High rates and rising prices make the down payment the biggest hurdle for many buyers. Illinois and the City of Chicago both run programs that can help, but some have closed and others are swamped. Here is where each one stands as of November 6, 2026.

IHDA Mortgage programs (statewide)

The Illinois Housing Development Authority offers these through its network of more than 160 approved lenders. Sources: IHDA Mortgage and IHDA Lending Programs.

• Access Home: 6% of the purchase price, up to $15,000, for first time buyers. No monthly payment. It is repaid when the home is sold or refinanced.
• Access Forgivable: 4% of the purchase price, up to $6,000, forgiven over 10 years. First time and repeat buyers can use it.
• Access Deferred: 5% of the purchase price, up to $7,500, as an interest free loan repaid when the home is sold or refinanced.
• Access Repayable: 10% of the purchase price, up to $10,000, as an interest free loan repaid monthly over 10 years.
• Opening Doors: $9,000, forgiven over 5 years. First time and repeat buyers can use it. IHDA says this program opened in October 2026 and lists it as now open on IHDA Mortgage.

What every IHDA program asks for

• A credit score of 640 or higher.
• A buyer contribution of 1% of the price or $1,000, whichever is greater.
• Homebuyer education before closing.
• The home must be the buyer's primary residence.
• Household income and purchase price within the county limits, which IHDA updated for reservations dated July 1, 2026 and after. See the IHDA limits page.

IHDA notes that funding is not guaranteed until the lender places a reservation, so buyers should talk to an IHDA approved lender early.

City of Chicago HomeGrown Purchase Assistance

The City's HomeGrown program, launched in June 2026, offers a grant toward the down payment and closing costs. It is run through two administrators, NHS Chicago's lending affiliate and The Resurrection Project's TRP Lending. Sources: NHS Chicago and The Resurrection Project.

• Amount: up to $70,000 in Zone A neighborhoods and up to $50,000 in Zone B neighborhoods, based on household income.
• Cap: the grant cannot exceed 25% of the purchase price.
• Income: up to 120% of area median income in Zone A and up to 150% in Zone B.
• Buyer contribution: at least 1% of the purchase price.
• Other rules: HUD approved homebuyer education, the home must be the primary residence for 5 years, and current homeowners are not eligible.

Both administrators report a very high volume of applications. Funding is first come, first served, applications are reviewed in the order received, and applicants may be placed on a waitlist. Buyers should apply early and expect a wait.

Programs that are closed right now

• CHA Down Payment Assistance: closed. The Chicago Housing Authority says all funds for the year were used as of October 2, 2025. Source: CHA.
• NHS Chicago CHA, TIF Purchase Rehab and MMRP grants: NHS Chicago lists these as no longer accepting applications. Source: NHS Chicago.

How to use this with your buyers

Bring it up at the first buyer meeting, not after they fall in love with a home. Connect them with an IHDA approved lender who can check which programs fit. For city buyers, check the HomeGrown zone map on The Resurrection Project's page before you tour.

Program terms change. Confirm with the program or an approved lender before a buyer relies on them. Each program was checked on its own administrator's page on November 6, 2026.