Iowa Home Buyer Grants & Assistance

Free grant for first-time Iowa homebuyers to help with down payment and closing costs. Does not need to be repaid. Can be combined with IFA's competitive mortgage rates.

0% interest second mortgage for down payment and closing costs. No monthly payments required. Only repay when you sell, refinance, or pay off first mortgage. Available through FirstHome or Homes for Iowans.

Free $5,000 grant for eligible service members and veterans. Can be COMBINED with FirstHome grant ($2,500) and 2nd Loan (5%) for up to $22,500+ in total assistance!

Up to $15,000 grant for down payment and closing costs. Fully forgiven after 5 years of ownership. Must work with a participating lender. Funds replenish annually.

Substantial $30,000 deferred loan at 0% interest for qualifying Polk County homebuyers. No monthly payments. Only repay on sale or refinance. Administered by NFC.

$10,500 deferred loan at 0% interest for homes in NFC lending areas (Des Moines, West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, Urbandale). 30-year term with no monthly payments.

Affirmative asset initiative focused on overcoming historical barriers to homeownership. $15,000 available in Core Neighborhoods, $10,500 in broader NFC lending areas.

Grants and deferred loans for purchasing homes in Historic West Des Moines. $2,500 base grant + extra $2,500 for military/veterans/first responders. Additional $5,000 loan available.

$5,000 grants for qualified first-time homebuyers in Story County (Ames area). Funds are limited and available first-come, first-ready-to-process.

Zero down payment mortgage for homes in USDA-eligible rural and suburban areas. 97% of Iowa land is eligible! Lower mortgage insurance than FHA. Many Des Moines suburbs like Grimes, Altoona, and Norwalk qualify.

Zero down payment mortgage for veterans, active military, and eligible spouses. No private mortgage insurance (PMI). Competitive interest rates. Can be combined with Iowa's Military Homeownership Grant!

Government-insured mortgage with low down payment and flexible credit requirements. Great for first-time buyers with limited savings. Can use gift funds and combine with DPA programs.

Annual property tax credit for all Iowa homeowners. Reduces your taxable value by $4,850. File once - stays active as long as you own and occupy the home.

Additional property tax exemption for homeowners age 65 and older. Stacks with the regular homestead credit for total of $11,350 in exemptions. No income limit to qualify!

100% property tax exemption for veterans with permanent 100% service-connected disability. Also available to surviving spouses receiving DIC payments.

Property tax exemption for veterans who served during a war or conflict period. Available to most veterans regardless of disability status.

Income-based property tax credit for seniors 65+ or totally disabled homeowners. Must have household income under $26,895 to qualify. Annual application required.