City of San Antonio

San Antonio HIP 80: up to $30,000 for first-time buyers

The City of San Antonio's HIP 80 offers first-time buyers $1,000 to $30,000, based on need, as a 0% second loan that is forgiven over 5 or 10 years.

San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP 80)

Money can run out

City of San Antonio

Meant for: First-time buyers purchasing a primary residence in San Antonio city limits
How much: $1,000 to $30,000 (based on need)
Kind of help: Loan that is forgiven over time
Income cap: $80,500 for a family of 4 (2026)
Price cap: $260,000 existing / $284,000 new construction
First-timers only?: Yes
Fine print: 0% second lien, no payments; $1,000-$15,000 forgiven over 5 years, $15,001-$30,000 over 10 years; 8-hour HUD homebuyer class; $500 minimum earnest money; property review and inspection

First-come, first-served, subject to fund availability.

Fact-checked November 2026 · our sources

Could I get this? →

Heads-up list. San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP 80) lives on a limited pot that can run dry. Sign up and we'll tell you when a new round is funded.

How HIP 80 is forgiven

The assistance is a 0% second lien with no payments. Amounts from $1,000 to $15,000 are forgiven over 5 years; amounts from $15,001 to $30,000 are forgiven over 10 years. The city sets the amount based on need, so two buyers with similar homes can get different numbers.

Who qualifies?

First-time buyers purchasing a primary residence inside San Antonio city limits in Bexar County. The 2026 income limit is $80,500 for a family of four. Price caps are $260,000 for existing homes and $284,000 for new construction. You need to complete an 8-hour HUD homebuyer class, put down at least $500 in earnest money, and the home goes through a property review and inspection.

HIP 80 vs. HIP 120

HIP 80 is the larger of the city's two tracks, for lower incomes. HIP 120 serves buyers up to 120% of AMI with up to $15,000 and part repayment. Uniformed SAPD and SAFD staff have a separate employee program. Whether HIP 80 can be combined with Homes for Texas Heroes or TDHCA help is not stated on the city page; a participating lender confirms whether they combine. The assistance types guide explains forgiveness periods.

On a $250,000 existing home, as a round example, a buyer awarded $20,000 would be in the 10-year forgiveness tier, while a buyer awarded $12,000 would be in the 5-year tier. The $500 earnest money minimum is a small out-of-pocket requirement, but the property review and inspection must clear before closing, so homes with major repairs can be a problem. Buyers near the $260,000 cap should leave room for closing costs that are not covered.

Because awards are first-come, first-served, a buyer who has the class certificate and a pre-approval in hand before finding a home is in a stronger position than one who starts the paperwork after signing a contract.

How to apply

Funds are first-come, first-served and subject to availability. Book the 8-hour class early, get pre-approved under the price cap, and apply through the Neighborhood and Housing Services Department. A quick eligibility check helps you see whether statewide help adds to it.

County guides for the area it serves: Bexar County.

Reader questions on San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP 80)

How much is San Antonio HIP 80?

$1,000 to $30,000, based on need, as a 0% second lien with no payments.

When is HIP 80 forgiven?

Over 5 years for $1,000 to $15,000, and over 10 years for $15,001 to $30,000.

What is the HIP 80 price limit?

$260,000 for an existing home and $284,000 for new construction.

See if this one fits me

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.