Fort Collins Down Payment Assistance 2026
metroDPA, CHFA, and CHAC for Larimer County and Northern Colorado buyers
Free eligibility quiz • No SSN required • Results in 5 minutes
Fort Collins at a Glance
Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins Down Payment Assistance
Fort Collins buyers access metroDPA in Larimer County plus statewide CHFA and CHAC programs. Northern Colorado's strong job market makes DPA especially valuable for first-time buyers.
Fort Collins DPA Program Highlights
- metroDPA available in Larimer County
- CHFA all Plus products statewide
- Colorado Roots in eligible Larimer communities
- CSU area attracts many first-time buyers
Need Local Help?
Our team is licensed in Colorado and specializes in Larimer County DPA programs — serving buyers across Fort Collins and statewide.
DPA Programs Available in Fort Collins
6+ down payment assistance programs serve Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins Down Payment Assistance
Check Eligibility
Take our free 5-minute quiz to see which Larimer 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 Fort Collins within program purchase price limits.
Close & Move In
Complete the loan process and receive your down payment assistance at closing.
Fort Collins Down Payment Assistance FAQ
Is metroDPA available in Fort Collins?
Yes. Larimer County is a metroDPA-eligible county. You can pair a 3–4% deferred second with CHFA or conventional financing through approved lenders.
What DPA programs work in Fort Collins?
Fort Collins buyers typically qualify for metroDPA, CHFA SmartStep/Preferred/FirstStep, CHAC statewide programs, and Colorado Roots if your community participates.