Down payment assistance

Down payment assistance in Louisiana

1 program can help buyers in Louisiana 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

MRB Assisted Program

Open · Forgivable loan

4% of the original principal mortgage loan amount

Assistance paid at closing, secured by a 0% second mortgage, paired with a Louisiana Housing Corporation bond-funded 30-year fixed first mortgage. Since the 2025 C/D bond program it is a 5-year non-amortizing note forgiven in full after 60 months of continuous owner occupancy; selling or refinancing before then makes the balance due. Funding is tied to LHC's bond issues and reservations.

Who qualifies: First-time homebuyers (no principal residence in the past three years; waived for targeted areas and qualified veterans). Household income up to 115% of AMI in non-targeted areas or 140% in targeted areas, adjusted for family size and parish; conventional loans limited to 80% AMI. Single-family, owner-occupied primary residences only. Homebuyer education required. Apply through an LHC-trained lender.

Louisiana Housing Corporation · 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.

More for Louisiana

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Programs change often; confirm the details with the agency.