Colorado isn’t just a place to live, it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re eyeing a loft in downtown Denver, a bungalow in Fort Collins, or a cabin in the Rockies, each community offers its own character and charm.
To support buyers across this diverse landscape, Colorado offers a wide range of down payment assistance (DPA) programs tailored to different regions, professions, and income levels. These programs come in many forms such as grants, deferred loans, and low-interest second mortgages. They are designed to make homeownership more accessible to Coloradans from all walks of life.
While this guide may not cover every single program, we’ve worked to highlight the most widely available and impactful options. We will continue to update this page as programs change over time.
Understanding AMI
Many down payment assistance programs have limits for the maximum amount of income applicants can earn. This is typically measured relative to area median income (AMI)
You can search for AMI by property address using Fannie Mae’s map tool.
For Example: You're applying to a DPA program that limits eligibility to applicants earning no more than 120% AMI. In the location where you're planning to purchase, AMI is $144,000. In this scenario, you can earn up to $172,800 and still qualify for assistance.
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Statewide and Multi-County Down Payment Assistance Programs
Colorado offers several statewide and regional DPA programs that serve a wide range of buyers, especially first-time homeowners and those with low-to-moderate incomes.
Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) Down Payment Assistance
The CHFA program offers two types of down payment help to buyers using a CHFA first mortgage: a grant (up to the lesser of $25,000 or 3% of the loan amount) or a 0% interest second mortgage loan (up to the lesser of $25,000 or 4% of the loan). The grant does not need to be repaid; the second mortgage is deferred until you sell, refinance, or move.
Eligibility: You must have a credit score of at least 620, meet income and purchase price limits, and complete homebuyer education.
CHAC Down Payment Assistance Program
The Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation offers low-interest second mortgages statewide for first-time buyers, including special options for borrowers with disabilities. Loans can be up to 6% of the purchase price (maximum $12,000) and are repaid monthly or deferred depending on the option chosen.
Eligibility: You must be a first-time buyer, meet income limits / sales price limits, and complete homebuyer education.
IDF FirstBank Down Payment Assistance Program
The IDF FirstBank DPA offers a statewide second mortgage program providing up to 20% of the home’s purchase price (capped at $30,000) for down payment or closing costs. It carries a low fixed interest rate and is repaid in monthly installments.
Eligibility: You must be a first-time buyer with household income at or below 80% AMI and use FirstBank for your first mortgage.
Regional and County Down Payment Assistance Programs
Many counties in Colorado have their own DPA programs. These often offer generous terms for people who live or work in the area.
MetroDPA (Denver Metro Area)
MetroDPA offers a 0% interest, 30-year deferred second mortgage to help with down payment and closing costs. The assistance amount varies by loan type and is gradually forgiven, with full forgiveness after 30 years.
Eligibility: Income must be less than $210,150 (2026), and credit score must be at least 640 (sometimes 620), and must be purchased in a participating area.
Pikes Peak DPA (El Paso County)
The Pikes Peak DPA program offers up to 5% of the first mortgage amount as a 0% interest second mortgage that’s 100% forgivable after 30 years (50% forgiven after the first 5 years).
Eligibility: No first-time buyer requirement; 2026 income limits are up to $174,440 for government loans and $90,720 for conventional loans, with minimum credit scores of 640–660.
Broomfield Down Payment Assistance
Broomfield DPA offers up to 10% of the purchase price as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. If you stay in the home for 30 years, the loan is forgiven.
Eligibility: Available to first-time or first-generation buyers purchasing in Broomfield; income must be at or below 100% AMI and the buyer must contribute at least 1% or $1,000.
Down Payment Assistance Programs by City
Individual cities often have their own programs, sometimes offering help beyond what the state provides.
City of Boulder H2O Program
The House to Homeownership (H2O) Program offers up to $100,000 (or 15% of the purchase price) as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. It’s repaid upon sale or refinance, with a proportional share of appreciation going to the city.
Eligibility: First-time buyers who work in Boulder for at least one year, earn up to 120% AMI, and complete required homebuyer education. This program is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
City of Glenwood Springs Down Payment Assistance Program
The City of Glenwood Springs Down Payment Assistance Program provides up to 20% of the home's purchase price as a 0% interest, deferred-payment loan to help qualified buyers with their down payment. There are no monthly payments, and the loan becomes due only when the home is sold, refinanced, transferred, or is no longer the buyer's primary residence.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time homebuyer (with priority given to first-generation homebuyers), purchase a home within Glenwood Springs city limits, and have a household income up to 120% AMI
Other 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 Colorado, but weren’t featured above.
Statewide and Multi-County Programs
Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation – Disability Program
Chenoa Fund (Nationwide program available in Colorado)
Regional and County Programs
CHFA CDOH Program (Boulder County)
City Programs
Buying With DPA in Colorado
Homeownership in Colorado is more than just a purchase, it’s an opportunity to become part of a dynamic and diverse community. With an array of down payment assistance programs available across the state, buyers can find options that align with their goals, lifestyle, and location. Whether you’re settling in a mountain town, a city center, or somewhere in between, these resources are designed to support your next move. Take time to review current mortgage rates and use our loan calculators to plan confidently for your next step in Colorado homeownership.
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.
