# Colorado Down Payment Assistance Programs - Complete Reference

> Last updated: May 2026 | https://www.coloradodownpaymentprograms.com

This document contains comprehensive information about all down payment assistance (DPA) programs available to Colorado homebuyers in 2026.

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## Table of Contents

1. [What is Down Payment Assistance?](#what-is-dpa)
2. [Types of Assistance](#types-of-assistance)
3. [Eligibility Requirements](#eligibility)
4. [Active Programs](#active-programs)
5. [Programs by Location](#by-location)
6. [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq)
7. [How to Apply](#how-to-apply)

---

## What is Down Payment Assistance? {#what-is-dpa}

Down payment assistance (DPA) programs help homebuyers cover their down payment and closing costs. In Colorado, these programs are offered by:

- **Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)** - Statewide programs
- **Counties** - Denver, El Paso, Jefferson, Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Larimer, and others
- **Cities** - Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Fort Collins, Longmont, and others
- **Nonprofits** - CHAC, Colorado Roots, and local housing authorities

### Key Statistics (2026)

- **22** active programs in Colorado
- **Up to $100,000+** in combined assistance available
- **64 counties** covered statewide
- **$15,000-$50,000** typical assistance for qualifying buyers

---

## Types of Assistance {#types-of-assistance}

### 1. Grants
- **Free money** - no repayment required
- Most competitive, limited funding
- Examples: CHFA SmartStep Plus grant (up to $25,000), Boulder County PIE ($4,000)

### 2. Forgivable Loans
- **Forgiven after 5 years** of occupancy
- Repaid pro-rata if sold/refinanced early
- Most common type in Colorado
- Examples: Pikes Peak DPA (up to 5% forgivable), Aurora HOAP ($10,000)

### 3. Deferred Loans
- **No monthly payments**
- Repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off mortgage
- 0-3% interest typically
- Examples: metroDPA (3–4% deferred), Colorado Roots ($50,000), Broomfield DPA ($50,000)

### 4. Second Mortgages
- **Monthly payments** at favorable rates
- Best for maximum assistance amount
- Example: CHFA Preferred Plus ($25,000), CHAC Mortgage Assistance ($12,000)

---

## Eligibility Requirements {#eligibility}

### Income Limits

Most programs use Area Median Income (AMI) limits:

| AMI Level | Family of 4 (Approximate) |
|-----------|---------------------------|
| 80% AMI   | $93,000 - $107,000/year   |
| 100% AMI  | $116,000 - $134,000/year  |
| 120% AMI  | $139,000 - $160,000/year  |

*Limits vary by county. Denver metro counties share higher limits than rural areas.*

### Credit Requirements
- Minimum credit score: **620-680** (varies by program)
- Some programs allow lower with FHA loans
- Stable employment history required

### Property Requirements
- Must be **primary residence**
- Purchase price limits apply (typically $400,000-$600,000)
- Single-family homes, condos, townhomes usually qualify
- Investment properties do NOT qualify

### First-Time Buyer Status
- Many programs require first-time buyer status
- Definition: Have not owned a home in **past 3 years**
- Some programs available to repeat buyers (CHFA SmartStep Plus, metroDPA)

### Education Requirements
- Most programs require **homebuyer education course**
- Online courses available (2-8 hours)
- Cost: $50-100 (sometimes reimbursed)

---

## Active Programs {#active-programs}


### CHFA SmartStep Plus

- **Amount**: Up to $25,000
- **Type**: Deferred Loan
- **Agency**: Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)
- **Location**: Statewide
- **Buyer Types**: Repeat buyers welcome
- **Income Limit**: 999% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: CHFA SmartStep Plus offers statewide down payment help as either a grant (lesser of $25,000 or 3% of the first mortgage) or a 0% deferred second mortgage (lesser of $25,000 or 4%). Must be paired with a CHFA first mortgage using FHA, VA, or USDA financing. Household income is capped at $174,440 regardless of AMI. Repayment on the deferred option is due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.

