Most first-time homebuyers in San Antonio don't realize how much free assistance is available to them. Down payment grants, closing cost help, and below-market interest rates are all on the table — if you know where to look.

Here's a breakdown of the top programs available to San Antonio buyers in 2026.

My First Texas Home

This is one of the most popular programs in Texas. Offered through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), it provides:

A 30-year fixed rate mortgage at a below-market interest rate
Down payment and closing cost assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount
Available for FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans

Income and purchase price limits apply, but they're generous enough that many San Antonio buyers qualify.

Texas Homebuyer Program (My Choice Texas Home)

Similar to the program above but not limited to first-time buyers — though first-timers can use it too. It offers the same down payment assistance structure and can be layered with other programs in some cases.

San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP)

The City of San Antonio offers its own local assistance through the Homeownership Incentive Program. This provides forgivable loans for down payment and closing costs to income-qualifying buyers purchasing within San Antonio city limits.

Forgivable means if you stay in the home for the required period, you never have to pay it back.

Veteran-Specific Down Payment Assistance

If you're a veteran using a VA loan, you already have $0 down as an option — but you can also stack certain DPA programs on top to cover closing costs, making it truly a zero out-of-pocket purchase in many cases.

How to Actually Access These Programs

Here's the catch — these programs aren't automatic. You need a lender who is approved to originate them and knows how to structure the loan correctly to maximize your benefit.

Not every lender offers these programs, and some buyers miss out simply because their lender didn't bring it up.

I work with these programs regularly and can tell you quickly whether you qualify and how much assistance you could receive.

Book a free call and let's find out what's available for your situation. Or if you're ready, start your pre-approval here.

Trey Garza | NMLS# 2700813 | Efinity Mortgage | San Antonio, TX