Updated June 2026
County Guide

El Paso County Down Payment Assistance 2026

Pikes Peak DPA (Turnkey Plus) forgivable soft second — Colorado Springs area

Full program guide: Pikes Peak DPA / Turnkey Plus — up to 5% forgivable, CHFA stacking, and 2026 income limits.

Free eligibility quiz • No SSN required • Results in 5 minutes

El Paso County Down Payment Assistance Programs at a Glance

CHFA SmartStep Plus

Available
$25,000
deferred loan

CHFA Preferred Plus

Available
$25,000
deferred loan

CHFA FirstStep Plus

Available
$25,000
deferred loan

CHFA FirstGeneration Plus

Available
$25,000
deferred loan

CHFA HomeAccess Plus

Available
$25,000
deferred loan

CHFA SectionEight Plus

Available
$25,000
deferred loan

About El Paso County Down Payment Assistance

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.

El Paso County DPA Program Highlights

  • Turnkey Plus = Pikes Peak DPA (same county program)
  • Up to 5% forgivable soft second — not a bond program
  • 80% AMI: $93,100 for family of 4 (FY 2026)
  • CHFA SmartStep / FirstStep commonly stacked via approved lenders
735,000+
Population
$475,000
Median Price

Need Local Help?

Our team is licensed in Colorado and specializes in El Paso County DPA programs — serving buyers across El Paso County and statewide.

(801) 820-7620
Licensed in Colorado
Highly rated on multiple platforms

DPA Programs Available in El Paso County

6+ down payment assistance programs serve El Paso County homebuyers

CHFA SmartStep Plus

deferred loan
Up to $25,000

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.

CHFA Preferred Plus

deferred loan
Up to $25,000

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.

CHFA FirstStep Plus

deferred loan
Up to $25,000

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.

CHFA FirstGeneration Plus

deferred loan
Up to $25,000

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.

CHFA HomeAccess Plus

deferred loan
Up to $25,000

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.

CHFA SectionEight Plus

deferred loan
Up to $25,000

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 for El Paso County Down Payment Assistance

1

Check Eligibility

Take our free 5-minute quiz to see which El Paso County programs you qualify for.

2

Get Pre-Approved

Work with a participating lender to get pre-approved for a mortgage and DPA programs.

3

Find Your Home

Shop for a home in El Paso County within program purchase price limits.

4

Close & Move In

Complete the loan process and receive your down payment assistance at closing.

El Paso County Down Payment Assistance FAQ

What is El Paso County down payment assistance?

The Pikes Peak Down Payment Assistance program (Turnkey Plus) provides up to 5% of your first mortgage as a forgivable soft second for properties anywhere in El Paso County, including Colorado Springs, Fountain, and Monument.

What are Pikes Peak DPA income limits for 2026?

Most buyers must be at or below 80% AMI — $93,100 for a household of 4 in El Paso County (FY 2026). FHA/VA/USDA allow up to $174,440 household income. See our income limits page for all household sizes.

Can I combine Turnkey Plus with CHFA in El Paso County?

Yes. Stacking Pikes Peak DPA with CHFA is common in Colorado Springs. Your lender must participate in both programs. FHA + CHFA SmartStep + Pikes Peak DPA is a frequent combination for first-time buyers.

Who are Pikes Peak DPA approved lenders?

The program is lender-administered. Contact a loan officer approved for El Paso County housing programs and CHFA if you plan to stack assistance. Licensed lenders familiar with both programs can verify current approved status.

Ready to Buy in El Paso County?

Take our free 5-minute quiz to see which El Paso County down payment assistance programs you may qualify for.