Colorado down payment help
with no income limits
Colorado’s DPA programs turn away buyers who earn above their income caps every day. HOPER doesn’t have income limits. Get up to $13,000 toward your FHA home purchase — no income test, no repayment, no second lien.
Available across Colorado including:
See If You Qualify for HOPER
Takes 60 seconds. No credit pull. We’ll call you within 5 minutes.
How much could you receive
on your Colorado home?
Enter your estimated purchase price and see your HOPER funds instantly.
* Maximum $13,000. Actual amount subject to program eligibility.
Every Colorado down payment program
— compared
CHFA income limits in Denver metro are around $142,000 but given Colorado’s cost of living, many households earning above that still struggle with the down payment gap. Here is the full picture including what HOPER does differently.
| Program | Max Assistance | Income Limit | Repayment | Who Gets Left Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHFA FirstStep | Up to 4% of loan | Yes — income restricted | Yes — income capped | Second mortgage |
| CHFA SmartStep Plus | Up to 3% DPA | Yes — income restricted | Yes — AMI restricted | Forgiven after 3 yrs |
| Metro DPA (MHFA) | Up to $25,000 | Yes — income restricted | Yes — income restricted | Forgivable |
| Denver DPA | Up to $10,000 | Yes — income restricted | Yes — 80% AMI | Deferred |
| ✦ HOPER via CloseReady | Up to $13,000 (3.5%) | No income limit | Never — $0 repayment | Nobody — all FHA buyers welcome |
HOPER is available across
all of Colorado
No geographic restrictions — if you are buying with an FHA loan anywhere in Colorado, you may qualify for HOPER.
Median FHA home price: $380,000–$600,000. Colorado buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Median FHA home price: $320,000–$500,000. Colorado buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Median FHA home price: $420,000–$650,000. Colorado buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Median FHA home price: $360,000–$550,000. Colorado buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Median FHA home price: $220,000–$350,000. Colorado buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Median FHA home price: $400,000–$700,000. Colorado buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Colorado Homebuyer Assistance in 2025
Colorado’s Sky-High Prices and Income Gap
Colorado — particularly the Denver metro, Front Range, and resort communities — has seen some of the most dramatic price appreciation in the nation. Denver home prices rose over 70% between 2015 and 2022, making the down payment gap one of the most severe in the country for FHA buyers.
CHFA offers several DPA programs but its income limits are regularly exceeded by working households in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. HOPER’s maximum of $13,000 is reached on virtually every Colorado FHA purchase — making it the most valuable program available to most Colorado buyers.
How HOPER Works for Colorado FHA Buyers
HOPER provides up to 3.5% of the purchase price (maximum $13,000) as research participant compensation through Attainable Housing Advocates. There is no repayment requirement and no second lien placed on your Colorado home. Funds can be applied toward your down payment, closing costs, a rate buydown, or qualified debt payoff.
Colorado has a manufactured housing market particularly on the Eastern Plains and in rural mountain communities. HOPER supports FHA manufactured home loans statewide.
Colorado homebuyer questions
answered
Is there down payment assistance in Colorado with no income limit?
Yes. HOPER, available through CloseReady, has no income limits. Colorado’s state DPA programs have income caps — but HOPER is open to any FHA-eligible buyer in Colorado regardless of income.
How much down payment help can I get in Colorado?
Through HOPER, Colorado buyers can receive up to 3.5% of their purchase price with a maximum of $13,000. There are no income limits and no repayment required.
Is HOPER available statewide in Colorado?
Yes. HOPER is available statewide across Colorado with no geographic restrictions. All Colorado counties are eligible.
Do I have to repay HOPER funds in Colorado?
Never. HOPER funds are research compensation — not a loan. There is no repayment requirement and no second lien placed on your Colorado home.
Can I use HOPER if I earn too much for Colorado’s DPA programs?
Yes. HOPER has no income limit. If you have been turned away from Colorado DPA programs for earning too much, you may still qualify for HOPER.
Colorado buyers — your home is closer than you think.
Check your HOPER eligibility free. No income test. No credit pull. We call you in 5 minutes.
Check My Colorado Eligibility — Free →Available statewide across all Colorado counties