Let’s be honest—buying a home in Frisco is an investment. We all know the market here is high-demand, and with that comes a price tag that can feel daunting, especially if you’re trying to break into the market for the first time. But there is a huge misconception floating around that I want to clear up right away: financial assistance isn’t just for low-income buyers.
In 2026, the landscape of down payment assistance has evolved. There are programs designed specifically to help moderate-income households, veterans, and local professionals bridge the affordability gap. You might be surprised to find that a household earning a solid middle-class income can still qualify for significant aid.
When we look for help buying a home in Frisco, we usually look at three layers: City-specific programs, County resources, and Statewide initiatives. While the City of Frisco has very specific targeted options, the Statewide programs are often where the magic happens for the general public. Let’s break down the numbers and see what might work for you.
City of Frisco Specific Homebuyer Assistance
First, let’s look at what is available directly from the city. I often hear people ask if there is a general grant for anyone moving to Frisco. The short answer is generally no—unless you work for the City or the School District.
The City of Frisco & Frisco ISD Employee Down Payment Assistance Program is the main local tool. If you are a full-time employee of either the City or Frisco ISD and have been on the job for at least six months, you should absolutely look into this. It offers a $10,000 forgivable loan to help cover your down payment and closing costs.
The “forgivable” part is key here. It essentially acts as a 0% interest loan that is forgiven over five years, provided you stay in the home and keep your job with the City or District. To qualify, you generally need to be a first-time homebuyer (or haven’t owned in three years).
The financial limits for 2026 are generous enough to cover many staff members. The maximum household income limit is currently hovering around $146,158, and the maximum sales price for a home is approximately $563,500. You will also need to complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education class, which is standard for almost all assistance programs.
Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC)
If you don’t work for the City or ISD, don’t worry. The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) is likely your best bet, and it’s arguably the most popular option for buyers in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
TSAHC operates two main programs that are fantastic for Frisco buyers:
- Home Sweet Texas: Designed for low-to-moderate income homebuyers.
- Homes for Texas Heroes: Specifically for teachers, police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, corrections officers, and veterans. This version often comes with slightly higher income limits or more favorable terms.
The assistance usually comes in two flavors: a grant (which is essentially free money you don’t pay back) or a forgivable second lien loan. The amount is typically calculated as 2% to 5% of your total loan amount.
Beyond just the down payment, you should ask your lender about the Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC). This is a special tax credit that can save you up to $2,000 every year on your federal income taxes for as long as you live in the home and pay on the mortgage. It’s a powerful long-term savings tool.
Qualifying isn’t as hard as you might think. You generally need a credit score of at least 620. As for income, in the Dallas metro area, limits for 2026 are sitting around $117,300 to $134,895, depending on your household size.
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
Another major player is the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). They offer similar benefits to TSAHC but with slightly different rules, which can be helpful if you don’t fit perfectly into the TSAHC box.
They offer the My First Texas Home program, which is strictly for first-time buyers or those who haven’t owned a home in the last three years. If you are a repeat buyer, they also have the My Choice Texas Home program, which is more flexible.
The assistance here is often structured as a 3-year deferred forgivable loan or a 30-year second loan. This means you might have a small second mortgage to pay off, or it might vanish after three years of residency.
When you are looking at the math, it is worth comparing the interest rates between TDHCA and TSAHC. Sometimes one will offer a slightly lower rate on the main mortgage than the other. Purchase price limits here are also healthy, generally covering homes up to roughly $585,000 in our target areas, with down payment assistance up to 5% of the loan.
SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program
A lesser-known but excellent option for Frisco buyers is the SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program. While it excludes some parts of Texas like Travis County, it is fully active in Collin and Denton counties.
One of the biggest perks of SETH is that there is no first-time homebuyer requirement. If you owned a home five years ago and are looking to buy again, this program is still on the table for you.
The income limits are tiered. For the standard program, household income limits can go up to approximately $158,000, while the “Charter” level (which offers lower rates) caps out around $90,000. The assistance is usually a 3-year forgivable second lien or a deferred payment loan, giving you flexibility depending on how long you plan to stay in the home.
Programs for Veterans in Frisco
Frisco has a strong veteran community, and if you served, you have access to some of the best loan products in the country through the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB).
The Veterans Housing Assistance Program (VHAP) provides below-market interest rates for purchasing a primary residence. These rates are set weekly and are often significantly lower than standard conventional or FHA rates.
The best part? You can “stack” this benefit. You can use a VA loan (which requires 0% down) and combine it with the VLB interest rate discount.
Additionally, if you are looking to build a custom home or just want some acreage, the VLB offers land loans that require only 5% down—a rarity in the land financing world. They also offer home improvement loans if you buy a fixer-upper that needs some work.
Navigating Collin and Denton County Resources
Geography matters here. Because Frisco straddles both Collin County and Denton County, confusion often arises about which “county” programs you can use.
Generally speaking, the Collin County Housing Finance Corporation focuses more on funding for developers and non-profits rather than direct checks to individual buyers. For most residents on the Collin County side, the State programs (TSAHC/TDHCA) are the intended route.
On the Denton County side, you might see programs labeled “City of Denton Homebuyer Assistance.” Be careful here—these usually require you to buy a home within the city limits of Denton, not just anywhere in the county. If you are buying in Frisco, you likely won’t qualify for Denton-specific city grants.
My advice? Don’t get bogged down hunting for a county-specific grant that might not exist. Stick to the robust statewide programs (TSAHC, TDHCA, SETH) which apply regardless of which side of the county line your new home sits on.
How to Qualify and Apply in 2026
If you’re ready to move forward, the process is fairly streamlined. You don’t apply for these grants directly through a government website; you apply through your lender.
Step 1: Check your credit. Most of these programs have a hard floor at a 620 credit score. If you are close, talk to a lender about rapid rescoring or small tweaks to get you over that hump.
Step 2: Find a participating lender. This is crucial. Not every bank or loan officer is approved to offer TSAHC, TDHCA, or SETH loans. You need to find a loan officer who specifically works with these agencies.
Step 3: Take a Homebuyer Education Course. Almost every single program listed above requires you to take a homebuyer education class. These can usually be done online and are a prerequisite for closing.
Step 4: Verify your household income. Remember, these programs look at “household” income, not just the borrower’s income. If your spouse works but isn’t on the loan, their income may still count toward the limit, so be prepared to show documentation for everyone over 18 in the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Frisco have a first-time homebuyer grant?
The City of Frisco itself does not offer a general grant for the public; its specific program is only for City and ISD employees. However, most Frisco residents utilize statewide programs like TSAHC or TDHCA, which offer grants and forgivable loans to first-time buyers in the area.
What is the income limit for homebuyer assistance in Frisco?
Income limits vary by program and household size, but for 2026, most programs like TSAHC and SETH have limits ranging from approximately $117,000 to $158,000. This means moderate-income households often qualify even if they don’t consider themselves “low income.”
Do I have to pay back down payment assistance in Texas?
It depends on the program. “Grants” generally do not need to be paid back. “Forgivable loans” (like TSAHC or the City Employee program) are forgiven over time (usually 3 to 5 years) if you stay in the home. Deferred loans, however, must be repaid when you sell the home or refinance.
Can I use TSAHC or TDHCA programs in Frisco?
Yes, absolutely. Both are statewide programs and are fully applicable for homes purchased in Frisco, regardless of whether you are in the Collin County or Denton County portion of the city.
Is there help for buying land in Frisco?
Yes, specifically for veterans. The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) offers land loans with a minimum of 5% down, which is much lower than the typical 20% or more required by traditional banks for land purchases.
