incentive Citizens (HIPC) limits household income to 200% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Max income 200% of Shelby County AMI (2023 HUD, eff 6/1/2023): 1 $110,060; 2 $116,640; 3 $123,120; 4 $129,600; 5 $134,800; 6 $140,000; 7 $145,200; 8 $150,340. (Shelby 4-person median $81,000.). The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s. The program lists a maximum household size of 8. 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?
Memphis Homebuyer Program Incentive Citizens (HIPC) caps the purchase price at $350,000. Eligible property types include Single Family. New construction is eligible.
Where does it apply?
Memphis Homebuyer Program Incentive Citizens (HIPC) serves homebuyers purchasing in Memphis, Tennessee. The program targets specific areas: 15 HIPC-designated revitalization areas within Memphis.
How do you apply?
Applications for Memphis Homebuyer Program Incentive Citizens (HIPC) go through City of Memphis Division of Housing & Community Development (HCD), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through Application made through the first mortgage lender. 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 Memphis homebuyersOther programs open to Memphis homebuyers
- Hope Credit Union Affordable Home Program (TN)Up to $425,000
- United Housing Cherry MortgageUp to $150,000
- Memphis Homebuyer Incentive Program Shelby County Schools (MSCS)Up to $25,000
Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.
All 88 programs for MemphisProgram terms are set by City of Memphis Division of Housing & Community Development (HCD) and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.