Wisconsin Down Payment Assistance
Wisconsin Down Payment Assistance Programs
A guide to current down payment assistance options in Wisconsin, including the state Housing Finance Agency, well-known city and county programs, and live DPA mortgage pricing for Wisconsin homebuyers.
Wisconsin Housing Finance Agency
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)
WHEDA administers the primary DPA programs for Wisconsin. Program details below are current as of October 17, 2026 - confirm current terms directly with WHEDA before applying.
Statewide DPA Programs in Wisconsin
WHEDA Advantage Conventional
WHEDA
30-year fixed-rate conventional first mortgage with reduced mortgage insurance; foundation product for pairing with WHEDA DPA.
Paired with: Conventional
- First-time homebuyer: Not required
- Primary residence only
- Minimum FICO: 620
- Income: WHEDA Advantage income limits apply (county-based).
- Homebuyer education required
Not limited to first-time buyers. Pre-purchase homebuyer education required for first-time homebuyers. Single family, condos, 2-4 units, and double-wide manufactured homes eligible; 2-4 units need 3% borrower funds. Reduced rate in rural target counties.
Source: www.wheda.com
WHEDA Advantage FHA
WHEDA
30-year fixed-rate FHA first mortgage; foundation product for pairing with WHEDA DPA.
Paired with: FHA
- First-time homebuyer: Not required
- Primary residence only
- Minimum FICO: 640
- Income: WHEDA Advantage FHA income limits apply.
- Homebuyer education required
Not limited to first-time buyers. Pre-purchase homebuyer education required for first-time homebuyers. 3.5% minimum borrower investment, which either WHEDA DPA can satisfy.
Source: www.wheda.com
Easy Close Advantage Down Payment Assistance
WHEDA
Second mortgage from $1,000 up to 6% of the purchase price as a 10-year fixed-rate amortizing second mortgage at the same interest rate as the first mortgage.
Paired with: FHA, Conventional
- Primary residence only
- Homebuyer education required
Must be paired with a WHEDA Advantage first mortgage. Borrower makes monthly payments on both first and second liens.
Source: www.wheda.com
Capital Access Advantage Down Payment Assistance
WHEDA
$7,500 as a 30-year silent second at 0% interest with no monthly payments; repaid upon sale, refinance, move-out, or payoff of the first mortgage, whichever occurs first.
Paired with: FHA, Conventional
- Primary residence only
- Homebuyer education required
Must be paired with a WHEDA Advantage first mortgage. Separate, generally lower household income limits. Reopened January 15, 2026 on a limited basis (funding for 78 loans); first-come, first-served and closes when funds are committed, so confirm availability with a WHEDA lender.
Source: www.wheda.com
Major City & County Programs in Wisconsin
Milwaukee Home Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Milwaukee Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation (NIDC) · City of Milwaukee, WI
Up to $5,000 forgivable grant for purchases in the City of Milwaukee, or $7,000 for purchases within a Community Development Block Grant area; fully forgiven after five years of owner-occupancy.
First-time homebuyers (no ownership in the last three years) who are current City residents, at or below 80% AMI. Maximum purchase price $290,000; $1,000 minimum buyer funds; 8 hours of HUD-approved counseling; must live in the home five years.
Source: city.milwaukee.gov
$35,000 Milwaukee Homebuyer Assistance Program
City of Milwaukee NIDC · City of Milwaukee, WI
Up to $35,000 as a 0% forgivable second mortgage for rehab of a City-owned foreclosed 1-2 unit home, capped at half of total purchase and rehab cost; forgiven after five years of owner occupancy following rehab.
Must apply and be approved before purchasing the City-owned property. Owner-occupant deed restrictions apply. Check with the City for current funding availability.
Source: city.milwaukee.gov
Wisconsin Notes for Homebuyers
- Wisconsin is a non-judicial foreclosure state for most mortgage instruments; title companies typically handle closings.
2026 Loan Limits in Wisconsin
Conforming (Conventional)
$832,750 baseline
FHA
$541,287
Standard FHA limit, applies to most Wisconsin counties.
Live DPA Pricing for Wisconsin
Pricing below is sourced live from hundreds of wholesale lenders for a Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin with live pricing
Rate Direct pairs down payment assistance with live first-lien pricing so you see the combined monthly payment up front.