Get up to $60,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through the City of Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program (DHAP). Make your dream of owning a home a reality — even if you thought it was out of reach.
Verify Your Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Eligibility
The Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program (DHAP) helps eligible homebuyers purchase homes within Dallas city limits by offering financial support for down payment, closing costs, and principal reduction.
Qualified applicants can receive up to $60,000 in assistance, depending on income and location.
The program is designed for low-to-moderate income families and includes special incentives for essential workers like teachers, healthcare professionals, and first responders.
DHAP provides forgivable second-lien loans with no monthly payments, as long as residency requirements are met.
DHAP offers a range of powerful benefits to help first-time and income-qualified buyers become homeowners in Dallas.
Up to $60,000 in financial assistance for down payment, closing costs, or principal reduction.
Deferred, forgivable loans with no monthly payments.
Special incentives for teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders.
Available for both new construction and existing homes within Dallas city limits.
Helps buyers secure affordable, sustainable mortgage loans.
Program-approved education courses to support long-term homeownership success.
Take advantage of DHAP to make buying a home in Dallas more accessible and affordable.
To qualify for assistance through the Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be a first-time homebuyer or not have owned a home in the past 3 years.
Purchase a home within Dallas city limits.
Have a household income at or below 80% AMI (or up to 120% for targeted incentive program).
Complete an 8-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education course.
Be pre-approved by a DHAP-approved lender.
Contribute at least $1,000 toward the home purchase.
Have acceptable credit and meet loan program guidelines.
Intend to live in the home as a primary residence.
Meeting these requirements is the first step toward unlocking thousands in down payment assistance and becoming a homeowner in Dallas.
To qualify for the Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program, your household income must fall within the limits set by HUD based on family size and program type.
Maximum Annual Household Income by Program:
| Household Size | DHAP (Up to 80% AMI) | Targeted Incentive (Up to 120% AMI) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $61,800 | $92,652 |
| 2 | $70,600 | $105,888 |
| 3 | $79,450 | $119,124 |
| 4 | $88,250 | $132,360 |
| 5 | $95,350 | $142,949 |
| 6 | $102,400 | $153,538 |
Income figures are based on HUD guidelines, effective June 1, 2024.
Make sure your total household income fits within the appropriate range to determine which DHAP program you may be eligible for.
If you work in education, healthcare, or public safety, you may qualify for up to $50,000 in extra homebuyer assistance.
| Feature | Standard DHAP | Teachers, Healthcare Workers & First Responders |
|---|---|---|
| Income Limits | Up to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) | Up to 120% of AMI |
| Home Price Cap | $342,000 (existing) / $273,000 (new build) | No price cap (based on what you qualify for with lender) |
| Loan Forgiveness Period | 5, 10, or 15 years (based on assistance amount) | 5 years (regardless of loan amount) |
| Max Assistance Amount | Up to $60,000 | Up to $50,000 |
| Eligible Homebuyers | First-time, income-qualified buyers | Teachers, healthcare workers, first responders (80–120% AMI) |
Getting help with your down payment is simpler than you think — just follow these three steps to start your path to homeownership.
Check Your Eligibility Online Today to find out if you qualify based on your income, household size, and other basic criteria — it only takes a few minutes.
Choose a lender from the city’s approved list. They’ll help you get pre-approved, submit your DHAP application, and schedule your required homebuyer education course.
Once approved, DHAP will provide up to $60,000 to help with your down payment, closing costs, or principal reduction — and you’re on your way to owning a home in Dallas.
Below are some of the most important — and often overlooked — questions about the Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program that can help you avoid surprises and make smarter decisions.
If you sell, rent, or transfer the home before your loan is fully forgiven, you may owe a prorated repayment based on the years you've lived there. The remaining balance becomes due unless the transfer qualifies under hardship or heirship rules.
Yes, but you must register with DHAP and schedule the required Minimum Housing Standards (MHS) inspection during your option period. Missing this window can disqualify your application.
If you're an heir and move into the home as your primary residence, you may continue the affordability period. Standard DHAP loans require you to meet income limits; targeted incentive loans do not.
No. FHA 203(k) and other rehab loans are not allowed. Homes must be move-in ready and meet all housing standards before closing.
Not necessarily. The amount is based on financial need, debt-to-income ratios, and the location of the home. The city avoids over-subsidizing to help more buyers overall.
The seller must complete all MHS repairs before closing, and buyers are not allowed to perform them. These repairs must be inspected and approved by the City of Dallas.
Yes, but you'll need to submit detailed documentation like recent tax returns, a year-to-date profit & loss statement, and several months of bank statements to prove income stability.
Yes. You need to have at least two months' worth of housing expenses (mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA) in liquid, non-retirement accounts after you close.
Gifted funds are allowed, but they must be properly documented. However, your personal $1,000 investment is still required and cannot come from gift funds.
You must attend an 8-hour HUD-certified homebuyer education course within 12 months of applying. All borrowers on the title must complete it, and online versions are allowed if pre-approved by DHAP.
When it comes to buying your first home, experience, trust, and local knowledge matter — and that’s exactly what we bring to the table.
Thousands of first-time homebuyers helped across Dallas since the program began.
Decades of experience supporting affordable homeownership in communities.
Deep local expertise in Dallas neighborhoods, market trends, and housing challenges.
Personalized support every step of the way — from application to closing.
Trusted to deliver real financial help that builds long-term stability.
