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Downstreet Shared Equity Program Down Payment Assistance Grant

Downstreet Housing & Community Development · Barre, Vermont

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See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

20%

Of the purchase price, as the program sets it

Income limit

120% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Grant

Not repaid

What is Downstreet Shared Equity Program Down Payment Assistance Grant?

Downstreet Shared Equity Program Down Payment Assistance Grant is a grant for homebuyers in Barre, Vermont, administered by Downstreet Housing & Community Development.

  • Downstreet Housing & Community Development's Shared Equity Program provides down payment assistance grants of up to 20% of a home's market price to income-eligible buyers in central Vermont (Washington, Orange, and Lamoille counties). The grant stays with the home to keep it permanently affordable for future eligible buyers; in exchange, the original buyer agrees to limit the profit earned from appreciation. Buyers must earn at or below 120% of AMI and complete homebuyer education and counseling through Downstreet's HomeOwnership Center.
  • Down payment assistance grant up to 20% of market price.
  • Keeps homeownership affordable and sustainable.
  • Often combinable with VHFA ASSIST or credit union programs.
  • Free homeownership counseling included.
  • Funding comes from Local, state, and national investors supporting Downstreet's shared-equity program.

How much assistance does it provide?

Downstreet Shared Equity Program Down Payment Assistance Grant provides assistance worth 20% of the purchase price, as set by the program.

  • The program can be combined with VHFA ASSIST; credit union down payment programs.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Downstreet Housing & Community Development determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Downstreet Shared Equity Program Down Payment Assistance Grant is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

  • Repayment is triggered by Grant remains with the home; the buyer agrees to limit the profit they make from appreciation (shared-equity resale restriction). Not repaid as long as residency rules are met.
  • The assistance is recorded in subordinate position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Downstreet Shared Equity Program Down Payment Assistance Grant is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through All applicants complete homebuyer education and counseling through Downstreet's HomeOwnership Center before purchasing.
  • Residency: Must purchase a Downstreet shared-equity home and occupy it as a primary residence; service area covers Washington, Orange, and Lamoille counties.
  • Requires purchase of a Downstreet shared-equity home with a resale/limited-appreciation restriction. Income at or below 120% AMI. Service area Washington, Orange, and Lamoille counties. Exact grant dollar amounts and credit/DTI thresholds not published; left null.

The program excludes

  • Households above 120% 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?

Downstreet Shared Equity Program Down Payment Assistance Grant limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Household income at or below 120% of Area Median Income (AMI); HUD income limits are set annually and applied by household size and county.
  • 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?

Downstreet Shared Equity Program Down Payment Assistance Grant can be used for single_family and condo.

Where does it apply?

Downstreet Shared Equity Program Down Payment Assistance Grant serves buyers purchasing in Barre, Vermont.

How do you apply?

Applications for Downstreet Shared Equity Program Down Payment Assistance Grant go through Downstreet Housing & Community Development, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through All applicants complete homebuyer education and counseling through Downstreet's HomeOwnership Center before purchasing..

  2. Contact Downstreet Housing & Community Development to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Begins with a free initial consultation with a Downstreet HomeOwnership Center counselor; then complete the Shared Equity Program application., 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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