**How to Apply**: 1. Complete a CHFA-approved homebuyer education course.
2. Get pre-approved with a CHFA participating lender.
3. Choose FHA, VA, or USDA financing for your first mortgage.
4. Confirm household income is at or below $174,440.
5. Lender submits CHFA SmartStep Plus assistance with your loan package.
6. Assistance funds disbursed at closing.

**Website**: https://www.chfainfo.com/homeownership/down-payment-assistance

---

### CHFA Preferred Plus

- **Amount**: Up to $25,000
- **Type**: Deferred Loan
- **Agency**: Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)
- **Location**: Statewide
- **Buyer Types**: Repeat buyers welcome
- **Income Limit**: 80% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: CHFA Preferred Plus provides a 0% deferred second mortgage for conventional loan buyers statewide — up to the lesser of $25,000 or 4% of the first mortgage amount. Must be combined with a CHFA conventional first mortgage. Income is limited to 80% of area median income for your county and household size. The second is repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.

**How to Apply**: 1. Complete CHFA-approved homebuyer education.
2. Get pre-approved with a CHFA participating lender for a conventional loan.
3. Verify income at or below 80% AMI for your county.
4. Lender orders CHFA Preferred Plus with your loan.
5. Funds provided at closing as a deferred second mortgage.

**Website**: https://www.chfainfo.com/homeownership/down-payment-assistance

---

### CHFA FirstStep Plus

- **Amount**: Up to $25,000
- **Type**: Deferred Loan
- **Agency**: Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)
- **Location**: Statewide
- **Buyer Types**: First-time buyers only
- **Income Limit**: 80% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: CHFA FirstStep Plus is a 0% deferred second mortgage up to the lesser of $25,000 or 4% of the first mortgage for first-time homebuyers and qualifying veterans using FHA financing with a CHFA first mortgage. Income is capped at 80% AMI. Veterans who are not first-time buyers may still qualify. Repayment is due upon sale, refinance, or payoff of the first mortgage.

**How to Apply**: 1. Confirm first-time buyer status (no homeownership in past 3 years) or eligible veteran status.
2. Complete CHFA-approved homebuyer education.
3. Get pre-approved with a CHFA lender for FHA financing.
4. Verify income at or below 80% AMI.
5. Lender submits FirstStep Plus with your CHFA FHA loan.
6. Deferred assistance disbursed at closing.

**Website**: https://www.chfainfo.com/homeownership/down-payment-assistance

---

### CHFA FirstGeneration Plus

- **Amount**: Up to $25,000
- **Type**: Deferred Loan
- **Agency**: Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)
- **Location**: Statewide
- **Buyer Types**: First-time buyers only
- **Income Limit**: 80% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: CHFA FirstGeneration Plus offers a fixed $25,000 deferred second mortgage for first-generation homebuyers — buyers whose parents or legal guardians have never owned a home. Must use FHA financing with a CHFA first mortgage and meet 80% AMI income limits. The 0% deferred loan is repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.

**How to Apply**: 1. Confirm first-time buyer and first-generation status (parents/guardians never owned a home).
2. Complete CHFA-approved homebuyer education.
3. Get pre-approved with a CHFA lender for FHA financing.
4. Verify income at or below 80% AMI.
5. Lender submits FirstGeneration Plus assistance request.
6. $25,000 deferred second disbursed at closing.

**Website**: https://www.chfainfo.com/homeownership/down-payment-assistance

---

### CHFA HomeAccess Plus

- **Amount**: Up to $25,000
- **Type**: Deferred Loan
- **Agency**: Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)
- **Location**: Statewide
- **Buyer Types**: Repeat buyers welcome
- **Income Limit**: 999% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: CHFA HomeAccess Plus provides up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for homebuyers with a disability or who have a household member with a disability. Available statewide with a CHFA first mortgage; household income capped at $174,440. Assistance is a 0% deferred second mortgage repaid upon sale, refinance, or first mortgage payoff.

