Down Payment Assistance Programs by State
Down payment assistance (DPA) is money from state housing finance agencies, cities, and counties that helps with your down payment and closing costs, usually as a grant or a forgivable or deferred second mortgage. This guide covers 37 open programs across Georgia, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas. I'm David Stallings with NorthStar Mortgage Advisors, and my team helps buyers find the programs they qualify for and pair them with the right first mortgage. NorthStar is licensed in 35+ states, with offices in Georgia, Orlando FL, and Gulf Shores AL.
Last updated October 15, 2026.
Programs by state
| Georgia | 8 programs: Georgia Dream, Fulton County HOP, Invest Atlanta, Cobb County My Home DPA, Gwinnett Homestretch, Savannah DreamMaker, Augusta Homeownership Assistance, Sweet Home Columbus |
|---|---|
| Florida | 6 programs: Florida Hometown Heroes, FL Assist, OCHFA DPA, Home Sweet Home Hillsborough, Miami-Dade DPA, Jacksonville H2H |
| Alabama | 6 programs: AHFA Step Up, AHFA First Step, Birmingham Ready to Own, City of Mobile DPA, Mobile County DPA, Huntsville HOAP |
| North Carolina | 5 programs: NC Home Advantage, NC 1st Home Advantage, House Charlotte, Raleigh Homebuyer Assistance, Durham DPA |
| South Carolina | 3 programs: SC Housing Homebuyer DPA, Greenville County HBA, Spartanburg HAP |
| Mississippi | 2 programs: MHC Smart7, MHC Easy8 |
| Texas | 7 programs: My First Texas Home, Homes for Texas Heroes, Home Sweet Texas, San Antonio HIP, Dallas DHAP, Austin DPA, Fort Worth HAP |
How we help
- Tell me where you want to buy and your household size and income.
- We match you against state and local programs and their current official limits.
- We preapprove you for a first mortgage that works with the assistance.
- We coordinate the assistance application and close your loan.
Frequently asked questions
What is down payment assistance?
Money from a state agency, city, county, or nonprofit that covers part of your down payment or closing costs. It usually comes as a grant, a forgivable second mortgage, or a deferred second mortgage you repay when you sell or refinance.
Which states does this guide cover?
Georgia, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas: Georgia (8); Florida (6); Alabama (6); North Carolina (5); South Carolina (3); Mississippi (2); Texas (7).
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?
Not always. Many programs define first-time as not owning a home in the past three years, and several (for example NC Home Advantage, MHC Smart7, and TSAHC's programs) are open to repeat buyers.
Is down payment assistance free money?
Sometimes. Grants and forgivable loans don't have to be repaid if you meet the occupancy terms. Deferred loans are repaid when you sell, refinance, or move out. Each program page explains the terms.
How often is this information updated?
Every program was checked against its official source on October 15, 2026. Funding and limits change often, so we confirm the current terms on your file.
Why isn't a program I've heard of listed?
We leave out programs that are closed, out of funds, not yet open, or limited to specific homes. Each state page lists what was left out and why.
Sources
Each program page links to its official source(s). Program data was last checked on October 15, 2026.
NorthStar Mortgage Advisors is a division of Canopy Mortgage, LLC. NMLS #1359687. 6588 Church Street, Douglasville, GA 30134. David Stallings, NMLS #157508. Equal Housing Opportunity. Down payment assistance programs are run by the government agencies and authorities named on this page, which set and can change their terms, limits, and funding at any time. Program details on this page were checked against official sources on the date shown and are not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit, income, property, and program approval. Verify licensing at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.