WANT TO BUY A HOME AND NEED HELP WITH THE DOWN PAYMENT?
GET UP TO $30,000 IN DOWN PAYMENT MONEY. BUY A HOME IN TENNESSEE WITH LITTLE OR NO MONEY DOWN THROUGH FEDERAL, STATE, OR MUNICIPAL DOWN PAYMENT PROGRAMS FOR TN HOMES.
Welcome To DownpaymentTN.org
You Can Get A Home
Tennessee home buyers can get down payment assistance to cover down payment and / or closing costs. Let us show you how.
How Much Can You Get?
There are millions of dollars available to cover down payment and closing costs and help home buyers in Tennessee get approved.
Where’s The Money?
Federal, State, and Local Housing Assistance Programs, Non Profits, Lenders, Community Action Programs, and various other institutions serving Tennessee home buyers.
Down Payment Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Down Payment Programs Are Available In Tennessee?
The number of down payment programs can fluctuate because there are federal, state, county, municipal, and private down payment grant programs available. Some down payment programs have budget limits, some have expiration dates. New programs get introduced on a regular basis. We match you with the down payment programs you qualify for and best meet your financial need.
What are some of the DPA programs available to TN home buyers?
Statewide Programs
THDA Great Choice Plus (via Tennessee Housing Development Agency)
Amortizing Option: Up to 5% of the purchase price (maximum $15,000), structured as a 30‑year second mortgage.
Deferred Option: $6,000 interest-free loan that is forgivable after 30 years or becomes due upon refinance or sale.
THDA Homeownership for Heroes
Reduced-rate mortgage (typically 0.5% lower) and down payment assistance for veterans, active-duty military, police, EMTs, and firefighters.
The Housing Fund (Community Development Financial Institution)
Loans up to $35,000 for down payment, closing costs, and prepaids. Fixed interest, repayable over 10 to 15 years. Available statewide through approved lenders.
Tennessee Downpayment Partnership
Forgivable loan assistance for first-time homebuyers. The loan is due only if the home is sold or refinanced within a certain time frame.
County & City-Level Programs
Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise (Hamilton & surrounding counties)
Second mortgage up to $25,000 with a 15-year repayment term. Available in Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie counties.
Memphis Down Payment Assistance (City of Memphis)
Up to $25,000 or 10% of the purchase price as a forgivable, deferred loan. Available citywide and includes specialized programs for educators, first responders, and public housing residents.
Clarksville First-Time Homebuyer Program
Up to $25,000 in assistance for eligible buyers within Clarksville city limits. Funds can be used for down payment and closing costs.
Clarksville FHA-Backed Assistance
Local grant and loan programs available to help with down payment and closing costs for first-time buyers using FHA loans.
Additional Options
USDA Rural Development Loans
Offer 100% financing with no down payment for eligible rural and suburban areas in Tennessee. Income and property location restrictions apply.
A down payment TN specialist can discuss all down payment assistance programs that best meet individual home buyer needs.
How Do You Qualify For Down Payment Grants?
Each program and participating lender may have different credit score requirements, income levels, etc. It’s best to review all factors in qualifying for down payment money. Give us a call now or complete the secure online form to see how much down payment money you can get. This is where one of our down payment specialists can assist you.
Can You Qualify For Down Payment Grants With Poor Credit?
Yes, We can work with many buyers who have credit scores as low as 600. There are many programs available to review or help you clean up bumps or bruises on your credit.
What Type of Mortgages Qualify For Down Payment Assistance?
Many types including FHA, VA Loans, USDA, UHC and most Conventional loans. Call now or complete the secure form to see how much down payment assistance you can get.