13 first-time home buyer grants for single moms now

Real estate prices over the past four years have climbed 50%— according to the National Association of Homebuilders — while inflation means that wages have remained close to flat.

If you’re a low-income person who has been looking for a way to purchase your first home, there are a lot of home buyer grants and assistance programs available to help.

First step: Check tis list of top mortgages for single moms to learn more about how to qualify.

Keep reading for our full list of first-time home buyer grants for single moms. You can also see what kind of mortgage your qualify for, including two NEW programs:

Program	What it is	Best for	Typical benefit	Key eligibility / requirements	Where / notes
Bank of America Down Payment Grant + America’s Home Grant	Grants for down payment + closing costs	Single moms who qualify in eligible markets and want real grant money	Up to $10,000 down payment + up to $7,500 closing costs (no repayment) (Bank of America)	First-time buyer (generally no ownership in last 3 years), education required; availability varies by market (Bank of America)	Select markets only; check by state/ZIP (Bank of America Promotions)
State Housing Finance Agency (HFA) DPA	State-run down payment/closing-cost assistance (often deferred/forgivable seconds)	Single moms who need stackable help and can meet income rules	Often 2–5%+ of purchase price/loan, sometimes more	Typically first-time buyer + income limits + education	Every state has its own HFA programs; often the #1 practical path
Chenoa Fund (CBC Mortgage Agency)	Down payment assistance paired with FHA (repayable or forgivable second)	Single moms with limited savings who can qualify for FHA	Up to 3.5% or 5% assistance; repayable or forgivable options (Chenoa Fund)	Often ≥600 credit; works with FHA; no standard income cap; not NY (Chenoa Fund)	Available all states except New York (Chenoa Fund)
National Homebuyers Fund (NHF)	Down payment/closing cost assistance via participating lenders (grant or second loan depending on state/lender)	Single moms who need up to 5% help and flexibility	Up to 5% of loan amount for down payment/closing costs (National Homebuyers Fund)	Not always first-time required; terms vary a lot by state/lender (National Homebuyers Fund)	Available in most states; confirm whether it’s a grant vs. second loan (National Homebuyers Fund)
Fannie Mae HomeReady®	Conventional mortgage with low down payment + flexible income sources	Single moms with moderate income who want conventional	3% down; reduced MI; flexible income sources (Fannie Mae Single-Family)	Income limits apply; education typically required	Great when paired with HFA DPA
Freddie Mac Home Possible®	Conventional mortgage with low down payment	Single moms who qualify under local income limits	3% down; flexible funding sources (Freddie Mac)	Must meet income/property eligibility (varies by address) (Freddie Mac)	Also great stacked with local DPA
FHA loan (baseline option)	Federal-insured mortgage (not a grant)	Single moms with lower credit / smaller down payment	3.5% down with typical qualifying; higher with very low credit (Amerisave)	Lender overlays vary; upfront/annual mortgage insurance	Often the easiest “approval” path; pair with DPA (Chenoa/HFA/NHF)
USDA Rural Development (Section 502)	Rural home loan (not a grant)	Single moms in eligible rural/suburban areas with moderate income	Can be 0% down (program dependent)	Location + income eligibility	Huge value if your target area qualifies
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Homeownership Program	Uses a Section 8 voucher toward homeownership expenses	Single moms already receiving vouchers who want to buy	Monthly assistance toward ownership expenses (PHA-defined) (HUD)	Must be first-time homeowner + counseling + PHA rules; PHA must offer it (HUD)	Powerful but not widely offered; very local (HUD)
HUD Good Neighbor Next Door	HUD home at 50% discount for eligible professions	Single moms who are teachers/first responders and can relocate	50% off list price; must live there 36 months (HUD)	Must buy in revitalization area; inventory limited (HUD)	Amazing when available; inventory is the bottleneck
Community Seconds (Fannie Mae)	Approved second mortgage to layer assistance with conventional	Single moms stacking local DPA with conventional	Enables pairing DPA + mortgage	Must meet Fannie Mae + assistance-provider rules	It’s a structure, not the money itself
CDBG-funded local programs	City/county assistance funded by HUD	Single moms in targeted cities/counties who meet income rules	Often 0% deferred/forgivable assistance (varies)	Local eligibility rules	Worth checking locally; can be very generous
Operation HOPE Homebuyer program	Coaching + readiness (not cash)	Single moms needing credit, budgeting, lender prep	Can improve approval odds + terms	Program availability varies (Freddie Mac)	Great “before you apply” step (especially if credit is borderline)

Bank of America’s Community Homeownership Commitment

Bank of America continues to offer one of the most generous large-bank grant programs for first-time buyers: its Community Homeownership Committment

Current benefits (2025–2026):

• Up to $10,000 in down payment assistance (or 3% of purchase price, whichever is less)
• Up to $7,500 in closing-cost assistance
• Assistance is not repayable if program requirements are met

Mortgage option:

• Bank of America Affordable Loan Solution®
• 3% down payment
• No mortgage insurance
• Income limits apply (generally ≤80% AMI, varies by market)

New this year:

• Loan limits now follow conforming loan limits, which increased in 2025
• HUD-approved homebuyer education is required
• Available only in select markets; availability changes frequently

The Chenoa Fund down payment assistance

The Chenoa Fund is a government-chartered organization that provides up to 5% down payment assistance and is one of the largest FHA-compatible assistance programs nationwide. If you have an FHA loan, the Chenoa Fund offers down payment help for first-time or repeat home buyers in the form of a second loan.

