Down payment assistance

Down payment assistance in Wisconsin

2 programs can help buyers in Wisconsin 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

WHEDA Easy Close Advantage DPA

Open · Repayable loan

Minimum $1,000; maximum 6% of the purchase price

A second mortgage paired with a WHEDA Advantage Conventional or FHA first mortgage. It is repaid monthly: a 10-year fixed-rate loan at the same interest rate as the first mortgage. It is not forgiven.

Who qualifies: First-time buyer status not required. Minimum credit score 620 (conventional) or 640 (FHA). Household compliance income limits based on the WHEDA first mortgage. Owner-occupied for the life of the loan. Homebuyer education required for first-time buyers.

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority · Agency website → · Checked 2026-09-30

WHEDA Capital Access DPA

Funding rounds · Deferred loan

$7,500

A 0% interest, 30-year second mortgage with no monthly payments, paired with a WHEDA first mortgage. It reopened January 15, 2026 with funding for 78 loans on a first-come, first-served basis and closes when funds are committed; WHEDA's page does not state whether that allocation has run out. The page does not say the loan is forgiven.

Who qualifies: Separate household income and purchase price limits, generally lower than Easy Close. A property address is required to reserve funds (no reservations at pre-approval). Credit score minimums follow the WHEDA first mortgage (620 conventional, 640 FHA).

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) · 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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin closing costs Wisconsin property taxes Where can I afford to buy in Wisconsin?Down payment timeline

Programs change often; confirm the details with the agency.