Downpayment Assistance Award
and Liquid Assets Increase
To ensure that DAP remains supportive of the evolving needs of eligible residents, we have changed our policies to increase the maximum award amount allowed for each participant from $23,800 to $40,000 and increase the eligibility liquid asset cap from $15,000 to $30,000, all of which may allow for more applicants to qualify, provided all other program eligibility criteria are met.
Effective Tuesday, November 18, 2025, PY26 Award will include the following eligibility incentives:
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Home warranty up to $1,800 (duration of 3 years)
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Homeowner insurance to include wind and hail coverage up to $5,700
(duration of 1 year)
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Elevation Certificate, if applicable, up to $500 (duration of 1 year)
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Homeowner Association coverage increased to up to $1,500
(duration of 1 year)
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Harris County Title Policy remains at $125 up to $400
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The period of affordability for all DAP awards is:
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Under $25,000: 5 years
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25,000 - $40,000: 10 years
After deducting the maximum amounts for all the eligible incentives of up to $40,000, the actual base award available for downpayment, pre-paid items, and additional closing costs is $27,100. As before, DAP assistance acts as a “silent” second mortgage to provide gap financing toward the purchase of a home. A participating homebuyer shall receive only the amount of assistance needed to achieve affordable home ownership.
These updates create another supportive tool for first-time, LMI residents purchasing a home, many of whom can afford the monthly mortgage payments but struggle to save for the upfront downpayment and required closing costs. These adjustments may also support DAP participants in maintaining homeownership, promoting neighborhood stability and supporting Harris County’s goal of increasing access to safe and sustainable housing.