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Learn about government programs that make it easier to purchase a home.

Programs to Help You Pay for a Home

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a variety of federal programs that may be able to help you purchase a home if you qualify for assistance:

FHA Loans for First-Time Homebuyers

• The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), part of HUD, insures mortgages, making it easier for potential homeowners to afford loans. FHA also offers HUD homes for sale. Learn more about FHA Loans.

Homeownership Vouchers

• The program provides public housing residents and other low-income families that are first-time homebuyers with subsidies to use toward buying a home. For additional information about this program, contact your local Public Housing Agency (PHA).

Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program

• The program also known as Section 184 is a home mortgage specifically designed for American Indian and Alaska Native families, Alaska Villages, Tribes, or Tribally Designated Housing Entities.

Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans

• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers home loan programs designed to help veterans and active duty servicemembers.
• Learn about the Native American Veterans Home Loan program.

Programs for Rural Residents

• Local Rural Development (RD) offices can provide information on single family housing programs for rural residents.

State Programs

• Contact your state housing finance agency or state HUD office for information about special programs administered by your state and properties available in your area.

In addition to all the programs, HUD funds approved housing counseling agencies throughout the country that can provide advice on many housing-related topics, including buying a home. Use this map to find one in your state.

Foreclosure Properties 

If you are interested in a foreclosure-related property, reach out to a licensed real estate agent who will be able to advise you on when the property may be available for purchase.

FHA Loans and HUD Homes

If you’re a homebuyer, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has two programs that may help make the process more affordable.

FHA Loans

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) manages the FHA loans program. This may be a good mortgage choice if you’re a first-time buyer because the requirements are not as strict compared to other loans.

Am I eligible?

Determine your down payment, closing costs and credit score before applying:

• Cash down payment can be as low as 3.5% of the purchase price.
• Your credit score doesn't need to be high.
• Closing costs may be partly covered or lower than other loans.

How Do I Apply?

The FHA doesn't lend money directly to people. It insures mortgage loans from FHA-approved lenders against default. To apply for an FHA-insured loan, you will need to use an FHA-approved lender.

• Search for an FHA-approved lender.
• Find FHA loan products for manufactured (mobile) homes.
• Learn more about FHA loans.

How do I complain?

If you have a complaint about an FHA loan program, contact the FHA Resource Center.

HUD Homes

When homeowners default on their FHA-insured mortgage, HUD takes ownership of the property because HUD oversees the FHA loan program. These properties are called either HUD homes or HUD real estate owned (REO) property.

Am I eligible?

Your qualifications to buy a HUD home depend on your credit score, ability to get a mortgage, and the amount of your cash down payment. You can also use an FHA-insured mortgage to buy a HUD home. Learn more about buying a HUD home.

How do I apply?

Use the HUDHomestore to find listings of HUD real estate owned (REO) properties for sale. Click on the agent tab to find contact information to learn more about the property.

Where do I call for extra help?

If you have a question or need more information about FHA loans or HUD homes, you can email or call the FHA Resource Center or check their list of frequently asked questions.

Homeowner Voucher Program

If your family is low-income or in public housing and you want to buy a home, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Homeownership Voucher Program may help you meet your monthly mortgage payments and other home expenses.

Am I eligible?

Eligibility is based on the requirements set by HUD and your local public housing agency or authority (PHA).

• Must be a first-time buyer as defined by HUD
• Must meet a minimum income requirement set by the local PHAs
• Must have at least one adult working full-time and for at least one year
• Must complete homeownership and housing counseling program

How Do I Apply?

Contact your local PHA. If it does not administer a homeownership program, you can contact HUD’s PIH Customer Service Center.

How Do I Complain?

• If a lender is discriminating against you, submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
• You can also file a housing discrimination complaint with HUD. 
• Learn more about housing-related discrimination and how to complain about it. 

Is There Anything Else I Need to Know?

• If you sell the home, you will not be able to use the program for your next purchase because this is a program for first-time buyers.
• You are not required to work with specific real estate agents for your home search or to work with any specific lender when getting a home loan.

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