**How to Apply**: 1. Confirm disability eligibility for buyer or household member.
2. Complete CHFA-approved homebuyer education.
3. Get pre-approved with a CHFA participating lender.
4. Verify household income at or below $174,440.
5. Lender submits HomeAccess Plus with your CHFA loan.
6. Assistance disbursed at closing.

**Website**: https://www.chfainfo.com/homeownership/down-payment-assistance

---

### CHFA SectionEight Plus

- **Amount**: Up to $25,000
- **Type**: Deferred Loan
- **Agency**: Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)
- **Location**: Statewide
- **Buyer Types**: First-time buyers only
- **Income Limit**: 80% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: CHFA SectionEight Plus offers up to $25,000 in deferred down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and qualifying veterans who currently hold a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. Must be paired with a CHFA first mortgage. Income limits follow 80% AMI guidelines. The 0% deferred second is repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.

**How to Apply**: 1. Confirm active Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and first-time buyer or veteran status.
2. Complete CHFA-approved homebuyer education.
3. Coordinate with your PHA and a CHFA participating lender.
4. Get pre-approved for a CHFA first mortgage.
5. Lender submits SectionEight Plus assistance.
6. Funds disbursed at closing.

**Website**: https://www.chfainfo.com/homeownership/down-payment-assistance

---

### metroDPA

- **Amount**: Up to $25,000
- **Type**: Deferred Loan
- **Agency**: Denver Department of Housing Stability (via participating lenders)
- **Location**: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld
- **Buyer Types**: Repeat buyers welcome
- **Income Limit**: 999% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: metroDPA provides a 0% deferred second mortgage equal to 3% or 4% of the first mortgage amount (up to $25,000) across ten Front Range counties. This loan is never forgiven — it must be repaid in full when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. Household income is capped at $216,000. Can often be stacked with CHFA assistance through approved participating lenders.

**How to Apply**: 1. Confirm the property is in an eligible metroDPA county.
2. Get pre-approved with a metroDPA participating lender.
3. Verify household income at or below $216,000.
4. Lender structures metroDPA as a subordinate 0% deferred second.
5. Complete any required homebuyer education per lender guidelines.
6. metroDPA funds disbursed at closing.

**Website**: https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Department-of-Housing-Stability/Resident-Resources/Affordable-Home-Ownership/metroDPA

---

### CHAC Immediate Payback

- **Amount**: Up to $12,000
- **Type**: Second Mortgage
- **Agency**: Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC)
- **Location**: Statewide
- **Buyer Types**: First-time buyers only
- **Income Limit**: 80% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: CHAC Immediate Payback is a statewide second mortgage up to $12,000 (typically 6% of purchase price or appraised value, whichever is less) for first-time homebuyers at or below 80% AMI. Unlike deferred programs, this loan requires monthly payments from day one at a below-market interest rate. Administered through CHAC-approved lenders.

**How to Apply**: 1. Confirm first-time buyer status (no ownership in past 3 years).
2. Work with a CHAC-approved lender.
3. Verify income at or below 80% AMI.
4. Complete homebuyer education if required by lender.
5. Lender submits CHAC Immediate Payback application.
6. Second mortgage with monthly payments closes alongside first mortgage.

**Website**: https://www.chaconline.org/lenders/

---

### CHAC 5-Year Deferral

- **Amount**: Up to $12,000
- **Type**: Deferred Loan
- **Agency**: Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC)
- **Location**: Statewide
- **Buyer Types**: Repeat buyers welcome
- **Income Limit**: 80% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: CHAC 5-Year Deferral provides up to $12,000 in deferred down payment assistance statewide for buyers at or below 80% AMI. No monthly payments for the first five years; after year five, the loan converts to an amortizing second mortgage. Available through CHAC-approved lenders and can complement CHFA or metroDPA programs.

