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Dane County CDBG Down Payment Assistance Program

Dane County (CDBG/HOME), administered by Movin' Out, Inc. · Dane County, Wisconsin

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See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

$32,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Deferred

No payments until the home is sold or refinanced

What is Dane County CDBG Down Payment Assistance Program?

Dane County CDBG Down Payment Assistance Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Dane County, Wisconsin, administered by Dane County (CDBG/HOME), administered by Movin' Out, Inc.

  • A 0% interest, deferred-payment loan of up to $32,000 for down payment and closing costs for income-eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing in Dane County outside the City of Madison. Administered by Movin' Out, Inc. using Dane County CDBG/HOME funds.
  • 0% interest deferred loan up to $32,000 toward down payment and closing costs; no monthly payments.
  • This is a federal program, so it is available beyond a single state or city.
  • Funding comes from Dane County CDBG and HOME funds (federal HUD).

How much assistance does it provide?

Dane County CDBG Down Payment Assistance Program offers up to $32,000 in assistance.

  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Dane County (CDBG/HOME), administered by Movin' Out, Inc. determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Dane County CDBG Down Payment Assistance Program is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

  • Repayment is triggered by Deferred 0% loan repaid on sale, transfer, loss of owner-occupancy, or cash-out refinance (per program terms).
  • 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?

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

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course
  • Property must be in Dane County but outside the City of Madison. Borrower must contribute $500 of their own funds. Minimum housing-to-income ratio 25%; maximum ratios 38%/55%. Liquid cash reserves after closing limited to less than 12 months PITI. Requires HQS, Lead-Based Paint, and third-party inspections. CDBG/HOME funds must primarily benefit low-/moderate-income residents.

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?

Dane County CDBG Down Payment Assistance Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • 2026 Dane County household income limits (effective 6/1/2026): 1=$74,800; 2=$85,450; 3=$96,150; 4=$106,800; 5=$115,350; 6=$123,900; 7=$132,450; 8=$141,000.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

Where does it apply?

Dane County CDBG Down Payment Assistance Program is a federal program, so it is not limited to Wisconsin.

How do you apply?

Applications for Dane County CDBG Down Payment Assistance Program go through Dane County (CDBG/HOME), administered by Movin' Out, Inc., which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program before funds are reserved.

  2. Contact Dane County (CDBG/HOME), administered by Movin' Out, Inc. 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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