Louisiana offers 33 down payment assistance programs to help homebuyers cover their down payment and closing costs. This includes 8 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 $60,000 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 Louisiana
Highlighted programs that combine high assistance amounts with statewide or major-metro availability. See the full list below.
Direct Homebuyer Soft Second Mortgage Assistance Program
openCity of New Orleans Office of CommunityDevelopment
$60,000
Pathways Soft Second Program
verifyLouisiana Housing Corporation
20 (max $60,000)
Resilience Soft Second Program
verifyLouisiana Housing Corporation
20 (max $60,000)
New Orleans Direct Homebuyer Program
verifyCity of New Orleans
UP TO $35,000 forgivable second mortgage + $5,000 closing costs
The Green Mortgage Downpayment Assistance Program
openFinance New Orleans
5 (max $25,000)
Grant Programs (8)
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
Heroes to Homeowners Program
Jefferson Parish Finance 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, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Finance New Orleans (FNO) Expand to Homeownership
Finance New Orleans (FNO, formerly FANO)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Based on HUD guidelines
- Min Credit Score
- 640+
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Repayment Terms
Grant. no repayment required
Additional Requirements
DTI max 45%
Notes
Check program requirements. Max DTI: 45%
Baton Rouge Capital Advantage Program
Capital Area Finance Authority (CAFA)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Income limits based on parish
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Finance Authority of St. Tammany Soft Second
Finance Authority of St. Tammany
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Income and purchase price limits apply
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Capital Advantage
California Association of Fairs and Expositions
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, Fannie Mae +1
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Purchase Advantage
California Association of Fairs and Expositions
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA, VA, USDA-RD, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Down Payment Assistance
Finance Authority of St. Tammany Parish
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
- grant
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Forgivable Loans (4)
Forgivable loans are forgiven after a set period of living in the home. If you stay, you keep the money.
New Orleans Direct Homebuyer Program
City of New Orleans
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- 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.
- Not specified
Repayment Terms
Forgivable over 10 years
Notes
Check program requirements. Occupancy requirement: 10 years for full forgiveness
LHC Keys for Service
Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Varies
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- first responders, healthcare workers
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Repayment Terms
Forgivable after 5 years
Additional Requirements
Must be active full-time employee in Education, First Responders, or Healthcare in Louisiana
Notes
Not required; targeted at service professionals. Occupancy requirement: 5 years for forgiveness
Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) Homebuyer Programs
Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Varies by parish and household size
- Min Credit Score
- 640+
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Repayment Terms
Second lien that may be forgivable or repayable depending on the specific option chosen
Notes
First-time and repeat homebuyers eligible. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence
Lake Charles Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Lake Charles
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- 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.
- Not specified
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest loan forgivable after 5 years if the buyer occupies the home
Notes
Occupancy requirement: 5 years for forgiveness
Deferred Payment Loans (19)
Deferred loans require no monthly payments while you live in the home. You repay when you sell, refinance, or move out.
Direct Homebuyer Soft Second Mortgage Assistance Program
City of New Orleans Office of CommunityDevelopment
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family
- Max Price
- $324,000
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
Pathways Soft Second Program
Louisiana Housing Corporation
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium, Manufactured
- 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 Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Resilience Soft Second Program
Louisiana Housing Corporation
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium
- Max Price
- $271,164
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +4
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
The Green Mortgage Downpayment Assistance Program
Finance New Orleans
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- 4 units, Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, 2 units, 3 units
- Max Price
- $685,400
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA, VA, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Shreveport Home Ownership Assistance Program (HAPPI)
City of Shreveport
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- 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
Home in Monroe - Down Payment Assistance
City of Monroe
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
MRB Assisted
Louisiana Housing Corporation
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium
- Max Price
- $766,550
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA, VA, USDA-RD, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayment at sale or refinance
CAFA First Home
California Association of Fairs and Expositions
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- $588,104
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +4, Fannie Mae +1, USDA-RD, Fannie Mae +3, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
CAFA Gold 100
California Association of Fairs and Expositions
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, Fannie Mae +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
CAFA Platinum
California Association of Fairs and Expositions
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA, VA, USDA-RD, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Eustis Edge
California Association of Fairs and Expositions
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Home Buyers Assistance Program Participation Initiative (HAPPI)
City of Shreveport - Community Development
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
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Comfort of Home Program
Jefferson Parish Finance Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Series 2023 Single Family Revenue Bond Program
Jefferson Parish Finance Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, Manufactured
- Max Price
- $624,481
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
Delta 100 Program
Louisiana Housing Corporation
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Delta 100 Program (80%), Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayment at sales or finance
MRB Home
Louisiana Housing Corporation
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium
- Max Price
- $507,849
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
Premier Program
Louisiana Housing Corporation
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, Manufactured
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA, VA, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayment at sale or refinance
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 (2)
These programs provide DPA as a second mortgage, sometimes with monthly payments, sometimes deferred.
Lafayette First-Time Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance
City of Lafayette
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Income limits apply
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- second mortgage
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Interest Rate
2%
Repayment Terms
Secured by a second mortgage with a 2% interest rate, repayable over 15 years
Additional Requirements
Must complete the Home Ownership Training (HOT) course
Jefferson Parish Finance Authority (JPFA) Southern Mortgage Assistance Program
Jefferson Parish Finance Authority (JPFA)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Income limits apply
- Min Credit Score
- 640+
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- second mortgage
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest second mortgage, forgiven after 5 years
Notes
Check program requirements. Occupancy requirement: 5 years for forgiveness
How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance in Louisiana
-
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 Louisiana?
Up to $60,000 through available programs in Louisiana. 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. 13 programs in Louisiana 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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