**How to Apply**: 1. Work with a CHAC-approved participating lender.
2. Verify income at or below 80% AMI.
3. Lender submits CHAC 5-Year Deferral application.
4. Complete any required homebuyer education.
5. Deferred second mortgage closes at same time as first mortgage.
6. Begin monthly payments after the 5-year deferral period.

**Website**: https://www.chaconline.org/lenders/

---

### CHAC Disability

- **Amount**: Up to $10,000
- **Type**: Deferred Loan
- **Agency**: Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC)
- **Location**: Statewide
- **Buyer Types**: Repeat buyers welcome
- **Income Limit**: 80% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: CHAC Disability provides up to $10,000 in deferred down payment assistance for homebuyers with a disability or who have a household member with a disability. Available statewide through CHAC-approved lenders with income limits at 80% AMI. Designed to help cover down payment and closing cost gaps for accessible home purchases.

**How to Apply**: 1. Confirm disability eligibility for buyer or household member.
2. Work with a CHAC-approved lender.
3. Verify income at or below 80% AMI.
4. Lender submits CHAC Disability application.
5. Deferred assistance disbursed at closing.

**Website**: https://www.chaconline.org/lenders/

---

### Pikes Peak Down Payment Assistance

- **Amount**: Up to $25,000
- **Type**: Forgivable Loan
- **Agency**: El Paso County Housing Authority
- **Location**: El Paso
- **Buyer Types**: Repeat buyers welcome
- **Income Limit**: 80% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open
- **Forgiveness**: After 5 years

**Terms**: Pikes Peak DPA (also called Turnkey Plus in El Paso County) offers a forgivable 0% soft second up to 5% of your first mortgage — roughly $25,000 on a $500,000 home. Available countywide in El Paso County (Colorado Springs, Fountain, Monument, Falcon, and unincorporated areas). No first-time buyer requirement. Income is capped at 80% AMI ($93,100 for a family of 4 in 2026) for most loans, with higher limits for FHA/VA/USDA ($174,440 household) and Freddie Mac conventional ($90,720). Forgiveness: 50% pro-rata over 5 years of owner-occupancy; remaining 50% forgiven at 30-year first mortgage maturity. Hometown Heroes adds a 1% grant for teachers, nurses, and other qualifying occupations. Commonly stacked with CHFA SmartStep Plus or CHFA FirstStep Plus through approved participating lenders — including FHA first mortgages. Not a bond program, so no federal recapture tax.

**How to Apply**: 1. Confirm the property is in El Paso County (Colorado Springs, Fountain, Monument, etc.).
2. Work with a Pikes Peak DPA approved lender — the housing authority does not take direct borrower applications.
3. Verify household income at or below program limits (80% AMI for most; see income limits page for your household size).
4. Get pre-approved for FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional financing.
5. Lender submits Pikes Peak DPA / Turnkey Plus with your loan package.
6. Optional: stack CHFA down payment assistance if your lender is CHFA-approved.
7. Forgivable soft second and any Hometown Heroes grant disbursed at closing.

**Website**: https://www.elpasoco.com/housing-authority/

---

### Boulder H2O

- **Amount**: Up to $100,000
- **Type**: Deferred Loan
- **Agency**: City of Boulder Housing Division
- **Location**: Boulder
- **Buyer Types**: First-time buyers only
- **Income Limit**: 120% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: Boulder H2O (House to Homeownership) provides up to $100,000 in deferred shared-appreciation second mortgage assistance for first-time buyers purchasing market-rate homes within Boulder city limits. Income limit is 120% AMI. The city shares in a portion of home price appreciation at repayment. Repaid when you sell, refinance, or no longer occupy as primary residence.

**How to Apply**: 1. Confirm first-time buyer status and Boulder city property location.
2. Attend Boulder homebuyer orientation.
3. Verify income at or below 120% AMI.
4. Get pre-approved with a participating lender.
5. Submit H2O application to City of Boulder Housing.
6. Shared-appreciation deferred loan closes at purchase.

