Missouri Down Payment Assistance
Missouri Down Payment Assistance Programs
A guide to current down payment assistance options in Missouri, including the state Housing Finance Agency, well-known city and county programs, and live DPA mortgage pricing for Missouri homebuyers.
Missouri Housing Finance Agency
Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC)
mhdc.com/services/homebuyer-programs/
MHDC administers the primary DPA programs for Missouri. Program details below are current as of October 17, 2026 - confirm current terms directly with MHDC before applying.
Statewide DPA Programs in Missouri
First Place - Cash Assistance Loan (CAL)
MHDC
Forgivable second loan equal to 4% of the total mortgage amount for down payment and closing costs. Forgiven if the borrower stays in the home and keeps the original loan for 10 years; after year 5 it reduces by 1/60 each month.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, RD
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Minimum FICO: 640
- Maximum DTI: 45%
- Income: MHDC household income limits apply by county and household size; see MHDC schedule.
- Homebuyer education required
First-time homebuyer means no ownership interest in a primary residence in the past 3 years; waived for qualified veterans and in federally targeted census tracts. Max DTI 45% for FHA, VA, and USDA (50% with a 680+ score); up to 50% for conventional HFA loans. Funds are allocated first-come, first-served through Certified Lenders.
Source: mhdc.com
First Place - Non-Cash Assistance Loan (Non-CAL)
MHDC
Lower first-mortgage interest rate (typically 0.25% to 0.50% below the cash assistance rate) for eligible first-time homebuyers who do not need cash assistance.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, RD
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Minimum FICO: 640
- Maximum DTI: 45%
- Income: MHDC household income limits apply by county and household size; see MHDC schedule.
- Homebuyer education required
Does not include cash assistance. Rates set by MHDC and published via Certified Lenders.
Source: mhdc.com
Next Step
MHDC
Forgivable second loan equal to 4% of the total mortgage amount for down payment and closing costs. Forgiven if the borrower stays in the home and keeps the original loan for 10 years; after year 5 it reduces by 1/60 each month.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, RD
- First-time homebuyer: Not required
- Primary residence only
- Minimum FICO: 640
- Maximum DTI: 45%
- Income: Higher household income limits than First Place; see MHDC Next Step schedule by county.
- Homebuyer education required
Open to both first-time and repeat buyers who exceed First Place income limits. Max DTI 45% for FHA, VA, and USDA (50% with a 680+ score); up to 50% for conventional HFA loans. Purchase loans only, 30-year fixed.
Source: mhdc.com
2026 Loan Limits in Missouri
Conforming (Conventional)
$832,750 baseline
FHA
$541,287
Standard FHA limit, applies to most Missouri counties.
Live DPA Pricing for Missouri
Pricing below is sourced live from hundreds of wholesale lenders for a Missouri 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 Missouri with live pricing
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