• Up to 5% assistance
• Works with FHA loans
• Available in most states, but not New York

New this year:

• Repayable option:
  • 10-year second mortgage
  • Interest rate ~2% higher than FHA first mortgage
• Forgivable option:
  • Forgiveness timelines vary by program version
  • Typically 36 to 120 on-time payments required
  • Must remain owner-occupied
• Minimum credit score typically 600–620
• No formal income cap, but better pricing below ~135% AMI

Community Development Block Grants

Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) provide funding to improve the quality of housing in low-income neighborhoods. HUD sends CDBG funds annually to grantees, including city and county governments.

The Volusia County, Florida government, for example, uses the funds to help first-time home buyers purchase a home. They provide funds for down payments and closing costs, and offer affordable financing terms. That includes a 15-year, 0% interest deferred payment loan that goes toward the cost of the home and closing costs.

Eligibility for programs funded by CDBG grants vary, but for the Volusia County loan specifically, you must be able to afford payments on the mortgage and be a first-time recipient of Volusia County housing assistance, among other requirements.

Your local HUD field office can help you find CDBG grantees in your area that may offer similar initiatives. You can also ask about specific eligibility requirements.

Community Seconds

Community Seconds is a Fannie Mae-approved second mortgage that allows you to use the funds available from state and local governments as well as housing nonprofits to put together a down payment, get help with closing costs and even complete minor renovations.

**New: Fannie Mae HomeReady**

Fannie Mae HomeReady^® counts your on-time rent payments towards loan eligibility, as well boarder or rental income.

HomeReady borrowers may be first-time or repeat homebuyers.

• 3% down
• Income limits apply
• Can use boarder or household income
• $2,500 borrower credit
• Homebuyer education required

Helping Public Housing Residents Buy Homes

If you live in public housing and want to buy a home, HUD public housing agencies (PHAs) are helpful resources. This program continues to exist, but it is shrinking.

Eligibility:

• You live in or are eligible for public housing
• You meet income requirements (varies by area) 
• You can pay at least 1% of the purchase price as a down payment
• Check your state's housing finance site for more details

PHAs can help you learn about the home-buying process, offer financial assistance for down payments and closing costs, and offer lease-to-buy options for homeownership. Each state has its own requirements and availability.

For example, the Philadelphia Housing Authority offers two programs: Housing Choice Homeownership and Section 5 (H) Homeownership. Some requirements of both these programs include: 

• Be a first-time home buyer
• Own or obtain shares in a cooperative living space
• Complete an approved housing counseling program
• Make a minimum of $14,500/year ($6,624/year for disabled applicants)
• Have at least one year of employment experience and work at least 30 hours per week (unless disabled)
• Have no criminal convictions within the last five years
• Have never defrauded the federal government
• Choose a home that is able to pass approved inspections

Homeowner Assistance Fund

The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) is a federally funded program designed to help homeowners who are struggling to pay mortgages due to the impact of COVID-19.

Part of the American Rescue Plan Act, this program distributes funds to grantees in all states, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and tribal lands. 

HUD counseling is often required for DPA programs

USDA loans are 0% down, income-restricted, and rural-only

HOME Investment Partnerships is mainly a funding source, not a direct consumer program

In Washington state, for example, HAF is administered by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission in partnership with HomeSight, a nonprofit that helps low-income citizens pursue affordable homeownership. 

To qualify for Washington’s assistance fund, you must have:

• Experienced a financial hardship before or after January 21, 2020 that continued after that date
• Income equal to or less than 150% of the area median income or 100% of the United States median income (whichever is greater). The U.S. median income was $67,521 in 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 
• Income documentation such as 1099s, W2s, or tax filings 

This program does not take into account other data such as a credit score, foreclosure status, or previous refinancing.

Check out the HAF by state map to find out what your local program offers and to find contact information. 

Homeownership Assistance Programs

HUD is a great resource for finding programs to help you buy a home or make necessary repairs. You can use the HUD resource locator to find specific programs for your state or region. 

Here are some programs to consider:

• HUD-approved housing counseling – Get guidance on how to buy a home, avoid foreclosure, and take care of your home
• Habitat for Humanity – A nonprofit that builds affordable homes for low- to moderate-income individuals and invites prospective homeowners to take part in the homebuilding process or volunteer in a Habitat ReStore
• HUD HOME Investment Partnership Program – Offers free or affordable home repairs through local partner agencies
• USDA Rural Housing Service – provides affordable loans for home building, purchases, and repairs

Housing Choice Voucher Program

The HUD Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program (also known as Section 8 housing) helps low-income individuals and families find and afford safe, clean housing. That includes single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. These vouchers are administered by local public housing agencies (PHAs), and each one sets its own eligibility requirements. 