**Website**: https://bouldercolorado.gov/housing/homeownership

---

### Boulder MIDPA Pilot

- **Amount**: Up to $200,000
- **Type**: Deferred Loan
- **Agency**: City of Boulder Housing Division
- **Location**: Boulder
- **Buyer Types**: Repeat buyers welcome
- **Income Limit**: 120% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: Boulder MIDPA (Middle-Income Down Payment Assistance) Pilot offers up to $200,000 in deferred down payment help for middle-income buyers in Boulder city. Targets households at or below 120% AMI who need larger gaps closed in Boulder's high-cost market. Deferred second repaid upon sale, refinance, or move-out.

**How to Apply**: 1. Confirm property is within Boulder city limits.
2. Verify income at or below 120% AMI.
3. Attend Boulder homebuyer orientation.
4. Get pre-approved with a participating lender.
5. Submit MIDPA Pilot application to City of Boulder Housing.
6. Deferred assistance disbursed at closing.

**Website**: https://bouldercolorado.gov/housing/homeownership

---

### Boulder Solution Grant

- **Amount**: Up to $15,000
- **Type**: Grant (no repayment)
- **Agency**: City of Boulder Housing Division
- **Location**: Boulder
- **Buyer Types**: Repeat buyers welcome
- **Income Limit**: 80% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: Boulder Solution Grant provides approximately $15,000 in grant assistance for buyers purchasing permanently affordable (income-restricted) homes in Boulder. Income limit is 80% AMI. Grant does not require repayment if occupancy and affordability covenants are maintained. Only applies to designated permanently affordable inventory — not market-rate homes.

**How to Apply**: 1. Identify an eligible permanently affordable home in Boulder.
2. Verify income at or below 80% AMI.
3. Attend Boulder homebuyer orientation.
4. Apply through City of Boulder Housing with purchase contract.
5. Grant funds applied at closing toward down payment or closing costs.

**Website**: https://bouldercolorado.gov/housing/homeownership

---

### Longmont/Boulder County DPA

- **Amount**: Up to $15,000
- **Type**: Deferred Loan
- **Agency**: Boulder County Housing & Human Services
- **Location**: Boulder
- **Buyer Types**: Repeat buyers welcome
- **Income Limit**: 80% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: Boulder County offers up to $15,000 in deferred down payment assistance for buyers in unincorporated Boulder County and participating municipalities including Longmont — but not within Boulder city limits (which has its own programs). Income limit is 80% AMI. Deferred loan repaid upon sale, refinance, or move-out.

**How to Apply**: 1. Confirm property is in Boulder County but outside Boulder city limits (e.g., Longmont).
2. Verify income at or below 80% AMI.
3. Complete homebuyer education.
4. Get pre-approved with a participating lender.
5. Submit application to Boulder County Housing.
6. Deferred assistance disbursed at closing.

**Website**: https://www.bouldercounty.org/families/housing/homeownership/

---

### Broomfield DPA

- **Amount**: Up to $50,000
- **Type**: Deferred Loan
- **Agency**: City and County of Broomfield Housing Services
- **Location**: Broomfield
- **Buyer Types**: First-time buyers only
- **Income Limit**: 80% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: Broomfield DPA provides a deferred second mortgage equal to 10% of the purchase price for first-time homebuyers within Broomfield city and county. Income limit is 80% AMI. The 0% deferred loan is repaid when you sell, refinance, or no longer occupy the home as your primary residence. Can stack with CHFA and metroDPA.

**How to Apply**: 1. Confirm first-time buyer status and Broomfield property location.
2. Verify income at or below 80% AMI.
3. Complete homebuyer education.
4. Get pre-approved with a participating lender.
5. Submit Broomfield DPA application to Housing Services.
6. 10% deferred second disbursed at closing.

