Top Homebuyer Assistance Programs in San Antonio for 2025

Buying a home in San Antonio is a dream for many families, but with rising prices, saving for a down payment and covering closing costs can feel overwhelming. The good news is that several homebuyer assistance programs in San Antonio are available in 2025 to help make homeownership more affordable.

At New Horizons Lending, we guide buyers every day through these options so they can step into a new home with confidence and financial peace of mind.

Good Neighbor Next Door Program

One of the most generous options available in San Antonio is the Good Neighbor Next DoorProgram, offered through HUD. This program was created to support local heroes, teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs, by allowing them to purchase select HUD homes at 50% off the listed price. The catch is that participants must agree to live in the property as their primary residence for three years.

Because the inventory is limited, this program can be competitive, but for those who qualify, the savings are substantial. At New Horizons Lending, we help eligible clients identify available homes and guide them through the bidding process so they don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity.

San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP 80)

Closer to home, the City of San Antonio offers the Homeownership Incentive Program, also known as HIP 80. This local initiative is designed for households earning up to 80% of the area’s median income and provides significant down payment assistance in San Antonio, sometimes as much as $30,000 depending on funding availability.

Buyers must complete a homebuyer education course and use the home as their primary residence. For many families, HIP 80 bridges the gap between renting and owning, making it possible to purchase a home sooner than they thought possible.

San Antonio First-Time Homebuyer Program

In addition to HIP 80, the city also operates a First-Time Homebuyer Program that focuses on covering down payment and closing costs for those who qualify. These funds ease the upfront financial burden and can mean the difference between waiting another year to save or buying a home today.

Because requirements vary, it’s important to speak with a lender who understands the details and can help determine eligibility. That’s where we come in. Our team at New Horizons Lending works one-on-one with buyers to ensure they maximize the benefits available to them.

TSAHC: Homes for Texas Heroes and Home Sweet Texas

On the state level, the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) runs two popular programs that are widely used by San Antonio buyers. The Homes for Texas Heroes Program is geared toward teachers, police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and veterans, while the Home Sweet Texas Program is open to all qualifying first-time buyers.

Both offer fixed-rate mortgage loans paired with down payment assistance grants, making them especially valuable for those who may have stable income but struggle to save for a down payment. These programs are flexible, and we regularly help our clients combine TSAHC assistance with other incentives for even greater savings.

My First Texas Home Program

Another statewide option is the My First Texas Home Program, run by the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA). This program provides 30-year fixed-rate mortgage loans with the option for down payment and closing cost assistance. Eligibility is based on income limits and home price caps, but for many first-time homebuyers in San Antonio, it offers a straightforward path to homeownership with less out-of-pocket cost.

VA and USDA Loan Options

Beyond city and state programs, certain federal loans also benefit San Antonio buyers. VA loans are available to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses, offering zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates.

USDA loans apply to homes in designated rural areas, including many just outside the San Antonio city limits. These loans also come with zero down payment requirements, making them a powerful tool for buyers open to communities just beyond the urban core.

Choosing the Right Program