Fort Worth Down Payment Assistance: How to Get Up to $25,000 in 2026

Updated October 17, 2026 | By Dina Morales, Broker Associate — Selling Fort Worth

You may not need as much money saved as you think to buy your first home in Fort Worth.

The City of Fort Worth offers eligible first-time homebuyers up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through its Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP). Texas also offers statewide programs that may help buyers reduce their upfront homebuying costs.

But before you get excited about the $25,000, there's something important to understand: not everyone qualifies, the assistance isn't automatically free money, and you may still need some savings.

I've helped first-time buyers navigate the homebuying process for years, and one of the biggest misunderstandings I see is that buyers assume they need a huge down payment before they can even start looking.

That's not always the case.

Here's what I want you to know before you start shopping for a home.

1. Can You Really Get $25,000 to Buy a Home in Fort Worth?

Yes. Fort Worth's Homebuyer Assistance Program provides up to $25,000 to eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing a qualifying home within Fort Worth city limits.

The assistance can help cover eligible down payment and closing costs. The amount available depends on your mortgage, the home's price, your financial situation, and program guidelines.

You don't automatically receive the maximum amount. The city and your approved lender determine how much assistance you qualify for.

And remember: A Fort Worth mailing address doesn't necessarily mean a property is inside Fort Worth city limits. Your lender should verify the property's eligibility before you make an offer.

Official Fort Worth Homebuyer Assistance Program

2. Who Qualifies for Fort Worth Down Payment Assistance?

Here are the main requirements:

• First-time homebuyer: Generally, you haven't owned a home during the previous three years. Certain exceptions may apply.

• Income: Your household income must fall within the city's current limits.

• Location: The property must be inside Fort Worth city limits.

• Mortgage: You must qualify through a city-approved lender.

• Buyer contribution: You must contribute at least $1,000 or 2% of the purchase price, whichever is less.

• Education: You must complete the required homebuyer education and counseling.

• Savings: You need reserves equal to two months of mortgage payments. Gift funds cannot count toward these reserves.

• Property condition: The home must pass the city's required inspection and environmental review.

You also need to meet the program's purchase-price and property eligibility rules.

What Are the Income Limits for Fort Worth HAP in 2026?

The City of Fort Worth published the following income limits in June 2026:

Household Size	Maximum Income
1 person	$61,800
2 people	$70,600
3 people	$79,450
4 people	$88,250
5 people	$95,350
6 people	$102,400
7 people	$109,450
8 people	$116,500

These are household income limits, not the amount you can earn individually regardless of who lives in your home.

The city and participating lender will determine how your household income is calculated.

3. Do You Have to Pay Back the $25,000?

This is the part I would pay close attention to.

Fort Worth HAP assistance is provided through a deferred, forgivable loan.

That means you may not have to repay the assistance if you meet the program's requirements for the entire affordability period.

The current guidelines provide:

Assistance Amount	Required Affordability Period
$14,999 or less	5 years
More than $14,999, up to $25,000	10 years

If you sell, refinance, transfer ownership, or move out during the required period, repayment obligations may apply.

My advice: Don't choose an assistance program based only on how much money it offers.

Think about how long you expect to stay in the home. If you might relocate or sell within a few years, ask your lender to explain exactly what would happen.

The goal is to make a smart decision today without creating an unexpected expense later.

4. How Much Money Do You Still Need to Buy a Home?

Down payment assistance can help, but it doesn't mean every homebuying expense disappears.

You may still need money for:

• Earnest money and option fees

• Home inspections

• Appraisal costs

• Your required buyer contribution

• Homeowners insurance and prepaid expenses

• Moving costs

• Emergency savings

Fort Worth HAP also requires reserves equal to two months of mortgage payments.

Example: Buying a $250,000 Home

Let's look at a simple example.

Suppose you're purchasing a $250,000 home using an FHA loan with a 3.5% down payment.

Expense	Example Amount
Purchase price	$250,000
3.5% down payment	$8,750
Estimated closing costs at 3%	$7,500
Combined example	$16,250

This is an illustration, not an actual loan estimate. It excludes certain expenses, reserves, and financing-specific costs.

If you qualify for down payment assistance, some eligible expenses may be covered by the program.

But your lender still needs to calculate your actual cash required at closing, monthly payment, and assistance terms.

One thing I always remind buyers: Just because you can buy a home doesn't mean you should stretch your budget to the maximum.

Your mortgage payment should still leave room for everyday expenses, repairs, and savings.

5. What Other Texas Down Payment Assistance Programs Are Available?

Fort Worth HAP isn't the only option.

If you're looking in surrounding communities or don't qualify for the city program, there are statewide programs worth discussing with your lender.

TSAHC: Home Sweet Texas

The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) offers mortgage and down payment assistance options through participating lenders.

Its Home Sweet Texas program serves eligible homebuyers who meet applicable income, credit, and mortgage requirements.

