Down payment assistance

Down payment assistance in Colorado

2 programs can help buyers in Colorado with a down payment and closing costs. Most are for first-time buyers with moderate incomes and are used with a participating lender.

Check which programs fit your situationDown payment assistance finder

CHFA Down Payment Assistance Grant and Second Mortgage Loan

Open · Grant or Deferred loan

Grant: up to the lesser of $25,000 or 3% of the first mortgage loan amount. Second mortgage: up to the lesser of $25,000 or 4% of the first mortgage loan amount

Buyers choose one, paired with a CHFA first mortgage: a grant that does not have to be repaid, or a 0% silent second with no monthly payments that must be repaid in full on sale, refinance, payoff of the first mortgage, or if the home stops being the primary residence. Either can go toward down payment, closing costs or prepaids, but not cash back.

Who qualifies: Must use a CHFA first mortgage program (FirstStep programs are limited to first-time buyers, qualified veterans, or buyers in targeted areas; SmartStep is open to repeat buyers). Income limits apply by program and county. Minimum mid credit score 620 (DTI capped at 50% for scores 620-659). $1,000 minimum financial investment from the buyer. Homebuyer education from a CHFA-approved provider.

Colorado Housing and Finance Authority · Agency website → · Checked 2026-09-30

CHFA FirstGeneration

Open · Deferred loan

Up to $25,000, regardless of first mortgage loan amount

A second mortgage with no monthly payments for first-generation homebuyers, paired with a CHFA FirstGeneration first mortgage. Repayment is deferred until the first mortgage is paid off, the home is sold or refinanced, or it is no longer the primary residence. It is not forgiven.

Who qualifies: First-generation homebuyers as defined by CHFA (check CHFA for the definition). CHFA income limits, 620 minimum credit score, $1,000 minimum investment and homebuyer education apply as with other CHFA programs.

Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) · Agency website → · Checked 2026-09-30

How assistance usually works

Most programs are a second loan with no monthly payment that is forgiven over time or repaid when you sell or refinance, and some are grants. You usually need a program first mortgage from a participating lender, a homebuyer education course and income under the program’s limit. Apply before you make offers, so your pre-approval reflects the help.

Programs change often; confirm the details with the agency.