Most "free" funds are structured as true grants (no repayment) or forgivable loans (repayment waived after living in the home for a set period).
Your household income must usually be below 80% or 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI). how to get a free grant to buy a house
Many grants require you to complete a HUD-approved education course. 3. How to Find and Apply Grants for First-Time Home Buyers | 2026 Guide Most "free" funds are structured as true grants
: Offers a Homebuyer Grant of up to $5,000 in eligible communities. For example, the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation
These are the most common sources. For example, the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation offers grants up to 5% of the loan amount, while New York's HomeFirst program can provide up to $100,000 for buyers in NYC.
Most programs require a minimum score, often starting around 620.