Alabama’s housing market offers a wide range of opportunities, with home prices and availability varying across cities like Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, and surrounding communities. For first-time buyers looking to enter the market, understanding available financial support is just as important as researching neighborhoods and mortgage options.
One major resource is Alabama’s selection of down payment assistance (DPA) programs available at the state, county, and city levels. These include grants, forgivable loans, and second mortgages that can help reduce the upfront cost of buying a home.
This article highlights some of the most accessible and widely used DPA programs across Alabama. While it doesn’t cover every local option, it focuses on programs that are currently active and funded. We’ll continue updating this page as new programs are introduced or updated.
What Is AMI?
“AMI” stands for “Area Median Income” and it’s a term you’ll see frequently used by down payment assistance programs. In many cases, AMI is used to determine eligibility, with applicants required to earn no more than a certain percentage of the median income in the area where they're planning to buy.
Example: A DPA program requires that you make 100% or less of AMI. You're purchasing a home where AMI is $95,000 per year. You make $90,000 per year, so you meet the program's income requirements.
You can look up AMI by property address using Fannie Mae’s map tool.
Statewide Down Payment Assistance Programs
Alabama offers several statewide DPA options, most of which are managed through the Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA). These programs are widely accessible, and some can be combined with grants or tax credits.
Step Up Program
The Step Up Program offers up to 4% of the purchase price (up to $10,000) in down payment assistance via a 10-year second mortgage, which is paid concurrently with your primary mortgage. This makes it easier for moderate-income buyers to get into a home without having to wait years to save.
Eligibility: Open to first-time and repeat buyers with a minimum credit score of 640, a maximum DTI of 45%, and a household income of $172,800 or less.
First Step Mortgage Revenue Bond Program
Primarily for first-time buyers, the First Step Mortgage Revenue Bond Program provides below-market interest rates and down payment assistance (up to 4% or $10,000) through a 10-year second mortgage, which is paid alongside your 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.
Eligibility: In non-target areas, must be a first-time buyer; in target areas, repeat buyers may qualify. Must meet federal income and purchase price limits based on county.
Affordable Income Subsidy (AIS) Grant
Designed to stack with the Step Up program, the Affordable Income Subsidy (AIS) Grant provides either $1,500 or $2,500 in closing cost assistance for lower-income borrowers using Freddie Mac’s HFA Advantage loans.
Eligibility: Must use Step Up and HFA Advantage loan; income must be below 80% AMI to receive one-half percent of the loan amount, or below 50% AMI to receive one percent of the total loan amount.
Down Payment Assistance Programs by County
Most counties in Alabama don’t offer their own DPA programs, but Mobile County stands out with a solid option for income-qualified first-time buyers.
Mobile County Down Payment Assistance
The Mobile County Down Payment Assistance Program offers up to $50,000 in down payment assistance to first-time buyers purchasing in eligible areas of Mobile County. The funds are provided as a 0% interest, forgivable loan up to a term of ten years. For loan forgiveness, borrowers must retain ownership of the home and live in it as their principal residence throughout those 10 years.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time homebuyer purchasing in Mobile County with an income of 80% or less than the AMI, and complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education class.
Down Payment Assistance Programs by City
Several cities in Alabama offer their own DPA programs, especially larger cities like Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile. These programs are often HUD-funded and offer forgivable loans or grants for eligible residents.
Birmingham Ready to Own Program
The Birmingham Ready to Own Program provides up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance via a 0% interest forgivable loan, forgiven over five years.
Eligibility: Must purchase within Birmingham city limits, earn no more than 80% of AMI, have a minimum credit score of 600, and complete homebuyer education.
Huntsville Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP)
The First-Time Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance Program offers up to $10,000 in interest-free forgivable loans to income-qualified first-time buyers. The loan is fully forgiven after five years providing the borrowers remain in owner occupation throughout that time.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time homebuyer with income at or below 80% AMI and a credit score of 600 or higher. There is a maximum allowable purchase price that changes each year.
Mobile City First-Time Homebuyers Program
The City of Mobile’s First Time Home Buyers’ Program offers up to $15,000 in assistance, particularly for those purchasing and rehabilitating a formerly blighted property. This takes the form of a loan, which is fully forgiven after five years, provided borrowers retain ownership of the home and occupy it as their principal residence throughout that time.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time buyer with income at or below 80% AMI, complete 8 hours of counseling, and purchase within city limits with a max purchase price of $193,000 for existing or $274,000 for new construction (2025). Home price caps change annually.
Decatur H.O.M.E. Program
The Decatur Home Ownership Made Easier Program helps low-income first-time buyers cover a portion of their required down payment or all of their closing costs.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time buyer purchasing a home in Decatur city limits, and complete housing counseling. Check the website for current income caps.
Additional Alabama Down Payment Assistance Programs
Here are some other helpful resources and programs that may assist with down payment costs. These programs are still active and available in Alabama, but weren’t featured above.
Statewide Programs
Chenoa Fund (Nationwide program available in Alabama)
City Programs
Final Thoughts on Alabama DPA
Alabama offers a strong network of down payment assistance programs that can make a real difference for homebuyers. While the specific options vary by location and income level, many provide valuable support through grants, forgivable loans, or subsidized mortgage options. Staying informed about the current mortgage rates and using our loan calculators can help you better understand your financial position. By taking the time to explore these programs, you may be able to reduce your upfront costs and move into a home sooner.
Check with the organization directly for the most recent guidelines. While programs were fact-checked at the time of writing, requirements change often, and programs become unavailable when funds are exhausted.
