San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program: HIP 80

The San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program: HIP 80 is offered by the city’s Neighborhood and Housing Services Department. It is one of two homebuyer programs offered by the city of San Antonio to help low-to-moderate income buyers purchase their first home. 

HIP 80 offers a significant amount of assistance that can be used for a down payment or to cover closing costs.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program: HIP 80, you must meet the following eligibility requirements.

1. You must qualify as a first-time homebuyer, meaning you haven’t owned a home within the past three years.
2. The property must be within the city limits of San Antonio.
3. Your income must be at or below 80% of the area median (AMI) for San Antonio. 
4. For new construction, the purchase price must be $257,000 or less. For existing homes, the purchase price must be $244,000 or less.

*For all DPA programs, income and purchase price limits are regularly reviewed and updated. These amounts were correct at publication but may change with time.

Type of loan and amount of assistance 

The HIP 80 Program offers up to $30,000 in down payment assistance in the form of a forgivable loan.

If you consistently make your mortgage payments on time and live in the home during the entire forgiveness period without selling, refinancing, or renting it out, your loan can be fully forgiven, meaning you don’t have to pay any of the money back.

The amount of assistance you receive determines the length of the forgiveness period for your loan. 

Loan option 1: 

• Assistance amount: Between $1,0000 and $15,000. 
• Forgiveness period: 5 years. 

Loan option 2: 

• Assistance amount: Between $15,001 and $30,000
• Forgiveness period: 10-years. 

Minimum borrower contribution

The San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program: HIP 80 requires you to invest $500 of your own money toward your down payment, so you will need a bit of money upfront. However some down payment assistance programs require you to contribute $1,000 or more, which makes HIP 80 one of the more affordable programs in Texas.

Other options for homebuyers in San Antonio: The San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program HIP 120 is a similar program geared toward higher-income households.

Purchase price limits

The purchase price limits for this program are $257,000 for newly constructed homes and $244,000 for existing homes. 

If you plan to buy a more expensive home, the San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program: HIP 120 might be a good option for you. This program has slightly higher purchase price limits. 

Income limits

The income limit for this program is 80% of the area median income (AMI). In San Antonio, the AMI currently falls between $49,150 and $92,700 per year, depending on your household size.  

Income limits for the program are frequently assessed and adjusted. To see if you qualify, use our free down payment assistance finder.

How to qualify for the San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program: HIP 80

To qualify for this down payment assistance program, you must meet the eligibility criteria described above. Use our free down payment assistance finder to see if you are eligible.

How to apply for the San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program: HIP 80

Applications for the San Antonio Homeownership Incentive Program: HIP 80 are submitted exclusively through approved and participating mortgage lenders. The City of San Antonio doesn’t accept direct applications. Use our free down payment assistance finder to connect with a lender who can help you submit your application.