You can usually count as a first-time home buyer in Chicago even if you have owned a home before. Most assistance programs follow the federal approach: you qualify if you have not had an ownership interest in your primary residence during a set look-back period, usually the past three years. Each program sets its own exact rule, so check the one you plan to use.
Last reviewed September 28, 2026 · Chicago First Time Home Buyer editorial team
The federal definition
Section 956 of the National Affordable Housing Act defines a first-time homebuyer as someone who has never owned a principal residence, or has not owned one during a specified period. The same section says displaced homemakers and single parents cannot be ruled out just because they owned a home while married or while working as a homemaker.
How Chicago’s main programs apply it
| Program | Ownership rule |
|---|---|
| City of Chicago HomeGrown | Current homeowners cannot apply. No separate first-time buyer test is described. |
| IHDA IHDAccess Home | First-time home buyers only. |
Situations that often still qualify
- You owned a home more than three years ago and have rented since, under programs that use a three-year look-back.
- You owned a home only with a former spouse and are now a single parent or displaced homemaker.
Common questions
If I owned a condo five years ago, am I a first-time buyer?
Under a three-year look-back, yes. Confirm the look-back period with the specific program before you apply.
Can I get HomeGrown if I already own a home?
No. The City’s HomeGrown program does not accept applications from current homeowners.
Next, compare the down payment assistance programs in Chicago and read the 7 steps to buying a home in Chicago.