Wisconsin offers 46 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 580 for some programs. Most programs require the home to be your primary residence, and many require homebuyer education.
Top Down Payment Assistance Programs in Wisconsin
Highlighted programs that combine high assistance amounts with statewide or major-metro availability. See the full list below.
Home-Buy the American Dream (HBAD)
verifyCity of Madison, Community Development Division
$35,000
City of Milwaukee Homebuyer Assistance Program (HBA)
verifyCity of Milwaukee Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation (NIDC)
$35,000
1st Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program
verifyCity of La Crosse, Community Development
$25,000
Heart & Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive
verifyWashington County Community Development / Economic Development Washington County (EDWC)
10% (max $20,000 or 10% of purchase price, whichever is less)
Down Payment Assistance
openConfederated Tribes of Grand Ronde - Housing
20 (max $20,000)
Grant Programs (6)
Grants are the gold standard of down payment assistance. You receive the money and never have to pay it back.
1st Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program
City of La Crosse, Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 120% CMI or below. Tiered: ≤80% CMI = gr...
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family
- Max Price
- $214,000 existing / $267,000 new construction (HUD area median purchase price limits)
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
120% CMI or below. Tiered: ≤80% CMI = grant up to 20% of purchase price; 81-100% CMI = up to 15%; 101-120% CMI = up to 10%. Maximum grant $25,000.
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
No repayment required. 5-year owner-occupancy deed restriction for grants $1-$15,000. 10-year owner-occupancy deed restriction for grants $15,001-$25,000.
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
Housing Cost Reduction Initiative (HCRI) Grant. Kenosha County
City of Kenosha Housing Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Below 80% of Kenosha County median incom...
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, mobile home
- 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
Income Limits
Below 80% of Kenosha County median income. 2025 limits (eff 6/1/2025): 1-person $59,850; 2-person $68,400; 3-person $76,950; 4-person $85,450; 5-person $92,300; 8-person $112,800.
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
No repayment required. Recipients must maintain ownership for 5 years from date of purchase.
Notes
Issued only once per household. 8 hours of Homebuyer Education required. Professional home inspection required. Min borrower contribution: $500 (<50% AMI) or $1,000 (50-80% AMI). Funded by State of Wisconsin, Department of Administration. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-M-0776-001.
Milwuakee Home Down pyament Assistance
City of Milwaukee
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
Western Dairyland Down Payment Assistance
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- At or below 80% of county median income....
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
At or below 80% of county median income. 2025 limits: Buffalo/Jackson 1-person $52,000 to 8-person $98,050; Eau Claire 1-person $57,800 to 8-person $109,000; Trempealeau 1-person $54,750 to 8-person $103,200.
Check AMI limits for your county →Notes
No mobile homes. Restrictions may apply to prefabricated homes. Fee simple title required (no land contracts). Must qualify for a home loan through a reputable lender. Homebuyer education class required. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-L-1102-001.
Down Payment Closing Cost Grant
Home Buyers Roundtable
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Manufactured
- 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 (5)
Forgivable loans are forgiven after a set period of living in the home. If you stay, you keep the money.
City of Milwaukee Homebuyer Assistance Program (HBA)
City of Milwaukee Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation (NIDC)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- No maximum income limits.
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, 2-unit
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Fully forgivable over 5 years on a pro rata annual basis once you have lived in the property for 5 years after project completion. If property is sold during the 5-year period, remaining loan balance must be repaid.
Notes
For purchase of eligible city-owned foreclosed properties (1-2 units) requiring rehabilitation. Not limited to first-time homebuyers. No income limits. 8 hours HUD-certified counseling required. City partners with multiple lenders. Page last updated 08/28/2025.
Home Possible Janesville
City of Janesville, Neighborhood and Community Services
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% of the County median income
- 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
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
Loans are forgiven after five years of continued occupancy. At the end of five years, you owe nothing.
Waukesha County Down Payment Assistance
Waukesha County Community Development Division
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, condo
- Max Price
- $356,000 existing homes / $403,000 new construction
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
At or below 80% AMI. Waukesha County 2025 limits (eff 6/1/2025): 1-person $62,000; 2-person $70,850; 4-person $88,550; 8-person $116,900.
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
5-year forgivable loan. Forgiven 20% for each full year of primary residence. Repayment triggered by sale, title transfer, non-primary-residence use, or cash-out refinance.
