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Travis County, including City of Austin

Hill Country Home: Travis County's forgivable down payment help

The Travis County Housing Finance Corporation offers 4%, 5% or 6% of the loan amount to low- and moderate-income buyers across Travis County, including Austin, as a forgivable second loan.

Hill Country Home Down Payment Assistance (Travis County HFC)

Taking applications

Travis County, including City of Austin

Meant for
Low- to moderate-income buyers; first-time and repeat
How much
4%, 5% or 6% of loan amount (net 4.5%, 3.5% or 2.5% after lender fee options)
Kind of help
Loan that is forgiven over time
Income cap
140% AMI ($138,460)
Price cap
$364,452
First-timers only?
No
Fine print
0% 10-year forgivable second; 30-year fixed FHA/VA/USDA-RD/Freddie Mac HFA Advantage; 640 min FICO; 45% max DTI; homebuyer education for first-time buyers; no manufactured homes

Fact-checked November 2026 · our sources

Could I get this? →

How it works

The assistance is a 0% second lien forgiven after 10 years, attached to a 30-year fixed FHA, VA, USDA-RD or Freddie Mac HFA Advantage first mortgage. The percentage options come with different lender fee choices; the county lists net figures of 4.5%, 3.5% or 2.5% after those fee options, so ask your lender to show the real dollars at each level before you choose.

Who qualifies?

First-time and repeat buyers. Income up to 140% of area median income, $138,460, and a purchase price up to $364,452. A 640 minimum credit score and a 45% maximum debt-to-income ratio apply. First-time buyers must take homebuyer education. Manufactured homes are not eligible. The home must be in Travis County, which includes the City of Austin.

Hill Country Home vs. Austin DPA

Austin's city program offers more money, up to $40,000, but caps income at 80% MFI and is limited to first-time buyers inside city limits. Hill Country Home reaches higher incomes and repeat buyers anywhere in the county, but its price cap of $364,452 is lower than Austin's $440,000. Whether the two can be layered, or used with Homes for Texas Heroes, is not stated; a participating lender confirms whether they combine. For loan type choice, see FHA vs. conventional vs. VA vs. USDA.

The 45% debt-to-income cap and 640 score floor are stricter than some state options, so a buyer with a 620 score might fit TSAHC or TDHCA but not Hill Country Home. On the other hand, the 140% AMI limit lets many dual-income households in Travis County qualify. If you are buying a manufactured home, this program is out, and you would look at the statewide options instead.

How to apply

Work with a lender approved for the Travis County HFC program. Compare the three assistance levels and fee options, complete education if you are a first-time buyer, and stay under the price and income caps. A quick eligibility check lets you compare it with statewide options.

County guides for the area it serves: Travis County.

Reader questions on Hill Country Home Down Payment Assistance (Travis County HFC)

How much is Hill Country Home assistance?

4%, 5% or 6% of the loan amount; the county lists net figures of 4.5%, 3.5% or 2.5% after lender fee options.

Is Hill Country Home forgiven?

Yes. It is a 0% second lien forgiven after 10 years.

Can repeat buyers use Hill Country Home?

Yes. First-time and repeat buyers qualify; first-time buyers must take homebuyer education.

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Programs worth comparing

Summed up from the program's official page as of November 2026. Money and rules change; check current terms with the program or a lender that takes part. Texas Down Payment Assistance has no tie to this program.