Down payment assistance may reach up to 5% of the loan amount.

Depending on the available option, assistance may be structured as a grant, a forgivable second lien, or a repayable second lien.

TSAHC: Homes for Texas Heroes

This program is designed for certain qualifying professions, including eligible educators, first responders, veterans, and military personnel.

It also provides mortgage and down payment assistance options.

If your occupation qualifies, it's worth asking your lender to compare this program with other financing choices.

Learn about TSAHC programs

TDHCA: My First Texas Home

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) offers My First Texas Home for eligible first-time buyers and certain qualifying veterans.

The program offers fixed-rate mortgage financing and down payment assistance options of up to 5%, subject to program rules.

TDHCA: My Choice Texas Home

What if you've owned a home before?

My Choice Texas Home may still be an option because it does not require you to be a first-time homebuyer.

Both TDHCA programs require participating lenders, mortgage qualification, and homebuyer education.

Explore TDHCA programs

6. Which Down Payment Assistance Program Is Better?

There isn't one program that's best for everyone.

Program	Potential Assistance	Who It's For
Fort Worth HAP	Up to $25,000	Eligible first-time buyers purchasing inside Fort Worth
TSAHC Home Sweet Texas	Up to 5%	Eligible Texas buyers
TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes	Up to 5%	Buyers in qualifying professions
TDHCA My First Texas Home	Up to 5%	Eligible first-time buyers and certain veterans
TDHCA My Choice Texas Home	Up to 5%	Eligible first-time or repeat buyers

Assistance amounts and financing structures depend on current program offerings and lender approval.

Before choosing, compare the mortgage interest rate, monthly payment, total closing costs, assistance repayment requirements, and any restrictions on selling or refinancing.

Some programs may work alongside other incentives, but don't assume you can combine them without lender approval.

7. Is Down Payment Assistance Always a Good Idea?

Sometimes it makes sense. Sometimes another financing option may be better.

For example, one loan might offer more money toward your down payment but carry a higher mortgage interest rate.

Another loan might require more cash upfront but cost less over time.

Ask your lender to show you a comparison with and without assistance.

I would want to know:

• How much cash will I need to close?

• What will my total monthly payment be, including taxes and insurance?

• What interest rate am I receiving?

• Will I owe anything if I sell or refinance?

• How much will this loan cost over the time I expect to own the home?

These questions are just as important as the amount of assistance advertised.

8. How Do You Apply for Fort Worth Down Payment Assistance?

Here's the process I recommend for first-time buyers.

Step 1: Talk about your homebuying goals.

Before looking at houses, understand what monthly payment feels comfortable and how much money you have available.

Step 2: Connect with a participating lender.

Not every lender offers every assistance program. Choose one familiar with the programs you're considering.

Step 3: Complete homebuyer education.

Fort Worth HAP requires an eight-hour homeownership education class and counseling through an approved provider.

Step 4: Get preapproved and begin your home search.

Once you understand your financing, we can focus on properties that fit your budget and meet the program requirements.

Step 5: Submit the assistance application.

Your lender will help coordinate the required documents and program review.

Step 6: Review everything before closing.

Make sure you understand your mortgage payment, cash needed, assistance terms, and any future obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a home in Fort Worth without a large down payment?

Possibly. Eligible down payment assistance programs can reduce the upfront money required to purchase a home. You may still need funds for inspections, reserves, and other expenses.

What if I owned a home more than three years ago?

You may still qualify as a first-time buyer under programs using a three-year lookback. Your lender must verify your ownership history and the program's specific rules.

Can I use down payment assistance for a new construction home?

Potentially. Some programs allow qualifying new construction homes. The property must meet the applicable purchase-price, inspection, mortgage, and program requirements.

Can I combine Fort Worth HAP with other assistance?

Some combinations may be permitted, but they are not guaranteed. Your participating lender must confirm whether the programs can be used together.

Do I have to live in Fort Worth before applying?

The city's program requires you to purchase an eligible property inside Fort Worth city limits and use it as your primary residence. Ask a city-approved lender to verify any additional residency requirements.

Thinking About Buying Your First Home in Fort Worth?

You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out.

Maybe you're wondering whether your credit is good enough, how much money you need saved, or whether you can qualify for down payment assistance.

Those are exactly the questions we can discuss before you begin your home search.

I'll help you understand the buying process, explore your options, and connect with participating lenders who can evaluate your financing.

And if the numbers don't make sense yet, we'll talk about what you can do to prepare.

Ready to take the first step? Call or text me at 817-881-3474.

Dina Morales | Selling Fort Worth
Broker Associate | OnDemand Realty
Visit my website

Equal Housing Opportunity. Program information reviewed October 17, 2026. Eligibility, income limits, assistance amounts, financing rates, and funding are subject to change. This article is for educational purposes and is not a loan commitment, legal advice, or financial advice.