Notes
HOME Consortium program covering Jefferson, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha Counties. All buyers must attend HOME Consortium homebuyer counseling prior to funds release. May be combined with other DPA programs. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-L-0606-001.
Milwaukee Home Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Milwaukee Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation (NIDC)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Eligibility: Current City of Milwaukee r...
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- $290,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
Eligibility: Current City of Milwaukee residents (or those willing to move in) purchasing a primary residence. Income limits apply (approx. $70k+ for a family of 2).
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
Forgivable after 5 years of owner occupancy. Buyer must live in the home for a minimum of five years.
Services Plus Employer Assisted Homeownership Program
NeighborWorks Green Bay
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- No income limit
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, 2-unit, 3-unit, 4-unit
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- Services Plus employees
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
5-year forgivable loan, forgiven monthly over 60 months. Due and payable upon change in employer, home sale, change in ownership, no longer owner-occupied, or refinancing before retention period ends.
Notes
Employer-specific: must be a Services Plus employee. $300 homebuyer counseling fee added to Closing Disclosure. 1-year employer tenure requirement. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-L-0609-005.
Deferred Payment Loans (29)
Deferred loans require no monthly payments while you live in the home. You repay when you sell, refinance, or move out.
Heart and Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive
Washington County Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium
- Max Price
- $420,000
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
Renewal Unlimited HOME Homebuyer Program
Renewal Unlimited, Inc.
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- At or below 80% of County Median Income ...
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, manufactured
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Conventional
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
At or below 80% of County Median Income (Columbia County/Portage area). Tiered: ≤30% CMI = $250 contribution; 31-50% CMI = $500; 51-80% CMI = $1,000.
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% deferred second mortgage. Due in full upon sale or when property is no longer primary residence. May be re-subordinated for refinancing limited to original first mortgage balance plus closing costs.
Notes
Fixed-rate first mortgage required; ARMs ineligible. Stick built, modular, new manufactured, or condo on permanent foundation. No homes on rented/leased lots. First-time buyer: not owned in last 3 years. One-on-one housing counseling required. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-L-0774-001.
City of Green Bay HOME Loan
NeighborWorks Green Bay (on behalf of City of Green Bay)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, 2-unit, 3-unit, 4-unit
- Max Price
- $312,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
80% AMI or less (Brown County). 2025 limits: 1-person $59,950; 2-person $68,500; 4-person $85,600; 8-person $113,000.
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest deferred payment loan. Due when home is sold, change in ownership, no longer owner-occupied, or mortgage is refinanced.
Notes
Homebuyer counseling fee $500 added to Closing Disclosure. HOME Investment Partnership program funds from City of Green Bay. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-L-0609-003.
HOME loan
City of Green Bay
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
- $312,000
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
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Live It Up Down Payment Assistance Program
Wausau - Community Development
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
NeighborWorks Green Bay HCRI Loan
NeighborWorks Green Bay
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 50-80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
80% AMI or less per county. 9-county service area. Min buyer contribution: $500 if below 50% AMI; $1,000 if 50-80% AMI.
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest deferred payment loan. Due when home is sold, change in ownership, no longer owner-occupied, or mortgage is refinanced.
Notes
First-time homebuyer required. Funded by State of Wisconsin DEHCR. Single-family only. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-L-0609-002.
Down Payment Plus (DPP)
City of Green Bay
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
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Great Being Home (GBH)
City of Green Bay
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 +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
Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPA)
Waukesha County - Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- $403,000
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
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Rock County Down Payment Assistance
Rock County Community Development Program (administered by Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development, Inc.)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Household income at or below 80% of Rock...
- 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
Household income at or below 80% of Rock County's Median Income
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
Deferred until sale, property is transferred, or if the property ceases to be the primary residence.
Sold on Oshkosh Program
City of Oshkosh
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, 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
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Housing Cost Reduction Initiative (HCRI) Loan
City of Green Bay
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, VA, USDA-RD, FHA +1, FHA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
WHEDA Capital Access DPA
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Develop. Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units
- Max Price
- $340,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +4, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
NeighborWorks Green Bay Loan Fund (NLF)
NeighborWorks Green Bay
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- 120% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, 2-unit, 3-unit, 4-unit
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
120% AMI or less (Brown County). FHA loans limited to 115% AMI. 2025 limits (4-person): approximately $128,400 at 120% AMI.
