Colorado Down Payment Assistance Programs 2026

Pikes Peak Down Payment Assistance

Up to $25,000

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.

CHFA SmartStep Plus

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.

metroDPA

Up to $25,000

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.

Boulder H2O

Up to $100,000

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.

Aurora Home Ownership Assistance Program (HOAP)

Up to $10,000

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.