The City of Chicago’s HomeGrown program and IHDA’s IHDAccess Home are the two largest down payment programs open to Chicago buyers in 2026. HomeGrown is a grant of $10,000 to $70,000 that you keep if you live in the home for five years. IHDAccess Home is a 0% second mortgage of up to $15,000 that you repay when you sell or refinance, or after 30 years.
Last reviewed October 6, 2026 ยท Chicago First Time Home Buyer editorial team
Side by side
| HomeGrown | IHDAccess Home | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | City of Chicago Department of Housing | Illinois Housing Development Authority |
| Where | City of Chicago only | Statewide |
| Amount | $10,000 to $70,000 | Up to $15,000 |
| Form | Grant | 0% interest second mortgage |
| Repayment | None if you live in the home 5 years | Due when you sell, refinance or after 30 years |
| Cap | 25% of the purchase price | Up to $15,000 |
| Ownership rule | Current homeowners cannot apply | First-time buyers only |
| Income limit | Up to 150% of area median income, by zone | Up to $137,885 in Cook County, by household size |
| Your own money | At least 1% of the price | Not stated in the announcement |
| Education | Homebuyer education certificate | Pre-purchase counseling |
| Eligible homes | Single-family, condo, townhome, two-unit | Not stated in the announcement |
| Apply through | TRP Lending or Neighborhood Lending Services | An IHDA-approved lender |
Which fits which buyer
HomeGrown pays more and does not have to be repaid, but it is limited to homes in the city, requires five years of occupancy and runs until its $21 million is used. IHDAccess Home pays less and must eventually be repaid, but it works anywhere in Illinois and comes with IHDA’s 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage.
Can you use both?
No. NHS Chicago, one of HomeGrown’s two administrators, says bond-funded programs cannot be layered with the grant. It names IHDA subsidy programs and the Mortgage Credit Certificate as examples. IHDAccess Home is an IHDA program funded partly with bond proceeds, so plan on choosing one or the other.
HomeGrown can still be layered with some other assistance, as long as its recapture agreement stays in second or third lien position. Its 25% cap is measured before any other assistance is applied. Confirm your combination with the HomeGrown administrator and your lender.
Sources
- The Resurrection Project and TRP Lending, HomeGrown program details
- Chicago Association of REALTORS, HomeGrown summary, June 3, 2026
- Office of the Governor and IHDA, IHDAccess Home announcement, March 11, 2026
- TRP Lending, HomeGrown Lender Requirements and Program FAQ
- NHS Chicago, HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program (layering rules)