**Website**: https://www.broomfield.org/184/Housing-Services

---

### Douglas County DPA

- **Amount**: Up to $15,000
- **Type**: Second Mortgage
- **Agency**: Douglas County Housing Partnership
- **Location**: Douglas
- **Buyer Types**: First-time buyers only
- **Income Limit**: 80% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: Douglas County DPA offers a $15,000 second mortgage for first-time homebuyers in Douglas County at or below 80% AMI. This is a repayable second with monthly payments at a below-market rate — not a deferred or forgivable loan. Can be combined with metroDPA and CHFA through lender coordination.

**How to Apply**: 1. Confirm first-time buyer status and Douglas County property.
2. Verify income at or below 80% AMI.
3. Complete homebuyer education.
4. Work with a participating lender.
5. Submit Douglas County DPA application.
6. $15,000 second mortgage closes with first mortgage.

**Website**: https://www.douglas.co.us/housing-partnership/

---

### Colorado Roots DPA

- **Amount**: Up to $50,000
- **Type**: Deferred Loan
- **Agency**: Colorado Roots (Prop 123 Affordable Housing Fund)
- **Location**: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld
- **Buyer Types**: First-time buyers only
- **Income Limit**: 120% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open


**Terms**: Colorado Roots is a Prop 123-funded down payment assistance program offering up to $50,000 in deferred help for first-time buyers across participating Front Range counties. Income limit is 120% AMI. Designed to address Colorado's housing affordability gap with larger assistance amounts than traditional programs. Repaid upon sale, refinance, or move-out.

**How to Apply**: 1. Confirm first-time buyer status and property in a participating county.
2. Verify income at or below 120% AMI.
3. Complete homebuyer education.
4. Apply through Colorado Roots or a participating lender.
5. Underwriting and eligibility review.
6. Deferred assistance disbursed at closing.

**Website**: https://coloradoroots.org/

---

### Boulder County PIE

- **Amount**: Up to $4,000
- **Type**: Grant (no repayment)
- **Agency**: Boulder County Housing & Human Services
- **Location**: Boulder
- **Buyer Types**: Repeat buyers welcome
- **Income Limit**: 80% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ⚠️ Limited funds


**Terms**: Boulder County PIE (Partnering in Equity) is a matched-savings grant program providing up to $4,000 to help close down payment gaps for buyers at or below 80% AMI in Boulder County. Participants save toward their down payment and receive a matching grant. Funding is limited — apply early when enrollment windows open.

**How to Apply**: 1. Enroll in Boulder County PIE matched-savings program.
2. Verify income at or below 80% AMI.
3. Complete required financial coaching sessions.
4. Save toward your down payment goal.
5. Receive matching grant (up to $4,000) upon home purchase.
6. Grant applied at closing.

**Website**: https://www.bouldercounty.org/families/housing/homeownership/

---

### Grand County DPA

- **Amount**: Up to $15,000
- **Type**: Deferred Loan
- **Agency**: Grand County Housing Authority
- **Location**: Grand
- **Buyer Types**: Repeat buyers welcome
- **Income Limit**: 80% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ⚠️ Limited funds


**Terms**: Grand County DPA provides an estimated $15,000 in deferred down payment assistance for buyers in Grand County (Winter Park, Granby, Fraser area). Income limits follow 80% AMI guidelines. Funding is limited and subject to availability — contact the housing authority before making offers.

**How to Apply**: 1. Contact Grand County Housing Authority to confirm funding availability.
2. Verify income at or below 80% AMI.
3. Complete homebuyer education.
4. Get pre-approved with a participating lender.
5. Submit Grand County DPA application.
6. Deferred assistance disbursed at closing if funds available.

**Website**: https://www.co.grand.co.us/184/Housing-Authority

---

### YVHA Routt County DPA

- **Amount**: Up to $50,000
- **Type**: Deferred Loan
- **Agency**: Yampa Valley Housing Authority (YVHA)
- **Location**: Routt
- **Buyer Types**: Repeat buyers welcome
- **Income Limit**: 150% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ⚠️ Limited funds


**Terms**: YVHA Routt County DPA offers up to $50,000 (estimated at 10% of purchase price) in deferred down payment assistance for Steamboat Springs and Routt County buyers. Income limit is 150% AMI to serve mountain-community workforce buyers. Funding is limited — early application recommended. Repaid upon sale, refinance, or move-out.

