metroDPA
Denver metro & Front Range · 10 counties · 3–4% deferred second
Denver Department of Housing Stability (via participating lenders)
Up to
$25,000
Assistance
Deferred Loan
Area
Adams
Buyers
Repeat buyers welcome
Income
Up to $216,000 household income
What This Program Offers
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.
Who Qualifies
Location
Buyer type
Primary residence
Income limits
Household income must be at or below $216,000 for FHA, VA, and USDA loans. Compare AMI limits for other programs.
How to Apply
- 1
Confirm the property is in an eligible metroDPA county (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Jefferson, Larimer, or Weld).
- 2
Verify household income at or below $216,000.
- 3
Get pre-approved with a metroDPA participating lender.
- 4
Ask your lender about stacking metroDPA with CHFA for additional assistance.
- 5
Lender structures metroDPA as a subordinate 0% deferred second.
- 6
Complete any required homebuyer education per lender guidelines.
- 7
metroDPA funds disbursed at closing.
Documents you'll need
- Pre-approval from metroDPA participating lender
- Income verification (household income cap $216,000)
- Purchase contract for eligible county property
- Homebuyer education certificate (if required by lender)
metroDPA vs CHFA — Side-by-Side
Both programs help Front Range buyers cover down payment gaps. Understanding the differences helps you ask your lender the right stacking questions.
| Feature | metroDPA | CHFA SmartStep Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Assistance amount | 3–4% of first mortgage (up to $25k) | Up to $25,000 grant or deferred |
| Income limit | $216,000 household cap | $174,440 household cap |
| Forgiveness | Never forgiven — repaid on sale/refi | Grant or deferred per product terms |
| First-time buyer | Not required | Required |
| Counties | 10 Front Range counties | Statewide |
| Stack together? | Yes — common in Denver metro | Yes — common in Denver metro |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are metroDPA income limits for 2026?
metroDPA caps household income at $216,000 for FHA, VA, and USDA loans — one of the highest income limits among Colorado DPA programs. There is no AMI percentage table; if your household income is at or below $216,000, you meet the income requirement. Conventional metroDPA may have stricter limits set by the lender.
How does metroDPA work?
metroDPA provides a 0% deferred second mortgage equal to 3% or 4% of your first mortgage amount (up to $25,000). No monthly payments while you live in the home. The loan is never forgiven — you repay in full when you sell, refinance, pay off the first mortgage, or stop occupying the home as your primary residence. Apply through a metroDPA participating lender.
metroDPA vs CHFA — which is better?
They serve different needs and can often be stacked. metroDPA offers a 3–4% deferred second with a $216,000 income cap and no first-time buyer requirement. CHFA SmartStep Plus offers up to $25,000 as a grant or deferred second but requires first-time buyer status for most products. Many Denver metro buyers use both through a dual-approved lender.
What are metroDPA requirements?
Property in an eligible county (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Jefferson, Larimer, or Weld). Primary residence. Household income at or below $216,000. Pre-approval from a metroDPA participating lender. Single-family, condo, or townhome.
Which counties is metroDPA available in?
metroDPA covers ten Front Range counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld. El Paso County (Colorado Springs) is not included — those buyers use Pikes Peak DPA instead.
How do I find metroDPA approved lenders?
metroDPA is delivered through participating lenders, not a direct county application. Ask your loan officer if they are metroDPA-approved. Denver's Department of Housing Stability maintains the official lender list on denvergov.org.
Can metroDPA be stacked with CHFA?
Yes. metroDPA plus CHFA SmartStep or Preferred Plus is a common Denver metro combination. Your lender structures both subordinate liens at closing. Confirm dual approval before making an offer.