Key facts
- 2,833 homeownership programs were tracked nationwide in Q3 2026.
- 2,110 programs offered down payment and closing cost assistance.
- Grant programs increased to 239.
- Programs without income restrictions rose to 311.
- 38% of programs did not require borrowers to be first-time homebuyers.
The number of homeownership programs offering down payment and closing cost assistance reached a new high in the third quarter of 2026, according to Down Payment Resource (DPR). The company tracked 2,833 programs nationwide, a 3.2% increase from the previous quarter. Of these, 2,110 provided down payment and closing cost assistance, up from 2,046 in the second quarter. Grant programs, which do not require repayment, increased to 239, and programs without income restrictions rose to 311. As of October 1, 38% of the programs did not have a first-time homebuyer requirement. The assistance can cover down payments, closing costs, and mortgage rate buydowns, potentially lowering mortgage insurance costs and improving debt-to-income ratios.