**How to Apply**: 1. Contact YVHA to confirm current funding and eligibility.
2. Verify income at or below 150% AMI.
3. Complete homebuyer education.
4. Get pre-approved with a participating lender.
5. Submit YVHA DPA application.
6. Deferred assistance (up to 10% of price) disbursed at closing.

**Website**: https://www.yampavalleyhousing.org/

---

### Aurora Home Ownership Assistance Program (HOAP)

- **Amount**: Up to $10,000
- **Type**: Forgivable Loan
- **Agency**: City of Aurora Housing Division
- **Location**: Aurora
- **Buyer Types**: First-time buyers only
- **Income Limit**: 80% AMI
- **Funding Status**: ✅ Open
- **Forgiveness**: After 5 years

**Terms**: Aurora HOAP provides up to $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers purchasing within Aurora city limits. Income is limited to 80% AMI. The loan forgives over time with continued owner-occupancy. Can often be stacked with metroDPA and CHFA through a participating lender.

**How to Apply**: 1. Confirm first-time buyer status and Aurora city property location.
2. Verify income at or below 80% AMI.
3. Complete HUD-approved homebuyer education.
4. Get pre-approved with a participating lender.
5. Submit Aurora HOAP application to the Housing Division.
6. Forgivable assistance disbursed at closing.

**Website**: https://www.auroragov.org/residents/housing/homeownership

---




## Programs by Location {#by-location}


### El Paso County

El Paso County's Pikes Peak DPA (Turnkey Plus) is the anchor down payment program for Colorado Springs, Fountain, Monument, Falcon, and surrounding communities — up to 5% forgivable assistance countywide, stackable with CHFA.

**Available Programs**: 10+ programs

**Key Programs**:
- CHFA SmartStep Plus ($25,000)
- CHFA Preferred Plus ($25,000)
- CHFA FirstStep Plus ($25,000)
- CHFA FirstGeneration Plus ($25,000)
- CHFA HomeAccess Plus ($25,000)

**Cities Covered**: colorado-springs, pueblo, denver

Learn more: https://www.coloradodownpaymentprograms.com/locations/el-paso-county


### Boulder County

Boulder County buyers outside Boulder city can use Longmont-administered DPA, Boulder County PIE matched savings, CHFA, and Colorado Roots.

**Available Programs**: 12+ programs

**Key Programs**:
- CHFA SmartStep Plus ($25,000)
- CHFA Preferred Plus ($25,000)
- CHFA FirstStep Plus ($25,000)
- CHFA FirstGeneration Plus ($25,000)
- CHFA HomeAccess Plus ($25,000)

**Cities Covered**: boulder, longmont, broomfield, denver

Learn more: https://www.coloradodownpaymentprograms.com/locations/boulder-county


### Douglas County

Douglas County Housing Partnership offers $15,000 repayable second mortgages plus metroDPA, CHFA, and Colorado Roots for Castle Rock, Parker, and Highlands Ranch area buyers.

**Available Programs**: 12+ programs

**Key Programs**:
- CHFA SmartStep Plus ($25,000)
- CHFA Preferred Plus ($25,000)
- CHFA FirstStep Plus ($25,000)
- CHFA FirstGeneration Plus ($25,000)
- CHFA HomeAccess Plus ($25,000)

**Cities Covered**: denver, aurora

Learn more: https://www.coloradodownpaymentprograms.com/locations/douglas-county


### Jefferson County

Jefferson County — home to Lakewood, Arvada, Golden, and Wheat Ridge — offers metroDPA, CHFA, CHAC, and Colorado Roots for west metro buyers.

