What down payment assistance is available in Austin TX?

Austin buyers have access to 8+ programs. The City of Austin DPA offers up to $40,000. Travis County has its own DPA program. State programs include TSAHC Home Sweet Texas (5% grant) and TDHCA My First Texas Home (5% deferred). Note: SETH 5 Star excludes Travis County.

Is SETH 5 Star available in Austin?

No. SETH 5 Star specifically excludes Travis County. Austin buyers should focus on City of Austin DPA, Travis County DPA, TSAHC, and TDHCA programs instead.

What is the City of Austin DPA program?

The City of Austin provides up to $40,000 for down payment and closing costs as a deferred second mortgage. The program targets first-time buyers at or below income limits. Contact Austin's Neighborhood Housing and Community Development at (512) 974-3100 for current funding availability and requirements.

What credit score do I need for DPA in Austin?

TSAHC and TDHCA require 620 minimum. City and county program requirements vary by funding cycle. Most Austin buyers with 620+ credit have access to the full range of statewide programs.

What is the FHA loan limit in Austin?

The FHA loan limit for Travis County is approximately $571,550. Austin's median of around $450,000 is below this, meaning FHA-based DPA programs work on most purchases in the city.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer?

Not for all programs. TSAHC Home Sweet Texas and TDHCA My Choice Texas Home accept repeat buyers. City of Austin DPA and TDHCA My First Texas Home typically require first-time status.

What income limits apply in Austin?

Travis County AMI is approximately $115,000 for a family of 4. City programs typically target 80% AMI (~$92,000). TDHCA extends to 115% AMI (~$132,000). TSAHC has county-specific limits. A dual-income household earning $120,000 may still qualify for state programs.

Can I combine Austin city DPA with state programs?

Possibly. City and county DPA may layer on top of certain financing. TSAHC and TDHCA include their own first mortgage products. Confirm stacking with a lender approved for both city and state programs.

Has Austin's market cooled enough for DPA buyers?

Austin has seen significant price corrections from the 2022 peak. The median has stabilized around $450,000. Inventory is higher than during the boom. DPA-backed offers are more competitive now than they were in 2021-2022 when multiple cash offers dominated.

Can veterans get DPA in Austin?

Yes. TSAHC Heroes offers 5% grant for veterans, active military, teachers, and first responders. TDHCA waives the first-time requirement for veterans. VA (0% down) + TSAHC (5% for closing) = potentially zero cash at closing.

Down Payment Assistance Austin TX 2026 | 8+ Programs, Up to $40K City DPA

Last updated: April 2026 · Program availability changes frequently

Down Payment Assistance in Austin: Overview

Lenders who work the Austin market regularly see buyers who assume DPA disappeared when prices spiked in 2021-2022. Prices have corrected significantly since then. Austin's median has stabilized around $450,000, down from the 2022 peak. Inventory has returned. And the DPA programs that exist are designed for exactly this price range.

Austin has two local layers: the City of Austin DPA (up to $40,000 deferred) and a Travis County program. On top of those, TSAHC and TDHCA statewide programs each provide up to 5% of the loan amount. On a $450K purchase, 5% = $22,500. That covers the full FHA down payment ($15,750) plus $6,750 toward closing costs.

One thing Austin buyers need to know: SETH 5 Star, which is available in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and most of Texas, specifically excludes Travis County. That eliminates one statewide option. It is not a major loss because TSAHC and TDHCA provide the same 5% assistance. But if someone mentions SETH for Austin, know that it does not apply here.

Travis County's AMI is approximately $115,000 for a family of four, one of the highest in Texas. That means TDHCA's 115% AMI cap reaches roughly $132,000. A tech worker earning $125,000 may still qualify for state programs. The FHA limit for Travis County is $571,550, which covers most Austin purchases outside the high-end market. This guide covers what is open, what is not, and how the programs work at Austin prices.

Quick Answer

Yes. Austin buyers have 8+ DPA programs. City of Austin DPA provides up to $40,000 as a deferred loan. TSAHC provides 5% as a grant ($22,500 on $450K). Travis County has additional assistance. Credit scores start at 620.

SETH 5 Star does not work in Travis County. Focus on City of Austin DPA, Travis County programs, TSAHC, and TDHCA.

Austin's market correction from the 2022 peak has made DPA-backed offers more competitive than they have been in years.

Austin and Travis County Programs

Verify Funding City of Austin

City of Austin Down Payment Assistance

Amount: Up to $40,000

Type: Deferred second mortgage

First-time buyer: Typically required

Coverage: Austin city limits

Contact Austin Neighborhood Housing and Community Development at (512) 974-3100 for current income limits, credit requirements, and funding availability. Funding is limited and may not be available year-round.

Verify Funding Travis County

Travis County Down Payment Assistance

Amount: Varies by funding cycle

Type: Loan assistance

Coverage: Travis County

Contact Travis County at corporations.traviscountytx.gov/homebuyers for current program details.

Data confidence: City and county program amounts and requirements change by funding cycle. The figures above are based on the most recent available data. Contact each program directly before making financial decisions.

SETH 5 Star: This program specifically excludes Travis County. If you see SETH mentioned on general Texas DPA lists, it does not apply to Austin purchases.

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Texas DPA Programs DPA in San Antonio DPA in Houston DPA in Dallas DPA in Fort Worth First-Time Buyer Guide: Texas Chenoa Fund Guide Eligibility Tool

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend. Program availability, terms, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Verify all details with the administering agency or an approved lender. DownPaymentScout is an independent resource. Last updated April 2026. Program availability changes frequently.

Down Payment Assistance in Austin, Texas