Unlock Down Payment Assistance in CT with New 2025 Income Guidelines

Unlock your path to homeownership—Connecticut’s 2025 down payment assistance programs make it easier than ever to buy your first home.

Buying your first home in Connecticut just got a little easier. Thanks to recent changes from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA), more homebuyers may now qualify for special loan programs and down payment assistance in 2025. If you’ve been holding off on buying a home because of income limits or down payment costs, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

What Changed in 2025?

Each year, CHFA updates its Area Median Income (AMI) limits. These income guidelines help determine who qualifies for programs designed to make homeownership more affordable. In 2025, there are two major changes:

1. Higher Income Limits – In many areas of Connecticut, the income limits are now higher, meaning more people will qualify.

2. New Geographic Rules – Instead of using counties, CHFA now calculates income limits based on planning regions, which group towns together differently than counties. This may affect your eligibility depending on where you live or plan to buy.

Why This Matters to You

CHFA offers affordable mortgage options and assistance for first-time buyers and those with modest incomes. To qualify, your household income must fall below a certain limit—and that limit just went up in many parts of the state.

More people may now be eligible for programs that offer:

• Lower interest rates

• Smaller down payments

• Help with closing costs

• Forgivable down payment assistance (meaning it doesn’t need to be paid back)

The Time To Own Program – Big Help for Down Payments

CHFA’s Time To Own program offers forgivable loans (no repayment required if you stay in the home long enough) to help cover your down payment:

• Up to $25,000 if your income is at or below 80% of the area's median income

• Up to $18,750 if your income is between 80% and 100%

This is a huge help, especially in today’s housing market where saving for a down payment can be tough.

What Are the New Income Limits?

Here are a few examples of the updated 2025 income limits:

Planning Region	Median Income	80% Limit (for max TTO benefit)
Greater Bridgeport	$148,900	$119,120
Capitol Region	$126,600	$101,280
Naugatuck Valley	$110,000	$88,000
Southeastern Connecticut	$110,300	$88,240

To check your region, you can use tools on the CHFA website or ask your lender.

What Should You Do Next?

1. Connect with a CHFA-Approved Lender to Check Your Eligibility – Knowing whether your income qualifies is the first step. A CHFA-approved lender can walk you through the income limits, available programs, and next steps in the process. Contact us below and we’ll connect you with a trusted lender who can check your eligibility and guide you toward the right program for your needs.

   
   

2. Get Pre-Approved – Once you know what you qualify for, getting pre-approved helps you understand your budget and makes your home search more efficient.

   
   

3. Act Soon – These programs are in high demand and subject to change. Taking action now could give you access to the support you need before rules or funding shift.

Final Thoughts

These updates make homeownership more accessible for many Connecticut residents. Whether you're a teacher, nurse, mechanic, or just starting out, there's a good chance you could now qualify for help that wasn’t available before.

Need Help Buying Your First Home?

Contact us below to find out if you qualify for CHFA programs or need help navigating the homebuying process. We’re here to guide you every step of the way—from pre-approval to closing day.