Down payment assistance, grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits available to Colorado buyers. Each program below is verified, with eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and a direct link to the official agency.
Last reviewed September 2026·5 programs·6 federal programs
Administered by Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
Up to $25,000
Down payment assistance as a deferred second mortgage plus a 30-year fixed first mortgage, for first-generation homebuyers (including former foster youth). Launched July 2024.
Income limit
Income limits apply by county
Minimum credit score620
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Must be a first-generation homebuyer or former foster youth (affidavit-based). Homebuyer education required.
Administered by Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
Up to 25% of the first mortgage loan amount
Fixed-rate first mortgage plus a deferred second mortgage of up to 25% of the first mortgage for down payment and/or closing costs under a shared-appreciation model; repayment plus a share of appreciation is due at end of term or on sale, refinance, payoff or move-out. Funded by the Public School Permanent Fund (SB 25-167).
Income limit
CHFA first-mortgage income limits apply; not stated on the program page
First-time buyer requiredNo
Profession-specificfull-time employees of Colorado preK-12 public schools, districts, charter schools, BOCES or innovation zones
Special requirements: At least one borrower must be a full-time employee of an eligible public school employer; borrower must complete the 'Understanding Your Financial Commitment' course
Administered by City and County of Denver (program administrator eHousingPlus)
Percentage of the first mortgage amount (0% second mortgage)
30-year fixed-rate FHA, VA, USDA or conventional first mortgage with down payment/closing cost assistance equal to a percentage of the note amount, delivered as a 0% second mortgage with no scheduled payments (Denver's program summary describes it as a 3-year forgivable second). Available across Colorado's Front Range, not just Denver.
Income limit
Qualifying income below $210,150 per program site; no purchase price limit
Minimum credit score620
First-time buyer requiredNo
Special requirements: Minimum FICO 620 (640 for some loan types); maximum DTI 50%; homebuyer education required; property in an approved Front Range jurisdiction
Administered by Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
Lesser of $25,000 or 3% of first mortgage
Grant that never needs to be repaid. Can be used for down payment or closing costs. Comes with a slightly higher first-mortgage rate than the second-mortgage option.
Income limit
Income varies by county - typically up to $150,000+
Minimum credit score620
First-time buyer requiredNo
Special requirements: Homebuyer education required. Must occupy as primary residence.
3% minimum down payment with no minimum borrower contribution; income at or below 80% AMI (2026 AMIs effective June 13, 2026); reduced, cancellable mortgage insurance; $2,500 credit for very low-income first-time buyers on loans purchased through February 28, 2027.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?
Most Colorado programs require first-time buyer status, but the definition is broader than most people think — the IRS considers you a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a primary residence in the last three years. Each program above lists its specific rules.
What credit score do I need?
Minimum credit scores vary by program. Most Colorado programs require 620 to 660, though some lower-tier products accept lower scores with manual underwriting. Check each program's eligibility section above.
How do I actually apply?
Most state programs aren't applied to directly — you go through a participating lender, who handles the program application as part of your mortgage. Each program above links to the official agency page with the current list of approved lenders.
Can I combine multiple programs?
Often yes — many states allow you to stack a state down-payment grant with a federal FHA or VA loan. Some programs explicitly forbid combining; check each program's "special requirements" above.
Do these programs cost anything?
The programs themselves are free to apply for. Some require completing a homebuyer education course (typically $50–$100, sometimes free). Forgivable second mortgages technically don't cost you unless you sell or refinance early — read the terms carefully.
