Detroit

The 10 Best Down Payment Assistance Programs in Detroit (2025 Update)

December 03, 20252 min read

Detroit Has Some of the Most Generous Homebuyer Programs in the U.S.

Detroit offers some of the largest grant amounts in the country — including $10K, $15K, even $25K+ for eligible buyers.

Here are the top programs active right now, with links + images added.


1. Detroit Down Payment Assistance Program (Up to $25,000)

👉 Official Link: https://detroitdpa.org/

Detroit’s flagship DPA provides up to $25,000 toward your down payment and closing costs.

Key Benefits:

  • Large grant

  • No repayment if you meet rules

  • Works with many loan types


2. Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) Homebuyer Assistance

👉 Official Link: https://www.dhcmi.org/

own the roof homebuyer assistance

Designed for residents in public housing or using vouchers who want to transition into homeownership.

Why it matters:
Helps renters become owners with counseling + financial support.


3. Detroit Home Mortgage Program

👉 Official Link: https://detroithomemortgage.org/

own the roof detroit home mortgage program

Solves Detroit’s appraisal gap problem by allowing buyers to finance both purchase + renovation costs.


4. Wayne County Homebuyer Assistance Program

👉 Official Link: https://www.waynecounty.com/departments/econdev/homebuyer-assistance-program.aspx

own the roof Wayne county homebuyer assistance program

Provides $10,000–$14,999 to eligible buyers in participating cities — including many Detroit ZIP codes.


5. Bank of America Community Affordable Loan Program

👉 Program Info: https://www.bankofamerica.com/mortgage/affordable-loan-solution/

own the roof bank of America affordable loan program

Often includes zero down, reduced MI, and large lender credits for qualifying Detroit buyers.


6. Fifth Third Bank Down Payment Assistance

👉 Program Link: https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/personal-banking/mortgage/down-payment-assistance.html

own the roof fifth third bank down payment assistance

Offers $7,500–$10,000 in qualifying Detroit census tracts.


7. Huntington Bank DPA + “Home Possible” Program

👉 Home Possible Info: https://www.huntington.com/mortgage/homepossible
👉 Huntington Assistance:
https://www.huntington.com/mortgage

own the roof Huntington down payment assistance

Provides $2,500–$7,500 in assistance plus low-MI and flexible credit options in Detroit.


8. MSHDA MI Home Loan (Detroit Eligible)

👉 Official Link: https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/homeownership

own the roof MSHDA MI home loan

Michigan’s most frequently used program — up to $10,000 in assistance for Detroit buyers.


9. USDA Zero-Down Loan (Detroit–Area Eligible Zones Only)

👉 Eligibility Map: https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do

own the roof USDA zero down loan

Does not apply inside Detroit city limits, but applies minutes away in nearby areas like Taylor, Romulus & Belleville.


10. VA Zero-Down Loan (Detroit Veterans & Military Families)

👉 VA Loan Info: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/


own the roof VA zero down loan

The most powerful zero-down loan available — no MI, flexible credit, stackable with grants.


Bonus: Detroit Home Repair & Neighborhood Revitalization Grants

👉 Detroit Land Bank: https://buildingdetroit.org/
👉 Renew Detroit: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/renew-detroit


own the roof Detroit home repair

Detroit also offers major post-purchase grants for repairs, energy upgrades, and revitalization.


How to Know Which Detroit Programs You Qualify For

Each program has different rules for:

  • ZIP codes

  • Income limits

  • Credit scores

  • Property type

  • Funding rounds

  • Stackability

The fastest way to see the programs you qualify for is with:
👉
https://NoDownPayment.app
Your free database of 2,500+ assistance programs across Detroit and the entire U.S.


Final Thoughts

Detroit is one of the easiest cities in America to buy a home with $0–$2,000 out of pocket thanks to its unique mix of:

  • City grants

  • State programs

  • Bank DPA offers

  • VA + USDA zero-down loans

  • Appraisal gap solutions

  • Repair and revitalization incentives

If you’re renting in Detroit, you’re likely way closer to homeownership than you think.


Author of "No Down Payment? No Problem!", helping renters become homeowners regardless of financial challenges for 15 years.

John Collins

Author of "No Down Payment? No Problem!", helping renters become homeowners regardless of financial challenges for 15 years.

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