Connecticut First-Time Buyer Programs

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) Programs:

CHFA offers 30-year fixed-rate homebuyer mortgages (government-insured or conventional) with below-market pricing and multiple down payment assistance options. Verify current rates, sales price and income limits, and targeted areas at the CHFA homebuyer pages: CHFA Homebuyers and the CHFA Resource Map. Check the live Time To Own page and dashboard for available funds and reservations: CHFA Time To Own (as of May 26, 2026: $22,790,479 available for reservations).

CHFA Homebuyer Mortgage Programs (Government-Insured & Conventional):

Eligibility: First-time buyers (no primary residence in past 3 years; waiver available in targeted areas) and other low-to-moderate income borrowers who meet CHFA rules.
Offerings: 30-year fixed mortgages (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional) with CHFA pricing and program-specific benefits.
Requirements:

• Income must be at or below area-specific CHFA limits (higher in targeted areas—see the CHFA sales & income limits and CHFA Resource Map).
• Minimum credit score: CHFA guidance commonly requires a mid-credit score of 620 for many borrowers, though lender and loan-type rules can vary; see CHFA FAQs. CHFA FAQs.
• Debt-to-income (DTI): varies by product—underwriting limits change by loan type and insurer; CHFA lending guides and participating lenders can confirm exact limits for FHA, USDA, VA, or CHFA-conventional products.
• Mandatory homebuyer education is required for most CHFA programs (free via CHFA-approved counselors).

Time To Own - Forgivable Down Payment Assistance:

Benefits: 0% forgivable second loan to cover down payment and closing costs; no monthly payment required. Financing covers up to 20% of the down payment plus up to 5% for closing costs. Standard maximum loan amounts are up to $25,000 for most properties; properties in State-designated High or Very High Opportunity Areas are eligible for up to $50,000 (income overlays apply). Ten percent (10%) of principal is typically forgiven each year on a 10-year schedule for the standard offering—see CHFA for the exact forgiveness schedule and area rules: Time To Own (CHFA) and the TTO Dashboard.

Eligibility: Must be used with a CHFA first mortgage; applicants generally must meet residency, income, and underwriting rules. The minimum Time To Own loan is $3,000. Apply through a CHFA participating lender and confirm whether the property falls in a High/Very High Opportunity Area (that determines the $25k vs $50k cap). See CHFA Time To Own for current AMI limits and reservation steps.

Downpayment Assistance Program (DAP):

Description: CHFA DAP is a low-interest second mortgage for down payment and/or closing costs—public CHFA guidance shows home purchase assistance up to $15,000. DAP loan size is generally set at 4.0% of the sales price or appraised value (whichever is less), with a minimum of $3,000. The DAP interest rate is typically the first-mortgage rate in effect or a CHFA floor (public page notes a 5.00% floor) — verify current terms on the CHFA DAP page: CHFA DAP.

Local Programs (Examples):

Many Connecticut cities run local down payment or closing-cost programs that can stack with CHFA assistance. Funding levels change with HOME/CDBG allocations—confirm availability with the city program before making an offer.

Hartford

HouseHartford Homebuyer Assistance: City-administered forgivable down payment assistance for low/moderate-income buyers buying 1–4 family homes or condos in Hartford. Program materials show assistance up to 20% of the purchase price (commonly capped at $40,000); contact participating lenders or the City of Hartford Housing Division for current limits: HouseHartford (City of Hartford).

Bridgeport

First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance: Administered with Building Neighborhoods Together (BNT). Program details, income limits, and application steps are on the City of Bridgeport site; contact BNT for current dollar caps and application windows: Bridgeport DPA (City of Bridgeport) and Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust (BNT).

New Haven

New Haven Down Payment/Closing Cost Assistance: City forgivable 0% loans for first-time buyers. City documents show forgiveness at 20% per year over five years and assistance commonly up to $20,000 (or up to 20% of purchase price, whichever is less); see the New Haven program document for current caps and eligibility: New Haven DPA (City of New Haven).

Additional Information:

• Special Discounts: CHFA offers small interest-rate discounts for qualifying groups (teachers, military/police, disabled buyers, public housing residents) under specific program rules—see CHFA rate pages and program brochures.
• USDA Loans: USDA Rural Development guaranteed and direct loans can offer 0% down in eligible rural areas; check USDA eligibility maps and income limits: USDA Rural Development.
• VA Loans: Eligible veterans and active-duty service members can often purchase with no down payment through VA-backed loans (subject to lender and entitlement rules): VA Home Loans.
• FHA Loans: FHA-insured loans commonly allow a minimum 3.5% down payment for borrowers with credit scores of ~580 or higher; FHA loan limits, mortgage insurance, and credit rules apply—see HUD/FHA resources: HUD FHA Resource Center.

CHFA programs are frequently updated. Always confirm current interest rates, income/sales limits, targeted-area maps, and Time To Own funding with CHFA and a CHFA participating lender: CHFA.

Seeking Agents® connects you with Connecticut agents experienced in these programs who compete to offer reduced commissions or added services—free for buyers/sellers.