The Ultimate Guide to Grants to Buy a House (2026 Edition) Buying a home is often the largest financial commitment you’ll ever make. With today’s market requiring an average income of roughly $130,000 to qualify for a $400,000 mortgage, the upfront costs of a down payment and closing fees can feel like an impossible barrier.

Provides between $2,500 and $5,000 (or more in specific areas) to cover closing costs or interest rate buydowns.

A popular nationwide program that provides down payment assistance for buyers with credit scores as low as 600.

States often have the most aggressive grant programs. For instance, the offers several robust options for 2026: How Much Income is Needed for a $400,000 Mortgage - SoFi