Illinois • First-Time Homeowner programs
First-Time Homeowner grants in Illinois
Browse first-time homeowner grants available in Illinois, including statewide and local programs.
8 active programs in Illinois
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Federal Housing AuthorityILFirst-Time HomeownerState-supported down payment grant program, described by FHA.com, that provides a forgivable or non-repayable grant when paired with an eligible first mortgage for first-time buyers in Illinois.
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
A standout grant program offering up to $10,000 to first-time homebuyers in Illinois toward down payment and closing costs, lowering upfront purchase barriers and supporting homeownership among eligible households.
Eligible for: First-time homebuyers in Illinois (typically no ownership last 3 years), meet income & purchase price limits, purchasing eligible home in IL…
Cook County Bureau of Economic DevelopmentILFirst-Time HomeownerCounty-run forgivable second-mortgage program that provides down payment, closing cost, and mortgage rate buydown assistance to income-eligible homebuyers purchasing 1–2 unit properties in Cook County.
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Offers substantial down payment or closing cost support to homebuyers in Cook County to help bridge upfront purchase cost barriers.
Eligible for: Eligible homebuyers for 1-2 unit property in Cook County, credit score ≥ 620, DTI ≤ 50%, income ≤ 120% AMI unless purchasing in a Targeted A…
City of Chicago Dept. of HousingILFirst-Time HomeownerCity of Chicago purchase-price assistance program that provides a large subsidy applied directly to the purchase price of newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated homes in targeted neighborhoods for income-eligible first-time buyers.
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Significant purchase-price assistance targeted at first-time buyers in Chicago to lower barriers in expensive markets and promote new construction/infills.
Eligible for: First-time homebuyers, income-eligible, purchasing newly constructed or rehabbed home in city limits, complete required trainings.
Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) ChicagoILFirst-Time HomeownerNonprofit-administered purchase assistance grant program that layers forgivable down payment and closing cost support on top of a first mortgage for buyers in designated Chicago neighborhoods, especially Micro Market Recovery Program (MMRP) areas.
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Targeted grant assistance for down payment/closing costs for homebuyers in specific Chicago neighborhoods, intended to support neighborhood revitalization and reduce purchase cost barriers.
Eligible for: First-time homebuyers or eligible households buying in certain Chicago “MMRP” areas, income limits up to 120% AMI, complete homebuyer educat…
Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)ILFirst-Time HomeownerState housing finance agency mortgage platform that offers 30-year fixed-rate IHDA mortgages bundled with several tiers of down payment and closing cost assistance, structured as forgivable, deferred, or repayable second loans.
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Comprehensive homebuyer support program offering low-interest 30-year fixed mortgages paired with down-payment/closing-cost assistance of up to $10,000 via forgivable, deferred, or repayable structures—making homeownership more accessible in Illinois.
Eligible for: Rolling / funds available
Town of Normal Housing & Community DevelopmentILFirst-Time HomeownerLocal down payment assistance program that offers a modest zero-interest, forgivable second loan to help income-eligible buyers cover down payment and closing costs on owner-occupied homes in the Town of Normal.
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Local program aimed at increasing homeownership by helping qualified homebuyers with upfront costs in the Town of Normal through modest assistance and favorable loan terms.
Eligible for: Income at or below 80% AMI, home must be owner-occupied single-family within the Town of Normal, minimum contribution $1,000 remains in bank…
Homebuyer Assistance Programs
ResourceCity of Chicago Dept. of HousingILFirst-Time HomeownerCity of Chicago Department of Housing umbrella of homebuyer assistance programs that combine purchase price subsidies, down payment and closing cost help, and required homebuyer education for income-eligible buyers purchasing within city limits.
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
A suite of homebuyer assistance programs offered by Chicago that include down payment/closing cost support, purchase price subsidies and homebuyer education.
Eligible for: First-time homebuyers in Chicago, income/credit eligibility, purchase within city limits, complete homebuyer education.
City of Joliet Neighborhood Services DivisionILFirst-Time HomeownerCity-administered zero-interest, deferred-payment second mortgage that provides a percentage of the home purchase price to help eligible buyers cover down payment and closing costs on homes within Joliet city limits.
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Local down payment assistance for eligible buyers in Joliet to reduce upfront cost barriers via city-administered program.
Eligible for: Low- to moderate-income homebuyers purchasing single-family, townhouse or condo in Joliet city limits, with minimum own fund contribution.