Buyer guide · Louisiana
First-time homebuyer programs and down payment assistance in Louisiana
Louisiana’s state programs come from the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC), which since September 9, 2026 offers four HomeStart programs. HomeStart Assist and HomeStart Advantage give 4% assistance as a forgivable 0% second mortgage, and HomeStart Plus gives up to $55,000 in hurricane-affected parishes. All four require a 640 minimum credit score and have income limits, and you apply through a participating lender.
Reviewed by Nicole Gaudet, REALTOR®
Updated October 3, 2026
The programs
Louisiana Housing Corporation programs, compared
LHC’s four HomeStart programs all pair a 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage with a 640 minimum credit score. They differ on assistance, income limits and who qualifies.
| Program | Assistance | Income limit | First-time buyer? | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HomeStart Assist | 4% of the original first-mortgage amount, as a 0% forgivable second mortgage forgiven after 60 months | Up to 115% of area median income (AMI), or 140% in targeted areas, by household size and location | Yes: no home owned as a principal residence in the past 3 years | Statewide |
| HomeStart Advantage | 4% of the final first-mortgage amount, as a 0% second mortgage forgivable after 60 months | $125,000 household income | Not required, but you may not own another residence at closing | Statewide |
| HomeStart Plus | Up to 20% of the price (max. $55,000) as a 0% second mortgage forgiven monthly over 10 years, plus up to $5,000 toward closing costs | 80% of HUD AMI, by household size and location | Yes | Designated parishes hit by Hurricanes Laura, Delta or Ida |
| HomeStart Ready | None from LHC; a 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage only | $99,000 qualifying income | No; first-time and repeat buyers | Statewide |
LHC changed its program lineup on September 9, 2026. If you reserved a loan before then under an older program (MRB Assisted, Keys for Service, Pathways to Homeownership or Premier), LHC says to follow that program’s guidelines.
Sources: LHC, HomeStart Assist; LHC, HomeStart Advantage; LHC, HomeStart Plus; LHC, HomeStart Ready.
Eligibility
How to qualify for first-time homebuyer programs in Louisiana
The common requirements across LHC’s programs, as LHC states them.
- Credit score of 640 or higherThe minimum for all four HomeStart programs.
- Income under the program limitFrom $99,000 (Ready) to $125,000 (Advantage), or a percentage of area median income for Assist and Plus. Your lender checks your household income against the limit for your parish and household size.
- Homebuyer educationAt least one occupying borrower for Assist and Plus; all occupying borrowers for Advantage; first-time buyers only for Ready.
- An eligible homeIt must meet the program’s property and loan requirements. Advantage caps the price at the FHA loan limit. Ready excludes manufactured and mobile homes and three- and four-unit properties.
- A participating lenderLHC works with eHousing Plus to administer the programs. You apply through an approved lender, not directly with LHC.
Debt-to-income
- HomeStart Ready: generally the lesser of 50% or what the automated underwriting system allows
- LHC’s pages for the other programs do not list a ratio; your lender will tell you
Your own money in the deal
- HomeStart Plus: at least the greater of 1% of the price or $1,500
- HomeStart Plus: no more than the greater of 10% of the price or $10,000, including the minimum
Sources: LHC, HomeStart Assist; LHC, HomeStart Advantage; LHC, HomeStart Plus; LHC, HomeStart Ready.
Disaster recovery
HomeStart Plus: which parishes qualify
HomeStart Plus uses federal disaster-recovery money, so the home has to be in a designated parish.
Capital-area and River Parishes on the Hurricane Ida list
- Ascension
- East Baton Rouge
- Livingston
- St. John the Baptist
- West Baton Rouge
- Iberville, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Charles and St. Tammany are also listed
Rules that rule homes out
- Certain homes in Special Flood Hazard Areas, including Flood Zones A, AE and V, are not eligible
- You must keep homeowners and flood insurance in force for the life of the second mortgage
- The home must meet property, insurance and environmental requirements
Check the full parish list before you shop. Checking a flood zone? See our flood zone lookup and flood insurance guide.
Sources: LHC, HomeStart Plus; eHousing Plus, HomeStart Plus eligible parishes (linked from LHC).
How to start
Steps to use a Louisiana down payment assistance program
The order matters: the program is attached to your loan, so start with the lender.
- Pick a participating lenderLHC links to its list of approved lenders on each program page.
- Get pre-approved and ask which HomeStart program fitsThe lender checks your credit, income and the program limits for your parish.
- Take an approved homebuyer education courseDo it early. LHC lists the education requirements on each program page.
- Shop for an eligible homeTell us which program you are using so we screen out homes that will not qualify, such as flood zone A or AE for HomeStart Plus.
- Reserve the loan and closeLoans are reserved through eHousing Plus, which administers LHC’s programs.
Veteran or service member? The VA loan guaranty can take the place of a down payment. See our VA home loans in Louisiana guide.
Sources: LHC, Homebuyers; LHC, HomeStart Assist.
Questions
First-time buyer programs: questions
Does Louisiana have down payment assistance?
Yes. The Louisiana Housing Corporation offers HomeStart Assist and HomeStart Advantage, which each provide 4% of the first mortgage as a 0% forgivable second mortgage, and HomeStart Plus, which provides up to 20% of the price (up to $55,000) plus up to $5,000 in closing-cost help in designated hurricane-affected parishes.
Louisiana Housing Corporation
How do I qualify for first-time homebuyer programs in Louisiana?
For LHC's HomeStart programs you need a credit score of at least 640, household income under the program's limit, an approved homebuyer education course, an eligible home and a participating lender. HomeStart Assist defines a first-time buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence in the past 3 years.
Louisiana Housing Corporation
What credit score do I need for Louisiana Housing Corporation programs?
640. LHC lists a 640 minimum credit score for HomeStart Assist, Advantage, Plus and Ready.
Louisiana Housing Corporation
What is the income limit for Louisiana first-time homebuyer programs?
It depends on the program: $99,000 for HomeStart Ready, $125,000 for HomeStart Advantage, up to 115% of area median income (140% in targeted areas) for HomeStart Assist, and 80% of HUD area median income for HomeStart Plus.
Louisiana Housing Corporation
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
Not for every program. HomeStart Assist and HomeStart Plus are for first-time buyers. HomeStart Advantage does not require it, though you cannot own another home at closing. HomeStart Ready is open to first-time and repeat buyers.
Louisiana Housing Corporation
Is the down payment assistance a loan I have to repay?
LHC structures it as a 0% interest second mortgage that is forgiven if you meet the program rules: after 60 months for Assist and Advantage, and monthly over 10 years for HomeStart Plus. Ask your lender what happens if you sell or refinance before then.
Louisiana Housing Corporation
Keep reading
Next
Next step
Buying your first home?
Tell us which program you are using. We will find homes that fit its rules and work with your lender to the closing table.
General information from the Louisiana Housing Corporation's public pages as of October 3, 2026, not lending advice. Program terms change; confirm eligibility with a participating lender.