Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program

What is Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program?

Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Houston, Texas.

• Hurricane Harvey disaster-recovery DPA (CDBG-DR funded) for Houston homebuyers. Up to $30,000 forgivable second mortgage at 0% interest with 5-year affordability. 120% AMI ceiling. 580 FICO. Borrower must demonstrate Harvey impact connection.
• City of Houston's Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program (Harvey HAP) is a Hurricane Harvey disaster-recovery program (CDBG-DR funded) providing up to $30,000 in down payment, closing cost, and principal reduction assistance to homebuyers purchasing primary residences in Houston city limits. Open to households impacted by Hurricane Harvey (August 2017) up to 120% AMI. Structured as a 0% interest deferred forgivable second mortgage with 5-year affordability period (prorated forgiveness). Pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional 30-year fixed first mortgage.
• Funding comes from Federal.

Do you have to pay it back?

Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

• Repayment is triggered by Deferred 0% second mortgage forgiven prorata over 5 years. If property is sold, refinanced (cash-out), transferred, or vacated as primary residence before 5-year anniversary, unforgiven balance becomes due in full.
• 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?

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

What are the income limits?

Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Up to 120% AMI for Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA per HUD CDBG-DR; 1-person $66,550 / 4-person $95,000 / 8-person $125,450 (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?

Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program caps the purchase price as follows: Per HUD CDBG-DR rules and program overlay; verify with City at application.

• 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?

Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program 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?

Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program serves buyers purchasing in Houston, Texas.

• The program targets specific areas: Hurricane Harvey-affected areas of Houston per CDBG-DR allocation. Targeted census tracts and neighborhoods most impacted by August 2017 Harvey flooding.

How do you apply?

Applications for Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program 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 homebuyer education required (8-hour class). 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 Houston Housing and Community Development. Funds available subject to CDBG-DR 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.