**Available Programs**: 11+ programs

**Key Programs**:
- CHFA SmartStep Plus ($25,000)
- CHFA Preferred Plus ($25,000)
- CHFA FirstStep Plus ($25,000)
- CHFA FirstGeneration Plus ($25,000)
- CHFA HomeAccess Plus ($25,000)

**Cities Covered**: denver, arvada, broomfield

Learn more: https://www.coloradodownpaymentprograms.com/locations/jefferson-county



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## Frequently Asked Questions {#faq}

### What is down payment assistance in Colorado?

Down payment assistance (DPA) programs in Colorado provide grants, forgivable loans, or low-interest second mortgages to help homebuyers cover their down payment and closing costs. Programs are offered by CHFA (statewide), metroDPA (Front Range), counties, cities, and nonprofits, with assistance amounts ranging from $4,000 to $100,000+ depending on the program.

### Who qualifies for Colorado down payment assistance?

Eligibility varies by program but typically includes:
- Income limits (usually 80-120% of Area Median Income)
- Property location requirements
- Minimum credit scores (typically 620-680)
- Sometimes first-time homebuyer status
- Some programs have special benefits for teachers, first responders, veterans, and healthcare workers

### How much down payment assistance can I get in Colorado?

Colorado homebuyers can access up to $100,000+ in combined assistance by stacking multiple programs. Individual programs range from $4,000 (Boulder County PIE) to $100,000 (Boulder H2O). The exact amount depends on your location, income, occupation, and which programs you qualify for.

### Do I have to pay back down payment assistance?

It depends on the program type:
- **Grants**: No repayment required
- **Forgivable loans**: Forgiven if you stay in the home for a set period (usually 5 years)
- **Deferred loans**: Repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the mortgage
- **Second mortgages**: Monthly payments but often at below-market rates

### Can I combine multiple DPA programs?

Yes! Many Colorado programs can be stacked. For example, you could combine metroDPA (3–4% deferred second) with CHFA SmartStep Plus (up to $25,000). Some Front Range buyers access $50,000+ in combined assistance.

### What credit score do I need?

Most programs require a minimum credit score of 620-680. FHA loans (popular with DPA programs) allow scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down. Some programs help buyers with credit improvement.

### Do I need to be a first-time homebuyer?

Not always. While many programs target first-time buyers, several Colorado programs are available to repeat buyers who meet income requirements. CHFA Score Loan, Community Lending Program, and some city programs welcome all buyers.

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## How to Apply {#how-to-apply}

### Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Take the free eligibility quiz at https://www.coloradodownpaymentprograms.com/quiz to see which programs you may qualify for. No SSN or sensitive information required.

### Step 2: Complete Homebuyer Education
Most programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Online courses take 2-8 hours and cost $50-100. Some programs reimburse this cost.

### Step 3: Get Pre-Approved
Work with a lender experienced in DPA programs. They'll verify your income, credit, and eligibility for specific programs. Not all lenders offer all programs.

### Step 4: Find Your Home
Search for homes within program price limits and geographic areas. Your lender can help you understand the limits for programs you're targeting.

### Step 5: Apply for DPA Programs
Your lender submits applications on your behalf. Some programs like city grants require separate applications. Processing times vary from 1 day to 2+ weeks.

### Step 6: Close on Your Home
DPA funds are disbursed at closing. You'll sign documents for your first mortgage plus any DPA loans.

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## About This Resource

Colorado Down Payment Programs is a free educational resource maintained by licensed Colorado mortgage professionals Tim Hawkes and Jake Peterson (The Tim Hawkes Team | Cornerstone Home Lending).

**Contact**:
- Email: jake@thetimhawkesteam.com
- Phone: (801) 820-7620 / (801) 698-6071
- Website: https://www.coloradodownpaymentprograms.com

**Data Sources**:
- Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (chfainfo.com)
- HUD.gov
- Individual city and county housing departments
- Direct verification with program administrators

**Last Updated**: May 2026

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*This document is provided for informational purposes only. Program details, availability, and requirements may change. Always verify current information with program administrators and participating lenders.*