What down payment assistance is available in Dallas TX?

Dallas buyers have access to 8+ programs. The City of Dallas DHAP offers up to $50,000 (up to $60,000 in High Opportunity Areas) as a deferred second mortgage. State programs include TSAHC Home Sweet Texas (5% grant), TDHCA My First Texas Home (5% deferred), and SETH 5 Star (5% grant). Credit scores start at 620.

What is the Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program (DHAP)?

DHAP provides up to $50,000 as a deferred second mortgage for income-qualifying first-time buyers purchasing within Dallas city limits. Buyers in designated High Opportunity Areas can receive up to $60,000. The loan has no monthly payment and is repaid when you sell, refinance, or transfer the home.

What are High Opportunity Areas in Dallas?

High Opportunity Areas are designated neighborhoods where DHAP provides an additional $10,000 (up to $60,000 total). These are typically areas with higher-performing schools, lower poverty rates, and better access to jobs. Contact the Dallas Department of Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization for the current map of High Opportunity Areas.

What credit score do I need for DPA in Dallas?

Credit minimums vary: TSAHC and TDHCA require 620, SETH 5 Star requires 640. Dallas DHAP requirements may vary by funding cycle. Most Dallas buyers with 620+ credit have access to the full range of programs.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer?

Not for all programs. TSAHC Home Sweet Texas, TDHCA My Choice Texas Home, and SETH 5 Star accept repeat buyers. Dallas DHAP and TDHCA My First Texas Home require first-time buyer status.

What is the FHA loan limit in Dallas?

The FHA loan limit for Dallas County is approximately $541,287. Dallas's median of around $380,000 is well below this, meaning all FHA-based DPA programs work on the vast majority of Dallas purchases.

Can I combine Dallas DHAP with state programs?

Dallas DHAP may layer on top of certain financing structures. TSAHC and TDHCA each include their own first mortgage products with built-in DPA. Confirm stacking eligibility with a lender approved for both city and state programs.

What income limits apply in Dallas?

Dallas DHAP typically targets 80% AMI (~$80,000 for a family of 4). TDHCA extends to approximately 115% AMI (~$115,000). TSAHC has county-specific limits. Dallas County AMI is approximately $100,000 for a family of 4.

Can veterans get DPA in Dallas?

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

How do I apply for Dallas DHAP?

Contact the Dallas Department of Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization. DHAP requires homebuyer education and operates through approved lenders. Funding is limited and may not be available year-round. Apply early in your home search.

Down Payment Assistance Dallas TX 2026 | 8+ Programs, Up to $60K City DHAP

Last updated: April 2026 · Program availability changes frequently

Down Payment Assistance in Dallas: Overview

A 3.5% FHA down payment on a $380,000 home is $13,300. Add closing costs and you are looking at $20,000-$25,000 in cash before you move in. That stops a lot of Dallas buyers. It should not. The City of Dallas runs DHAP, one of the largest city-level DPA programs in Texas, offering up to $60,000 in designated High Opportunity Areas.

DHAP is not the only option. Dallas buyers also have four statewide programs through TSAHC and TDHCA (each offering up to 5% of the loan), plus SETH 5 Star. A first-time buyer earning $75,000 with a 620 credit score qualifies for multiple programs at the same time. A repeat buyer earning $100,000 still qualifies for TSAHC and SETH.

Dallas County's Area Median Income is approximately $100,000 for a family of four. DHAP typically targets 80% AMI (~$80,000). But TDHCA programs extend to 115% AMI (~$115,000), and TSAHC has its own county-specific limits. The income ceiling is higher than most buyers expect.

The FHA loan limit for Dallas County is $541,287. Dallas's median is $380,000. That gap means every FHA-based program works on most purchases in the city. This guide covers what is open, the DHAP High Opportunity Area bonus, and how the city and state programs fit together.

Quick Answer

Yes. Dallas has 8+ DPA programs across city and state levels. DHAP provides up to $50,000 ($60,000 in High Opportunity Areas) as a deferred loan. TSAHC offers 5% as a true grant. On a $380K purchase, TSAHC's 5% = $19,000 you never repay.

The key decision: DHAP offers more money ($50-60K) but has stricter income limits and first-time buyer requirements. TSAHC offers less ($19K grant) but accepts repeat buyers at higher income levels. Your situation determines which path is better.

Credit scores start at 620 for statewide programs. DHAP requirements vary by funding cycle.

Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program (DHAP)

Verify Funding City of Dallas

Dallas DHAP

Standard amount: Up to $50,000

High Opportunity Areas: Up to $60,000

Type: Deferred second mortgage

First-time buyer: Required

Income limit: ~80% AMI (~$80,000)

Coverage: Dallas city limits only

Deferred loan with no monthly payment. Repaid when you sell, refinance, or transfer. Requires homebuyer education. Administered by the Dallas Department of Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization.

High Opportunity Area bonus: DHAP adds $10,000 (up to $60,000 total) for properties in designated High Opportunity Areas. These are neighborhoods with higher-performing schools, lower poverty, and better job access. Contact Dallas Housing at (214) 670-3644 for the current HOA map before making offers.

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Texas DPA Programs DPA in Fort Worth DPA in Arlington TX DPA in Plano DPA in Houston DPA in Austin First-Time Buyer Guide: Texas 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 Dallas, Texas