Boulder Down Payment Assistance Programs at a Glance
CHFA SmartStep Plus
AvailableCHFA Preferred Plus
AvailableCHFA FirstStep Plus
AvailableCHFA FirstGeneration Plus
AvailableCHFA HomeAccess Plus
AvailableCHFA SectionEight Plus
AvailableAbout Boulder Down Payment Assistance
Boulder offers some of Colorado's largest local DPA programs: H2O (up to $100,000 shared-appreciation deferred loan), MIDPA pilot (up to $200,000 with deed restriction), and Solution Grant for permanently affordable homes.
Boulder DPA Program Highlights
- Boulder H2O: Up to $100,000 deferred shared-appreciation loan
- Boulder MIDPA: Up to $200,000 or 30% with deed restriction
- Solution Grant: Up to 5% for permanently affordable homes
- Boulder County PIE: $4,000 matched savings program
Need Local Help?
Our team is licensed in Colorado and specializes in Boulder County DPA programs — serving buyers across Boulder and statewide.
DPA Programs Available in Boulder
6+ down payment assistance programs serve Boulder homebuyers
CHFA SmartStep Plus
deferred loanCHFA 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.
CHFA Preferred Plus
deferred loanCHFA 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.
CHFA FirstStep Plus
deferred loanCHFA 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.
CHFA FirstGeneration Plus
deferred loanCHFA 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.
CHFA HomeAccess Plus
deferred loanCHFA 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.
CHFA SectionEight Plus
deferred loanCHFA 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 for Boulder Down Payment Assistance
Check Eligibility
Take our free 5-minute quiz to see which Boulder County programs you qualify for.
Get Pre-Approved
Work with a participating lender to get pre-approved for a mortgage and DPA programs.
Find Your Home
Shop for a home in Boulder within program purchase price limits.
Close & Move In
Complete the loan process and receive your down payment assistance at closing.
Boulder Down Payment Assistance FAQ
How much down payment help can I get in Boulder?
Boulder city programs alone reach $100,000–$200,000 for qualifying buyers. Combined with CHFA ($25,000) and Colorado Roots (up to $50,000), total assistance can be substantial — but programs have strict eligibility.
What is Boulder H2O?
H2O (House to Homeownership) provides up to $100,000 as a 0% deferred loan with shared appreciation for first-time buyers of market-rate Boulder homes. Requires Boulder employment.
What is Boulder MIDPA?
The Middle Income DPA Pilot offers up to $200,000 or 30% of price as a 0% second mortgage. In exchange, the buyer deed-restricts the home to keep it affordable for future buyers.