Buying your first home in Denver can feel overwhelming, especially with the current market dynamics in 2026. However, there are numerous programs designed specifically to help first-time buyers navigate down payments, closing costs, and favorable interest rates. The Baird Group with lpt Realty has helped hundreds of families secure their first homes using these exact programs.
Here is a comprehensive guide to the best first-time home buyer programs available in Denver and Colorado for 2026.
CHFA (Colorado Housing and Finance Authority) Programs
The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority remains the gold standard for first-time buyers in Denver. CHFA offers several distinct programs that pair competitive 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with down payment assistance grants or second mortgage loans.
The CHFA FirstStep program is particularly popular, offering down payment assistance of up to 4% of your first mortgage loan amount. This assistance can be applied directly to your down payment or closing costs. In 2026, the income limits for CHFA programs in the Denver Metro area generally accommodate middle-income earners, making it highly accessible.
Another strong option is the CHFA SmartStep Plus program, which caters to buyers using FHA loans and provides a second mortgage to cover the down payment. The benefit here is that the second mortgage often has a deferred payment structure, meaning you don't have to make monthly payments on it while you live in the home.
metroDPA (Metro Down Payment Assistance)
For buyers specifically looking within the Denver Metro area, the metroDPA program is an exceptional resource. This program provides down payment assistance of up to 6% of the loan amount in the form of a forgivable loan.
The structure of the metroDPA assistance is highly favorable: the loan is forgiven incrementally over a three-year period. If you stay in the home for three full years, the assistance is completely forgiven, effectively making it a grant. This program supports conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, offering flexibility depending on your specific financial situation.
The Colorado First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account
While not a loan program itself, the Colorado First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account is a crucial tool for anyone planning to buy in the next few years. This program allows Coloradans to set aside up to $50,000 in a dedicated savings account, and the interest or earnings on those funds are completely free from state income taxes.
If you are a year or two away from buying, opening one of these accounts is a smart financial move that maximizes your savings potential.
FHA, VA, and USDA Loans
Beyond state-specific programs, federal loan options remain highly relevant for Denver buyers:
FHA Loans: Ideal for buyers with lower credit scores or smaller down payments (as low as 3.5%). They are more forgiving regarding debt-to-income ratios.
VA Loans: Available to active-duty military and veterans, offering 0% down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). Denver has a strong military presence, making this a vital program.
USDA Loans: While less common in the immediate Denver urban core, USDA loans offer 0% down for properties in designated rural areas, which can include certain outer suburbs and communities on the Front Range.
Getting Started with The Baird Group
Navigating the income limits, credit score requirements, and application processes for these programs requires expertise. The Baird Group with lpt Realty partners with top local lenders who specialize in CHFA and metroDPA programs.
If you are considering buying your first home in Denver in 2026, contact our team today. We can connect you with the right lending professionals to determine exactly which programs you qualify for, setting you on the path to homeownership.