The Hill Country Home Down Payment Assistance Program gives eligible buyers up to 6% of the loan amount to help cover down payment and closing costs.
That’s $31,000 in savings on an average-priced home in Travis County, making it easier to buy in Austin and beyond with less cash upfront.
Verify Your Hill Country Home Down Payment Assistance Eligibility
The Hill Country Home Down Payment Assistance Program helps people buy a home in Travis County — including Austin — by making it more affordable upfront.
It offers financial help with your down payment and closing costs, plus a competitive mortgage rate.
You don’t need to be a first-time buyer to qualify. This program is designed to make homeownership possible for more families.
This program is ideal for homebuyers who need a little extra help getting into a home in Travis County.
First-time buyers who need help covering upfront costs.
Repeat buyers who don’t have enough saved for a down payment.
Families looking to purchase in Austin or surrounding areas.
Buyers with steady income but limited savings.
Those who qualify for FHA, VA, USDA, or Freddie Mac loans.
Anyone wanting a competitive mortgage rate with built-in assistance.
This program is designed to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for buyers in Travis County.
Up to 6% in down payment and closing cost assistance.
0% interest, 10-year forgivable second mortgage.
Competitive 30-year fixed mortgage rates.
Available for FHA, VA, USDA, and Freddie Mac loans.
Open to first-time and repeat homebuyers.
No residency duration requirement — move in and stay as long as you want.
Available for homes throughout Travis County, including Austin.
The Hill Country Home Program offers generous assistance to help cover your down payment and closing costs, making homeownership more attainable.
You can receive 4%, 5%, or 6% of your loan amount in assistance.
The exact amount depends on the loan type and your qualifications.
Funds can be used toward down payment, closing costs, or both.
The assistance comes as a 0% interest, 10-year forgivable second mortgage.
You don’t make monthly payments on the assistance — and it’s completely forgiven after 10 years if you stay in the home.
This extra help means you’ll need less out of pocket to buy a home and can move in sooner.
To qualify for the program, homebuyers must meet a few basic credit, income, and property guidelines.
Minimum credit score of 640 (680 for higher DTI flexibility).
Maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of 45% (up to 50% with 680+ credit).
Income must be below $138,460 (or $79,120 for certain loan types).
Home must be located in Travis County, including the City of Austin.
Purchase price must be at or below $364,452.
Must use an FHA, VA, USDA-RD, or Freddie Mac HFA Advantage loan.
Home must be your primary residence.
First-time buyers must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions homebuyers have about using this down payment assistance program.
Eligible buyers must meet credit, income, and property requirements and plan to live in the home as their primary residence.
No — both first-time and repeat buyers can qualify as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
You can receive 4%, 5%, or 6% of your loan amount to help with your down payment and closing costs.
It’s a 0% interest second mortgage that is completely forgivable after 10 years if you stay in the home.
The program supports FHA, VA, USDA-RD, and Freddie Mac HFA Advantage 30-year fixed rate loans.
The purchase price must be at or below $364,452.
You’ll need a minimum credit score of 640, or 680 if your debt-to-income ratio is higher.
Yes — the program is available throughout Travis County, including the City of Austin.
You must work with a participating lender who will determine your eligibility and guide you through the process.
Yes — first-time homebuyers must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course.
We specialize in helping homebuyers take full advantage of down payment assistance programs and the Hill Country Home DPA is one of the best in Texas.
Our team has deep experience navigating this program’s guidelines, maximizing the assistance you qualify for, and structuring your loan so you bring as little cash to closing as possible.
We’ve helped hundreds of buyers just like you unlock 4%, 5%, even 6% in assistance and we know exactly how to avoid common delays and pitfalls that can cost you time, money, or even your dream home.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or just need help with upfront costs, we’ll walk you through every step, answer every question, and make sure you feel confident and informed the entire way.
If you’re buying in Travis County, we’re the perfect partner to help you move in with less stress and more savings.
