Idaho offers 9 down payment assistance programs to help homebuyers cover their down payment and closing costs. This includes 1 grant program that never require repayment. Programs range from statewide options administered by the state housing finance agency to local city and county programs targeting specific communities.
Maximum assistance available reaches $45,000 through the most generous program. Credit score requirements start as low as 620 for some programs. Most programs require the home to be your primary residence, and many require homebuyer education.
Top Down Payment Assistance Programs in Idaho
Highlighted programs that combine high assistance amounts with statewide or major-metro availability. See the full list below.
City of Boise Homeownership Opportunity Program
verifyCity of Boise Housing and Community Development
UP TO $45,000
Down Payment Assistance
openConfederated Tribes of Grand Ronde - Housing
20 (max $20,000)
Grant Programs (1)
Grants are the gold standard of down payment assistance. You receive the money and never have to pay it back.
Down Payment Assistance
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde - Housing
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Deferred Payment Loans (7)
Deferred loans require no monthly payments while you live in the home. You repay when you sell, refinance, or move out.
City of Boise Homeownership Opportunity Program
City of Boise Housing and Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- 50-80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Deferred silent second mortgage, no monthly payments. due on sale, refinance, or transfer
Autumn Gold DPA
Autumn Gold
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Income requirements apply
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Repayment Terms
Varies by program
Idaho Heroes Second Mortgage
Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
1st Mortgage rate plus 2%
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayment at sale or refinance
Second Mortgage
Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +4
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
1st Mortgage rate plus 2%
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayment at sale or refinance
NeighborWorks Pocatello Down Payment Assistance
Northwest Pocatello Development Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Chenoa Fund FHA Down Payment Assistance Forgivable
CBC Mortgage Agency (Chenoa Fund)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, Leasehold, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, Manufactured
- Max Price
- $766,550
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Chenoa Fund FHA Down Payment Assistance Repayable
CBC Mortgage Agency (Chenoa Fund)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, Leasehold, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, Manufactured
- Max Price
- $766,550
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
Note rate 1% above the first mortgage note rate
Repayment Terms
This loan does require a monthly payment on the second mortgage.
Second Mortgages (1)
These programs provide DPA as a second mortgage, sometimes with monthly payments, sometimes deferred.
IHFA Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance
Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- $170,000
- Min Credit Score
- 620+
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA, Conventional
- Assistance Type
- second mortgage
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
15-year amortizing second mortgage with monthly payments
Additional Requirements
Finally Home! homebuyer education course required
How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance in Idaho
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1
Check Your Eligibility
Use our free eligibility tool to see which programs match your situation. Enter your state, city, income, and target home price.
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2
Contact the Program Administrator
Each program has its own application process. Visit the program website or call the administering agency to get started. Many programs work through approved lenders.
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3
Get Pre-Approved with a Participating Lender
Not every lender participates in every DPA program. Work with a lender who is approved for the programs you want. The program administrator can provide a list of approved lenders.
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4
Complete Homebuyer Education (If Required)
Many programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Online options through eHome America and Framework are accepted by most programs.
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5
Close & Move In
DPA funds are typically disbursed at closing alongside your first mortgage. Your lender coordinates the DPA program paperwork as part of the loan process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Idaho?
Up to $45,000 through available programs in Idaho. Multiple programs can often be combined for even more assistance. The exact amount depends on your income, location, and the specific program requirements.
Do I need to be a first-time homebuyer?
Not always. 4 programs in Idaho are open to repeat buyers. "First-time buyer" is typically defined as not having owned a home in the past three years.
What credit score do I need?
As low as 620 for some programs. Most programs require 620-660. Higher credit scores may qualify you for more programs and better terms.
Can I combine multiple DPA programs?
In many cases, yes. Some programs are specifically designed to be layered with others. For example, you might combine a state grant with a local deferred loan. Check with each program administrator about stacking eligibility.
DPA Programs in Nearby States
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