Idaho Down Payment Assistance
Idaho Down Payment Assistance Programs
A guide to current down payment assistance options in Idaho, including the state Housing Finance Agency, well-known city and county programs, and live DPA mortgage pricing for Idaho homebuyers.
Idaho Housing Finance Agency
Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA)
IHFA administers the primary DPA programs for Idaho. Program details below are current as of October 17, 2026 - confirm current terms directly with IHFA before applying.
Statewide DPA Programs in Idaho
IHFA Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance (Second Mortgage)
IHFA
Up to 8% of the lesser of sales price or appraised value as a 15-year fixed-rate second mortgage with monthly payments, at the first mortgage rate plus 2%. Used toward down payment and closing costs.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- Primary residence only
- Minimum FICO: 620
- Income: Household income up to $170,000; some loan programs require lower income.
- Homebuyer education required
Paired with an IHFA first mortgage; purchase transactions only. Open to repeat buyers, not just first-time buyers. Borrowers must complete the Finally Home! homebuyer education course and contribute at least $500 of their own funds.
Source: www.idahohousing.com
Idaho Heroes Second Mortgage
IHFA
Up to 8% of the lesser of sales price or appraised value as a 15-year fixed-rate second mortgage at the first mortgage rate plus 2%. The DPA rate add-on to a conventional HFA first mortgage is reduced by 0.125%.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- Primary residence only
- Minimum FICO: 620
- Income: Household income up to $170,000; some loan programs require lower income.
- Homebuyer education required
Available to nurses, teachers, first responders (firefighters, police, paramedics, and EMTs), active military, and veterans. The $500 borrower contribution is waived. Finally Home! homebuyer education required.
Source: mediaserve.ihfa.org
IHFA Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
IHFA
Federal income tax credit equal to a percentage of annual mortgage interest paid, claimed each year the borrower occupies the home.
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Income: IHFA-published MCC income and purchase price limits apply.
MCC issuance depends on available bond allocation; confirm current availability with IHFA before applying.
Source: www.idahohousing.com
Idaho Notes for Homebuyers
- Idaho is a non-judicial foreclosure state when a deed of trust is used, which is the common lien instrument.
2026 Loan Limits in Idaho
Conforming (Conventional)
$832,750 baseline
Some Idaho counties qualify as high-cost, with limits up to $1,249,125.
FHA
$541,287
Standard FHA limit. Select high-cost Idaho counties allow more, up to $1,249,125.
Live DPA Pricing for Idaho
Pricing below is sourced live from hundreds of wholesale lenders for a Idaho scenario. Edit the inputs to match your situation.
FHA Down Payment Assistance
Up to 5% assistance; repayable second at first rate + 2% over 10 years
▸Program details
- ✓Minimum credit score: 580
- ✓Non-traditional credit also possible
- ✓Assistance up to 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% of the lesser of purchase price or appraised value
- ✓Assistance can be used for down payment, closing costs, or both
- ✓Second lien: 10-year fixed, repayable
- ✓Second lien rate is 2% higher than the first mortgage rate
- ✓No first-time homebuyer requirement
- ✓No income cap
- ✓Purchase of primary residence only
- ✓Eligible properties: 1-unit residences, PUD, 2-4 units, FHA-approved condos, manufactured (single/double-wide)
- ✓DTI per AUS and FHA manual underwriting guidelines
- ✓First lien: FHA 30-year fixed
Assistance amount
Compare DPA options for Idaho with live pricing
Rate Direct pairs down payment assistance with live first-lien pricing so you see the combined monthly payment up front.