First-time buyers in Chicago can use city and state down payment assistance in 2026. The largest programs are the City of Chicago’s HomeGrown grant of up to $70,000 and the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s IHDAccess Home assistance of up to $15,000.
Last reviewed October 6, 2026 · Chicago First Time Home Buyer editorial team
Programs at a glance
| Program | Run by | Maximum | Form | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HomeGrown Purchase Assistance | City of Chicago Department of Housing | $70,000 | Grant; live in the home 5 years | Open, first come first served |
| IHDAccess Home | Illinois Housing Development Authority | $15,000 | 0% second mortgage, repayment deferred up to 30 years | Open |
| Other IHDAccess options (Forgivable, Deferred, Repayable) | Illinois Housing Development Authority | Varies by option | Second mortgage | See ihdamortgage.org |
| Mortgage Credit Certificate | Illinois Housing Development Authority | Annual federal tax credit | Tax credit | See ihdamortgage.org |
| CHA Down Payment Assistance | Chicago Housing Authority | $20,000 for CHA residents; $10,000 for others | Grant | Closed; funds ran out October 2, 2025 |
Amounts are program maximums. What you receive depends on household income, purchase price, property location and remaining funding.
What most programs require
- A homebuyer education course or counseling certificate before closing.
- A fixed-rate mortgage from an eligible lender. IHDA programs work through participating lenders; HomeGrown accepts any lender licensed in Illinois.
- Household income under the program’s limit for your household size.
- Living in the home as your primary residence.
Common questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Chicago?
Program maximums in 2026 range from $10,000 to $70,000. The City’s HomeGrown grant is the largest, paying $10,000 to $70,000 depending on income and the property’s zone.
Can I combine city and state programs?
Not HomeGrown with IHDA’s programs. NHS Chicago, a HomeGrown administrator, says bond-funded programs such as IHDA subsidy programs and the Mortgage Credit Certificate cannot be layered with the grant. HomeGrown can be layered with some other assistance, so confirm any combination with the administrator and your lender.