Grants, forgivable loans, and subsidized mortgages — many Illinois buyers qualify for $38,500+ in assistance and don't even know it.
Find your programs →Click any program for full details, eligibility, and how to apply.
6% of purchase price up to $15,000. 0% interest, deferred for life of mortgage. Launched March 2026.
Deferred 0% loanHouse-hack eligible4% of price up to $6,000. Forgiven monthly over 10 years — a gift that never has to be repaid.
Forgivable loanHouse-hack eligible5% of price up to $7,500. 0% interest, no monthly payments. Deferred for life of mortgage.
Deferred 0% loanHouse-hack eligible10% of price up to $10,000. 0% interest with monthly payments over 10 years. Largest IL percentage.
0% interest loanHouse-hack eligibleDown payment and closing cost assistance for Chicago residents purchasing a home.
DPA programDown payment and closing cost assistance through FHLB Chicago member banks for low-to-moderate income buyers.
Grant3.5% down payment with 580+ credit. The most popular first-time buyer loan in America.
Subsidized loanHouse-hack eligibleZero down payment, no PMI for eligible veterans and active-duty service members.
Federal benefitHouse-hack eligibleZero down payment for rural and suburban areas. 97% of US land qualifies.
Subsidized loan3% down with reduced mortgage insurance for low-to-moderate income buyers.
Subsidized loanHouse-hack eligible3% down with flexible funding sources including gifts and employer assistance.
Subsidized loanHouse-hack eligibleNo down payment, no closing costs, no PMI, below-market rate. Character-based lending.
Nonprofit programHouse-hack eligible50% off purchase price for teachers, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs.
GrantThere are 6 state-specific programs and 7 federal programs available in Illinois, totaling 13 programs.
Not all programs require first-time buyer status. Several Illinois programs are available to repeat buyers. 'First-time buyer' means you haven't owned a home in the past 3 years.
Yes. Many DPA programs allow 1-4 unit properties. Live in one unit and rent the others — this is called house-hacking.