Iowa offers 24 down payment assistance programs to help homebuyers cover their down payment and closing costs. This includes 6 grant programs 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 $35,000 through the most generous program. Credit score requirements start as low as 640 for some programs. Most programs require the home to be your primary residence, and many require homebuyer education.
Top Down Payment Assistance Programs in Iowa
Highlighted programs that combine high assistance amounts with statewide or major-metro availability. See the full list below.
Council Bluffs Down Payment Assistance
verifyCity of Council Bluffs Community Development Department
$35,000
Down Payment Assistance Program
openPolk County
0 (max $30,000)
City of Dubuque Homebuyer Assistance
verifyCity of Dubuque Housing & Community Development Department
$25,000
Iowa City Down Payment Assistance
openCity of Iowa City
UP TO $24,999
Down Payment Assistance Program
openIowa City Community Development
$24,999
Grant Programs (6)
Grants are the gold standard of down payment assistance. You receive the money and never have to pay it back.
Muscatine Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Muscatine / Muscatine Municipal Housing Agency
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- $2,500 grant: 1-2 person $77,200 | 3-7 p...
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, condo
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- fixed-rate mortgage
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
$2,500 grant: 1-2 person $77,200 | 3-7 person $88,780 | 8+ person $92,050
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
No repayment (grant); both $2,500 and Thrive Don't Drive programs are grants
Notes
Check program requirements
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
Home Buyer Down Payment Grant Program
City of Davenport Community and Economic Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% MFI: 1 person $50,150 | 2 $57,300 | ...
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, duplex
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- fixed-rate mortgage
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
80% MFI: 1 person $50,150 | 2 $57,300 | 3 $64,450 | 4 $71,600 | 5 $77,350 | 6 $83,100 | 7 $88,800 | 8 $94,550
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
No repayment (grant); funding delivered prior to closing to closing attorney
Notes
Required
Homebuyer Down Payment Grant Program
Davenport - Community & Economic Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, 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
Military Homeownership Assistance
Iowa Finance Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium, Modular, Manufactured, 2 units
- 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
FirstHome Grant
Iowa Finance Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium
- Max Price
- $665,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +4
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Forgivable Loans (3)
Forgivable loans are forgiven after a set period of living in the home. If you stay, you keep the money.
Council Bluffs Down Payment Assistance
City of Council Bluffs Community Development Department
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- 640+
- Property Types
- single-family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
80% AMI (April 2025): 1 person $63,680 | 2 $72,800 | 3 $81,920 | 4 $90,960 | 5 $98,240 | 6 $105,520 | 7 $112,800 | 8 $120,080
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
Forgiven in full after 5 years of owner-occupancy as primary residence
Notes
Check program requirements
Cedar Rapids First Time Home Buyer Program
City of Cedar Rapids Community Development Department
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, condo
- Max Price
- $219,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
80% AMI; ranges from $56,950 (1 person) to $113,800 (9 persons)
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
Forgivable over 5 years; 20% forgiven annually on closing anniversary; unforgiven balance owed if buyer moves before 5 years
Notes
Required
Waterloo Housing Authority Down Payment Program
Waterloo Housing Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- At or below 80% of median income for the...
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
At or below 80% of median income for the MSA, based on family size
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
Forgivable if buyer does not sell within 5 years; unforgiven balance recaptured if sold before 5 years
Notes
Required
Deferred Payment Loans (15)
Deferred loans require no monthly payments while you live in the home. You repay when you sell, refinance, or move out.
Down Payment Assistance Program
Polk County
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, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
City of Dubuque Homebuyer Assistance
City of Dubuque Housing & Community Development Department
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- FY24 CDBG limits: 1 person $57,550 | 2 $...
- 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
Income Limits
FY24 CDBG limits: 1 person $57,550 | 2 $65,750 | 3 $73,950 | 4 $82,150 | 5 $88,750 | 6 $95,300 | 7 $101,900 | 8 $109,450
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
No monthly payments; 0% interest; repayment due upon future sale of property
Notes
Required
Iowa City Down Payment Assistance
City of Iowa City
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, condo
- Max Price
- $285,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
Under 80% AMI; 1 person $66,200 | 2 $75,650 | 3 $85,100 | 4 $94,550 | 5 $102,150 | 6 $109,700 (effective June 2025)
Check AMI limits for your county →Notes
Required
Down Payment Assistance Program
Iowa City Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium
- Max Price
- $285,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Journey to Homeownership
Neighborhood Finance Corporation
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- 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
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
MyPad Down Payment Assistance Program
Sioux City - Housing Assistance
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- $185,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Neighborhood Reinvest Down Payment Assistance
Neighborhood Finance Corporation
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, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +4
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Down Payment Assistance Program
City of West Des Moines
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- HUD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Homeownership Assistance Program
Southwest Iowa Planning Council
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, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) FirstHome Program
Iowa Finance Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Varies by county and household size: $99...
- Min Credit Score
- 640+
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- $544,000 (up to $665,000 in targeted areas)
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
Varies by county and household size: $99,800 - $173,460
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
No monthly payments; due in full at sale, refinance, or payoff of first mortgage; subordination not permitted. Alternative $2,500 grant option has no repayment.
Notes
Required
NFC Closing Cost Assistance
Neighborhood Finance Corporation
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, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
FirstHome 2nd Loan
Iowa Finance Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium
- Max Price
- $665,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Homes for Iowans 2nd Loan
Iowa Finance Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium
- Max Price
- $665,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayment at sales or finance
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.
How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance in Iowa
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 Iowa?
Up to $35,000 through available programs in Iowa. 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. 12 programs in Iowa 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 640 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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