Madison Area Home Loan Programs & Down Payment Assistance 2026
Compare 10+ federal, state, and local programs to help you buy your dream home in Madison and Dane County. From VA loans and WHEDA to HBAD and Movin' Out, find the right combination for your situation.
Buying a home in Dane County is more affordable than most people think once you know which programs you qualify for. There are grants, forgivable loans, and zero-down financing options spread across federal, state, and local agencies, and many buyers qualify for more than one. This page walks through every major program, then lets you check your eligibility in about 60 seconds with the tool below.
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What are down payment assistance programs in Madison, Wisconsin?
Down payment assistance (DPA) programs are grants, forgivable loans, and deferred-payment loans from federal, state, and local agencies that help Madison and Dane County homebuyers cover their down payment and closing costs. In 2026, buyers can access 10+ programs worth $500 to $75,000 — including VA ($0 down for veterans), WHEDA Easy Close (up to 6% of purchase price), HBAD (up to $35,000 in Madison), Movin' Out (up to $75,000 for disability households), Downpayment Plus ($10,000 forgivable grant), and USDA ($0 down in rural areas). Most local programs require first-time buyer status and household income at or below 80% AMI — $103,850 for a 4-person Dane County household. Programs are first-come, first-funded.
Check Your Qualification
Looking for FHA loans?
FHA has its own dedicated guide with the full 2026 limits, credit and down payment requirements, and Dane County details. We cover it in depth on a separate page.
Read the full FHA guideFrequently Asked Questions About Madison Homebuyer Programs
What down payment assistance programs are available in Madison WI?
What are the 2026 income limits for DPA in Dane County?
Can veterans get a home loan with no down payment in Wisconsin?
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to get down payment assistance?
Can I combine multiple down payment assistance programs?
What is the WHEDA Easy Close Advantage program?
Is Waunakee eligible for USDA loans?
Madison and Dane County buyers have one of the strongest sets of homebuyer assistance options in Wisconsin, with more than ten federal, state, and local programs ranging from $500 to $75,000 in help. The right combination depends on your income, household size, credit, location, and whether you are a first-time buyer, a veteran, or a household that includes a member with a disability.
The fastest way to know what you qualify for is to run the tool above, then talk with a local expert who can match you to the best stack of programs for your situation.
Ready to Start Your Homebuying Journey?
Let me help you navigate these programs and find the perfect home in Madison, Dane County, or Wisconsin. As your local real estate expert, I'll guide you through every step.
John Reuter
Broker/Owner · Integrity Homes · Madison & Dane County
Brokered by Real Broker, LLC