Down payment assistance in Connecticut
Connecticut's primary statewide down payment assistance program, run by Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA). Numbers and eligibility reflect the program's published 2025 guidelines.
Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP)
Second mortgage- Maximum assistance
- Up to $25,000 as a low-rate second mortgage
- Income limit
- Up to $128,425 (statewide; varies by family size)
- Home price limit
- Up to $546,902
- First-time buyer
- Required
- Eligible loan types
- FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
- •Second-lien rate is currently 1.75% above the first-mortgage rate.
- •Minimum borrower contribution: $1,000 of own funds.
How Connecticut DPA fits into your purchase
Down payment assistance reduces the cash you need at the closing table. Connecticut's Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) pairs with the standard FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgage from a participating lender; the DPA flows through the same closing.
Two things to budget for: most state DPA requires a homebuyer-education course (typically online, 6-8 hours, ~$75) and you usually have to use a lender on the agency's approved list. The agency keeps the list public on its website.
Common questions
Connecticut's primary statewide DPA is Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) from Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA). Up to $25,000 as a low-rate second mortgage. Many Connecticut cities and counties also run additional DPA layered on top.
Yes. The Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) requires that you have not owned a primary residence in the past 3 years. Veterans and target-area buyers are sometimes exempt.
Yes. Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) works with these loan types: FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional. The DPA is layered behind your first mortgage as a separate lien (or grant), and both close together.
Yes. A second-mortgage DPA has a monthly payment, and that payment is included in your debt-to-income ratio when the lender qualifies you.
Deferred and second-mortgage DPAs are generally repaid in full when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.