The program is shrinking and there are fewer PHAs participating than in years past — and waitlists are common.

In North Texas, for example, you are eligible if:

• You are a first-time home buyer who is also a single parent
• You previously owned a home while married or lived in a home owned by your ex spouse within the last three years
• You are a first-time home buyer who has a disabled family member and owned a unit within the last three years

Requirements vary by state, and all PHAs do not participate in the HCV homeownership program.

HUD's Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program

The HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program offers homes for sale at 50% of their value to eligible teachers, first responders, and police officers. The program is limited, and where it is available, rising home prices often make the program irrelevant to communities' civic workers.

An eligible applicant is one who is a full-time:

• Law enforcement officer employed by a federal, state, local government, or Indian tribal government-run agency
• Teacher in a pre-kindergarten through 12, state-accredited public or private school
• Firefighter or emergency medical technician (EMT) employed by a fire department or emergency medical services response unit run by the federal, state, local, or Native American tribal government

Eligible home buyers must work and live in qualifying revitalization areas listed by the program. Program participants must agree to reside in the home as a primary residence for at least 36 months. 

National Homebuyers Fund® Down Payment Assistance

National Homebuyers Fund (NHF) is a nonprofit corporation helping single moms become homeowners. The nonprofit offers funds up to 5% of the cost of the home’s mortgage to be used toward a down payment, closing costs, or both depending on the home buyer’s needs. 

To apply for NHF, you must work with a participating lender. Available in most states, this program has flexible qualification criteria:

• You don't have to be a first-time home buyer
• You can have low- to moderate-income (income limits are determined by state)
• You need a minimum credit score of 640
• Your debt-to-income ratio cannot exceed 45%
• The home assistance must be used for conventional, FHA, USDA, or VA loans

Depending on the program in your state, the assistance may be forgivable or require repayment over time. Plus, you can couple this financial help with other home buyer assistance programs for maximum benefit.

2026 updates:

• Many NHF programs are now repayable seconds, not grants.
• Forgivable options exist but are state-specific.

**New: Native American Direct Loan (NADL)**

Offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, eligible Native American veterans can access NADL mortgages that are:

• 0% down
• Below-market interest rates — currently 2.5%!
• No PMI
• No limit on future use
• Refinanceable

Operation HOPE Home Buyers Program

Operation HOPE Home Buyers Program helps low-income home buyers through FDIC-approved loans, down payment assistance and first-time buying assistance.

• Operation HOPE does not provide grants directly
• Offers free coaching, mortgage readiness, and lender matching
• Extremely useful for credit rebuilding and first-time buyers

State Housing Finance Agencies

In each state, the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) can help single moms buy a new home. Federal programs in every state include:

• Housing Bonds — Sells bonds to help low-income, first-time home buyers get affordable loans
• Housing Credit — Offers a tax credit to private entities and developers who create more affordable rental housing
• HOME Investment Partnerships — Advocacy program that improves access to safe, clean, affordable housing for low-income households

But each state also offers HFA-based homeownership programs with various requirements.

The California HFA (CalHFA), for example, offers a down payment/closing costs assistance program called the MyHome Assistance Program. CalHFA is not a direct lender but trains and approves private loan officers. The program provides a deferred payment second loan if you have an FHA or a conventional loan.

With an FHA loan, you can get a second loan that is up to 3.5% of the purchase price or appraised value (whichever is less) to help with the down payment or closing costs. With a conventional loan, you can get assistance up to 3% of the purchase price.

Contact your state HFA to get exact details on the programs offered in your area and to learn about eligibility requirements.

Here is a list of top mortgages for single moms to learn more about how to qualify.

Bottom line: Home-buying grants are available

Owning a home is a great way to build wealth over time and provide a valuable asset to potentially pass on to your children. But when you’re a parent with one income, owning a home might seem out of reach. A first-time home-buying grant can help you obtain a home at an affordable price. 

For home buyers in areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe storms, it can be beneficial to make certain upgrades that increase your home's safety and long-term value. One effective way is to upgrade to impact windows and doors, which provides enhanced protection during extreme weather, may lower insurance premiums, and can improve energy efficiency. This type of investment can help safeguard your new home while keeping your family safe.

Even if you don't qualify for a home buying grant, there are steps you can take to financially prepare for homeownership. Check out our post on how to buy a home as a single mom and learn how to find affordable movers.

You can also investigate the cost to calculate reverse mortgage and cheap land packages in Sydney.

We also put together a list of low-income home loans, with affordable mortgage options and education programs to help single moms who want to own a home.

Check mortgage rates now >>

And if you’re not ready to commit to homeownership, read our guide on how to get free housing or an apartment for single moms.

Check out these other resources for low-income single moms and other individuals: 

Help for single moms: 16+ resources	$500 monthly single mom grant
Free laptops	Scholarships for single moms
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Free wifi	Free daycare
Free gas	Single mom loans
Free preschool	10+ charities that help single mothers
Health insurance	Free food
Free gift cards	Free money for bills