Get up to $30,000 in down payment assistance through San Antonio’s HIP 80 & HIP 120 programs. Designed for first-time homebuyers ready to take the next step.
Verify Your San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Eligibility
San Antonio’s Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP) helps first-time homebuyers with down payment and closing costs.
The HIP 80 program offers up to $30,000 in assistance for lower-income buyers and is 100% forgivable after 10 years.
HIP 120 provides up to $15,000 for moderate-income buyers, with 75% forgivable over 10 years.
Both programs require completing a HUD-approved homebuyer education class and purchasing a home within San Antonio city limits.
Qualified buyers must pre-qualify for a first mortgage and meet income and home price limits.
Buying your first home is easier when you have the right support—HIP 80 and HIP 120 offer real financial advantages.
Get up to $30,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
No monthly payments — 0% interest, forgivable loans.
Designed for first-time homebuyers living and buying in San Antonio.
Works with FHA, VA, and Conventional mortgages.
Includes free homebuyer education to prepare you for ownership.
Helps you buy sooner by reducing the cash you need up front.
Both programs offer powerful support—but your income, home price, and needs will determine which one is right for you.
| Feature | HIP 80 | HIP 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Assistance Amount | Up to $30,000 | Up to $15,000 |
| Forgiveness Terms | 100% forgiven after 10 years | 75% forgiven after 10 years; 25% repaid if sold/refinanced |
| Target Income Range | Lower-income households | Moderate-income households |
| Income Limits (1-person) | $54,150 | $81,150 |
| Home Price Limit (Existing) | $263,000 | $305,200 |
| Home Price Limit (New Build) | $278,000 | $325,800 |
| Use With Mortgage Types | FHA, VA, Conventional | FHA, VA, Conventional |
| Minimum Earnest Deposit | $500 | $500 |
| Education Class Required | Yes (HUD-approved 8-hour course) | Yes (HUD-approved 8-hour course) |
To use San Antonio’s HIP programs, you’ll need to meet a few basic eligibility requirements.
Be a first-time homebuyer purchasing a primary residence.
Pre-qualify for a first lien mortgage (Conventional, FHA, or VA).
Complete a HUD-approved 8-hour homebuyer education class.
Buy a home within San Antonio city limits that passes a HIP inspection.
Meet income and home price limits based on household size and program.
Provide a minimum $500 earnest money deposit in your purchase contract.
Meeting these requirements puts you one step closer to owning your first home in San Antonio.
Each Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP) is designed to support different income levels.
HIP 80 assists lower-income households with greater financial need and offers up to $30,000 in forgivable assistance.
HIP 120 is for moderate-income families who still need help purchasing their first home but don’t qualify for HIP 80.
To qualify, your total household income must fall within the limits shown below:
| Household Size | HIP 80 Income Limit | HIP 120 Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $54,150 | $81,150 |
| 2 persons | $61,850 | $92,750 |
| 3 persons | $69,600 | $104,350 |
| 4 persons | $77,300 | $115,900 |
| 5 persons | $83,500 | $125,200 |
| 6 persons | $89,700 | $134,450 |
If your income fits within either column based on household size, you're on track to qualify for powerful down payment assistance.
Follow these five simple steps to get started with San Antonio’s HIP 80 or HIP 120 program:
Check if you qualify online today to begin the down payment assistance process.
Work with a lender to qualify for a first lien mortgage like FHA, VA, or Conventional.
Complete a required 8-hour class from a HUD-approved provider.
The property you’re buying must be located within San Antonio’s city boundaries.
Submit at least $500 in earnest money, and your lender will coordinate with NHSD to complete the HIP loan.
These lesser-known details about the HIP 80 & HIP 120 programs can help you avoid delays and make smarter decisions.
Yes, gifts are allowed as long as they’re documented and don’t eliminate your need for assistance.
There may be flexibility depending on household size, exclusions, or how income is calculated—ask your lender to review closely.
No, the $500 earnest money must come from your own funds before assistance is applied.
You’ll need to negotiate repairs or find another property that meets the program’s minimum condition standards.
No, refinancing without taking cash out typically does not reset the forgiveness clock.
Yes, and doing so—by completing the education class and pre-approval—can make your offer more competitive.
No, the city handles the HIP-specific inspection at no cost to the buyer.
Homes in poor condition, flips, mobile homes, and investment properties generally do not qualify.
Yes, HIP funds can often be layered with other local or state assistance, depending on program compatibility.
Only if you’re prepared to repay some or all of the assistance based on how long you’ve owned the home.
Buying your first home is a big step — and you deserve support that’s grounded in real experience and a deep commitment to San Antonio families.
Thousands of local buyers empowered through HIP 80 & HIP 120 assistance.
Years of proven success helping residents achieve affordable homeownership.
In-depth knowledge of San Antonio neighborhoods, housing needs, and buyer challenges.
Friendly, one-on-one guidance from eligibility to closing day.
Reliable, city-backed support that helps turn homeownership into lasting financial security.
