Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP)

What is Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP)?

Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Harris County, Texas.

• Harris County (excluding City of Houston, Pasadena, Baytown) DAP: up to $23,800 forgivable second mortgage at 0% interest for first-time homebuyers. CDBG/HOME-funded. Tiered 5-10 year affordability. 80% AMI ceiling. Max purchase $280K existing / $292K new construction. 580 FICO.
• Harris County Community Services Department's Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) provides up to $23,800 in down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers purchasing primary residences within Harris County, excluding the City of Houston, City of Pasadena, and City of Baytown (each of which operates its own program). CDBG/HOME-funded. Structured as a 0% interest deferred forgivable second mortgage with tiered affordability per HUD HOME 24 CFR 92.254 (5-year under $15K.
• 10-year $15K-$40K). Pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional 30-year fixed first mortgage. 80% AMI ceiling. Maximum purchase price $280,000 existing / $292,000 new construction. 580 FICO minimum.
• Funding comes from Federal.

Do you have to pay it back?

Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) is forgiven after 10 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

• Repayment is triggered by Deferred 0% second mortgage. 5-year affordability for under $15K and 10-year for $15K-$40K per HUD HOME 24 CFR 92.254. Sale, refinance with cash-out, transfer, or vacating before period ends triggers prorata repayment of unforgiven balance.
• The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• 80% AMI for Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA per HUD; 1-person $53,000 / 4-person $75,650 / 8-person $99,950 (2025 limits).
• 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?

Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) caps the purchase price at $292,000.

• Eligible property types include Single-family detached, condominium, townhouse, PUD. Must be primary residence.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) names veterans, active-duty service members, reservists and National Guard members, and surviving spouses among the groups it serves.

• Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) serves buyers purchasing in Harris County, Texas.

• The program targets specific areas: Harris County excluding the City of Houston, City of Pasadena, and City of Baytown. Each of those cities operates its own HOME/CDBG-funded participating jurisdiction program for residents within their respective city limits.

How do you apply?

Applications for Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through HUD-approved 8-hour homebuyer education required. Local providers include Avenue CDC, Covenant Community Capital, NeighborhoodCenters, and Houston Area Urban League..

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Reserved by participating lender through Harris County CSD. Funds available on first-come, first-served basis subject to annual CDBG/HOME allocation., and are subject to availability.

3. 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.