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest deferred payment loan. Due when home is sold, change in ownership, no longer owner-occupied, or mortgage is refinanced.
Notes
NWGB homebuyer education and counseling required (eHome America and Framework accepted). No sub-prime, land contract, interest-only, or balloon loans. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-L-0609-001.
NeighborWorks Loan Fund (NLF)
City of Green Bay
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, VA, USDA-RD, FHA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region Down Payment Assistance
NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, 2-unit
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
Forgivable tier: <80% AMI (Beloit-Janesville area). 2024 limits: 1-person $48,550; 4-person $69,300; 8-person $91,500. Deferred and Repayable tiers: no income limit.
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
Deferred tier: 0% deferred until transfer or refinance of property. Forgivable tier (income-qualified <80% AMI): forgiven over 5 years. Repayable tier: repayable loan for buyers in City of Beloit with no income restriction.
Homebuyer Loan Program
City of West Allis
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium, 2 units
- Max Price
- $316,000
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
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Services Plus Employer Assisted Homeownership Program (EAHP)
City of Green Bay
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
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
ADVOCAP Down Payment Assistance
ADVOCAP, Inc.
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Below 80% of County Median Income. Count...
- 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.
- Yes
Income Limits
Below 80% of County Median Income. Counties served: Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Winnebago. 2022 income limits (current year limits higher. contact agency): Winnebago 1-person $43,440; 4-person ~$62,000; 8-person $81,850.
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% deferred second mortgage. Due in full when the property is sold.
Notes
Must complete homebuyer education course (Fannie Mae HomeView accepted). Property inspection required. No dedicated web page. see agency brochure. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-L-0922-001.
Appleton Housing Authority Homebuyer Program
Appleton Housing Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 50-80% County Median Income. Outagamie C...
- Min Credit Score
- 580+
- Property Types
- single-family
- Max Price
- $257,000 (Outagamie County) / $268,000 (Calumet County)
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
50-80% County Median Income. Outagamie County 2026 limits: min 1-person $39,050 / max 1-person $62,450; min 4-person $55,750 / max 4-person $89,200. Calumet County limits similar.
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest deferred payment loan. No payments required as long as owner occupies the home. Loan is repaid when owner no longer resides in the home.
Notes
Single-family homes only. No duplexes or rental property. HUD-approved homebuyer education required. Contact: Tammy Boone, tammyb@appletonhousing.org, 920-739-6811 ext 103. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-M-0933-001.
Chippewa County Housing Authority Homebuyer Program
Chippewa County Housing Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Income-eligible; varies by county. 2025 ...
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family
- 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
Income Limits
Income-eligible; varies by county. 2025 limits (4-person): Chippewa/Eau Claire $75,500; Buffalo/Barron/Clark/Dunn $69,300; Pierce/St. Croix $97,800; Pepin $71,200.
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
Deferred; repaid in full when owner no longer occupies the home. Not forgiven under any circumstances. Secured by mortgage.
Notes
Must be move-in ready primary residence. Not in floodplain. $1,000 minimum borrower contribution. Rate cap: first mortgage rate may not exceed current WHEDA rate + 3%. Funded by State of WI, DOA, Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-M-1081-001.
Partners ARPA Down Payment Assistance
Partners for Community Development, Inc.
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80-150% of County Median Income (Sheboyg...
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family
- 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
Income Limits
80-150% of County Median Income (Sheboygan County). 2025 limits: 1-person $79,650-$99,550; 4-person $113,750-$142,200; 8-person $150,050-$187,750.
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest deferred loan secured by property lien. No monthly payments. Repaid when home is sold or no longer the borrower's primary residence.
Notes
ARPA funds are limited. program active until funding expended. Sheboygan County only. DTI limits: FER 31%, BER 43%. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-L-0931-002.
Home Buyer Assistance. SWCAP
Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program, Inc. (SWCAP)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Income eligibility requirements may appl...
- 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.
- Yes
Income Limits
Income eligibility requirements may apply. Contact agency for current limits.
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
Deferred 0% second mortgage. Payment deferred; full terms available from agency.
Notes
Open to first-time buyers or current homeowners upgrading. Comprehensive homebuyer counseling provided. DPA One lists as "SWCAB". correct abbreviation is SWCAP. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-L-1140-001.
Down Payment Assistance Program
ADVOCAP Inc.
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
Partners Homebuyers assistance Program
Partners for Community Development Inc.
