Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program (DHAP)
Up to $50,000 in deferred-payment loans for income-eligible buyers purchasing primary residences inside the City of Dallas. Up to $60,000 available in designated High Opportunity Areas, subject to eligibility and funding availability.
Overview
Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program (DHAP) is a local program that provides up to $50k / $60k hoa in assistance for qualifying Texas buyers. Up to $50,000 in deferred-payment loans for income-eligible buyers purchasing primary residences inside the City of Dallas. Up to $60,000 available in designated High Opportunity Areas, subject to eligibility and funding availability.
How it works
- The program provides assistance toward your down payment, closing costs, or rate buydown - depending on the option you choose at application.
- Funds are reserved with your lender at the time you go under contract and disbursed at closing through the title company.
- Most assistance is structured as a grant (never repaid) or a forgivable second lien (forgiven after a 5-10 year owner-occupancy period).
Application process
- 1Take a HUD-approved homebuyer education courseRequired by nearly every Texas assistance program. Free or low-cost online. The certificate is good for two years.
- 2Get pre-qualified with a participating lenderNot every lender is approved for Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program (DHAP). Ask directly: "Are you an approved lender for Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program (DHAP)?" before submitting documents.
- 3Confirm income, price, and area limitsLimits are set by household size and county. Have recent pay stubs, W-2s, and tax returns ready so the lender can verify in writing.
- 4Submit a complete loan + program applicationYour lender packages the underlying mortgage application and the program reservation together. Funding is first-come, first-served.
- 5Lock your funds and proceed to closingOnce reserved, the assistance is held for a fixed window (typically 60-90 days). Coordinate the inspection, appraisal, and closing inside that window.
Eligibility at a glance
- ✓Texas buyer purchasing a primary residence
- ✓Household income within published program limits for your county and family size
- ✓Purchase price within program limits
- ✓Completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course
Frequently asked questions
Does Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program (DHAP) require me to be a first-time buyer?▾
Some programs are first-time-buyer only (no ownership in the prior 3 years); others serve repeat buyers within income limits. Confirm the rule with your approved lender before applying.
Can I combine this with other Texas programs?▾
In most cases, yes - one statewide program plus a local city/county program and an MCC tax credit is a common stack. State programs (TDHCA and TSAHC) usually cannot be combined with each other on the same loan.
Is this a grant I never repay, or a second loan?▾
It depends on the program and the option you choose. Many Texas programs offer a grant (never repaid) or a forgivable second lien (forgiven after 5-10 years of owner occupancy). Selling or moving early may trigger partial repayment.
How long does the application take?▾
From lender pre-qualification to closing, typical timelines are 30-60 days when documents are complete. Program reservation must stay active through closing.
Will using this program raise my interest rate?▾
Some assistance programs use a slightly higher base rate to fund the assistance. Compare the total cost with and without the program over your expected holding period before deciding.
Program administrator. Program details, income limits, and funding availability change. Always confirm current rules at the official program site before applying.
https://dallascityhall.com/departments/housing-neighborhood-revitalization/Pages/Dallas-Homebuyer-Assistance-Program-DHAP.aspx ↗