Denver Down Payment Assistance 2026
metroDPA, CHFA, and CHAC programs for Denver County buyers — stack multiple sources of help
Free eligibility quiz • No SSN required • Results in 5 minutes
Denver at a Glance
Denver 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 Denver Down Payment Assistance
Denver down payment assistance programs help first-time and repeat buyers throughout Colorado's capital. Stack metroDPA (3–4% deferred second), CHFA statewide products (up to $25,000), and CHAC nonprofit seconds for combined Front Range assistance.
Denver DPA Program Highlights
- metroDPA: 3–4% deferred second across Denver metro (never forgiven)
- CHFA SmartStep Plus: Up to $25,000 grant or deferred second statewide
- CHAC: Up to $12,000 second mortgage through participating lenders
- Colorado Roots: Up to $50,000 in Prop 123 participating areas
Need Local Help?
Our team is licensed in Colorado and specializes in Denver County DPA programs — serving buyers across Denver and statewide.
DPA Programs Available in Denver
6+ down payment assistance programs serve Denver 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 Denver Down Payment Assistance
Check Eligibility
Take our free 5-minute quiz to see which Denver 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 Denver within program purchase price limits.
Close & Move In
Complete the loan process and receive your down payment assistance at closing.
Denver Down Payment Assistance FAQ
What down payment assistance is available in Denver in 2026?
Denver buyers can access metroDPA (3–4% of loan as deferred second), all six CHFA Plus products (up to $25,000 each), CHAC statewide programs ($10,000–$12,000), and Colorado Roots in eligible areas. Take our free quiz to see your matches.
Does metroDPA work in Denver?
Yes. metroDPA is available in Denver County and nine other Front Range counties. It provides a 0% deferred second equal to 3% or 4% of your first mortgage — due on sale, refinance, or non-occupancy. It is never forgiven.
What are Denver income limits for DPA?
metroDPA allows up to $216,000 household income for FHA/VA/USDA. CHFA SmartStep uses a flat $174,440 cap. Other CHFA products use county AMI tables. Our income limits page has FY 2026 data.
Can I stack Denver down payment programs?
Often yes — for example CHFA plus metroDPA is a common stack. Local programs may have restrictions. A licensed lender can confirm compatible combinations for your scenario.