First-time home buyer programs in Idaho
Idaho Housing offers some of the deepest percentage-based assistance in the country — up to 8% of the home's price toward down payment and closing costs — and lets buyers bring as little as $500 of their own funds. Income limits stretch to around $170,000 on some products, wide enough for most Boise-area buyers.
Brokers in our network can pair these programs with competing loan offers — free, no obligation.
IHFA Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance
Percentage-based help layered on an Idaho Housing first mortgage.
- Combined assistance up to 8% of the sales price
- Repayable second up to 7% — fixed rate about 2% above your first mortgage, 15-year term
- Buyer can contribute as little as $500 of their own funds
- Homebuyer education course required
IHFA Heroes Loan
Preferred pricing for Idaho's essential workers.
- Discounted rates for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and other community staff
- Pairs with the same down payment assistance seconds
- Income limits up to roughly $170,000 on some products
- Available through IHFA-approved lenders statewide
Program terms, income limits, and funding availability change throughout the year — confirm current details with Idaho Housing or a licensed Idaho broker before relying on them.
Pair assistance with an FHA loan in Idaho
Most Idaho first-time buyers combine down payment assistance with an FHA first mortgage. 2026 FHA one-unit limits run from $541,287 (the national floor) up to $586,500 in Boise.
See all 2026 Idaho FHA loan limits →Find a broker in your Idaho market
Local brokers know which programs are funded right now and how to stack them:
Idaho first-time buyer FAQ
How much down payment assistance can I get in Idaho?
Up to 8% of the home's sales price through Idaho Housing — typically structured as a second mortgage of up to 7% (15-year term, fixed about 2% above your first-mortgage rate) plus other assistance, with as little as $500 required from your own pocket.
Are Idaho Housing loans only for first-time buyers?
No — many IHFA products serve repeat buyers too, though first-time buyers get the broadest access. Most products require a homebuyer education course.
What income qualifies for Idaho Housing programs?
Limits reach up to about $170,000 on some products — much higher than most states — which keeps the programs usable in the Boise metro, where Ada County's 2026 FHA limit is $586,500.
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