San Antonio Homebuyer Assistance & Incentives: Your 2025 Guide to Saving Thousands on Your New Home
Buying a home in San Antonio is exciting, but if saving for a down payment or covering closing costs feels out of reach, you’re not alone. The good news? There are several local programs in San Antonio and Bexar County designed to make homeownership affordable for first-time and repeat buyers alike.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how these programs work, who qualifies, and how to combine them with your mortgage to save thousands.
Why Local Assistance Matters
Most buyers know about national options like FHA or VA loans, but local incentives can often make an even bigger difference.
In 2025, the average home price in San Antonio hovers around $320,000. That means a 3.5% down payment could still require more than $11,000 in cash, plus closing costs.
Local programs from the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, and state agencies can help bridge that gap through forgivable loans, grants, or reduced interest rates.
The Top San Antonio Homebuyer Assistance Programs in 2025
1️⃣ City of San Antonio – Homeownership Incentive Program (HIP)
What it offers: Up to $30,000 in forgivable down payment and closing cost assistance.
Eligibility: Household income must fall below 80 % of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Requirements:
Must purchase within San Antonio city limits.
Buyer must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course.
Property must serve as the primary residence for at least five years.
Pro Tip: If you stay in your home for the full term, the loan is forgiven — no repayment required.
2️⃣ TSAHC – Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation
What it offers: Grants and forgivable loans for down payment or closing cost help plus reduced mortgage rates.
Eligibility: Open to first-time buyers, teachers, police, firefighters, veterans, and health-care workers.
Benefits: No repayment required on grants and programs can be layered with other assistance.
Example: On a $300K home, TSAHC’s 5 % grant could cover $15,000 of your down payment immediately.
3️⃣ TDHCA – Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs My First Texas Home
What it offers: Low-interest loans and down payment assistance up to 5 % of the loan amount.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time homebuyer (or not owned in 3 years), meet income limits, and complete education course.
Bonus: Can be used with TDHCA’s Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) for ongoing annual tax savings worth up to $2,000 per year.
4️⃣ SETH – The 5 Star Texas Advantage Program
What it offers: Grant funds up to 6 % of the loan amount toward your down payment or closing costs.
Eligibility: Works with FHA, VA, USDA and Conventional loans; available to most Texans who meet credit and income guidelines.
Why It Matters: Since it’s a grant, it never has to be repaid — ideal for buyers who need immediate cash support.
5️⃣ Veterans & Active-Duty Military Benefits (VA Loans & Local Partnerships)
As a military-friendly city, San Antonio offers unique advantages for Veterans and service members.
VA Loans: 0 % down payment + no PMI.
Local Extensions: Some builders and city partners offer extra closing-cost credits for VA buyers.
How to Combine Programs for Maximum Savings
Many buyers don’t realize these programs can often be stacked together.
Example:
Use a TSAHC grant to cover your down payment.
Pair it with a City of San Antonio HIP loan for closing costs.
Add a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) for ongoing tax relief.
Result: Lower cash to close and long-term monthly savings.
📈 2025 Market Outlook for San Antonio Homebuyers
According to recent data from the San Antonio Board of REALTORS®, median prices are steady while inventory has grown by over 30 % year-over-year. Combined with modest rate drops and expanding state incentives, 2025 is a prime window for qualified buyers to leverage these programs and get into a home sooner.
🤝 How Texas Lending Partners Can Help
Our team at Texas Lending Partners has helped hundreds of San Antonio buyers combine these programs for maximum benefit. We work with you to:
Confirm eligibility for local and state incentives
Match the right loan program to your financial goals
Coordinate with trusted agents and builders
Ensure a smooth pre-approval and closing process
Owning a home in San Antonio is more achievable than many think. With the right guidance and strategic use of available assistance, you could save tens of thousands and start building equity sooner.
At Texas Lending Partners, we don’t just process loans, we help you plan a financial path to homeownership that fits your life today and your goals for tomorrow.