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- $293,000
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
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
SWCAB Homebuyer Assistance
Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program, Inc.
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
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
WHEDA Easy Close DPA
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Develop. Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium, 2 units, 3 units
- Max Price
- $806,500
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA +2, Fannie Mae +1, FHA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable 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
- Not specified
- 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 (5)
These programs provide DPA as a second mortgage, sometimes with monthly payments, sometimes deferred.
Heart & Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive
Washington County Community Development / Economic Development Washington County (EDWC)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- No income requirement.
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, new construction
- Max Price
- $420,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- second mortgage
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
Junior mortgage; unearned balance secured as obligation. Recipients earn credit reducing repayment: $25/hr volunteered or $0.70/$1 donated to participating orgs. Repayment triggered by sale, non-primary-residence use, or unauthorized refinance. Repayment capped at net proceeds on sale.
Notes
$100 non-refundable application fee. Criminal background check required. No Habitat for Humanity homes, investment properties, or rentals. Program reopened April 7, 2026; may pause due to high demand. 150+ families helped since April 2024 launch. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-L-1113-001.
Down Payment Assistance Loans. First Time Home Buyer Program
Central Wisconsin Community Action Council (CWCAC)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% of County Median Income by county. 2...
- Min Credit Score
- 640+
- Property Types
- single-family
- Max Price
- $275,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Conventional
- Assistance Type
- second mortgage
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
80% of County Median Income by county. 2025 limits (4-person): Adams/Juneau $69,300; Columbia $79,700; Dodge $73,350; Sauk $76,550.
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
2.5% fixed
Repayment Terms
Monthly payments; 1 year per $1,000 borrowed (max 10-year term on $10,000 loan). 2.5% fixed rate. No forgiveness. Loan must remain in 2nd lien position; not subordinated.
Notes
First-time buyer OR no ownership in last 10 years. 30-year fixed from bank/credit union only. FHA, VA, USDA explicitly ineligible. Cannot be paired with other DPA or forgivable loan programs. $250 admin fee + $30 recording fee. $1,000 borrower contribution required. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-L-1078-001.
City of Wausau Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Wausau, Development Department
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- HUD income guidelines (Marathon County/W...
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA, VA, Conventional
- Assistance Type
- second mortgage
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
HUD income guidelines (Marathon County/Wausau area). Range approximately $53,100-$100,150 depending on household size.
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
2% fixed
Repayment Terms
12-15 year term. Monthly payments $46.90-$64.35/month. Final year of payments may be forgiven if all payments made as agreed and 5-year primary residency met. Repaid in full if sold, foreclosed, refinanced, or no longer primary residence before term ends.
Notes
Single-family only (owner-occupied or vacant). Min $1,000 borrower contribution + $500 in reserves. Credit check required (no minimum stated). Pre-purchase homebuyer education and counseling required. Note: "Live It Up" Wausau (DPA-WI-L-0607-002) is a defunct former program, not a separate active product. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-L-0607-001.
City of West Allis Home Buyer Loan Program
City of West Allis, Housing Office
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- 600+
- Property Types
- single-family, 2-unit
- Max Price
- $269,000 appraisal limit (single-family) / $344,000 appraisal limit (duplex)
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- second mortgage
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
Max 80% AMI. 2025 limits: 1-person $62,000; 2-person $70,850; 4-person $88,550; 8-person $116,900.
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest; monthly payments approximately $40/month. Minimum 5-year primary residency required. Loan repaid in full if property sold, vacated, or title transferred before term ends.
Notes
Must supply proof of HUD-certified homebuyer counseling. First mortgage through lender of choice. Contact: rahlm@westalliswi.gov. DPA One ID: DPA-WI-M-1080-001.
WHEDA Easy Close Advantage DPA
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Varies
- Min Credit Score
- 620+
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, 2-4 unit, manufactured
- Max Price
- County-specific; up to $544,232 (1-unit, non-target area) as of December 2025.
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA, Conventional
- Assistance Type
- second mortgage
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
10-year fixed rate amortizing second mortgage. Monthly payments required. Interest rate is the same as the WHEDA first mortgage. Not forgiven or deferred. Late payment fee 5% of P&I assessed 15 days after due date.
How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance in Wisconsin
-
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 Wisconsin?
Up to $35,000 through available programs in Wisconsin. 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. 18 programs in Wisconsin 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 580 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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