What down payment assistance programs are available in Dane County in 2026?

Rob Miller, Branch Manager at MadCity Home Loans, answers one of the most common qualification questions we get from Wisconsin buyers.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Dane County in 2026?

Saving for a down payment is often the biggest hurdle to buying a home in the Madison area. Fortunately, there are several powerful Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs available in Dane County right now that can cover your down payment, and sometimes even your closing costs.

1. WHEDA (Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority)

WHEDA is the undisputed king of down payment assistance in Wisconsin. They offer two main programs that act as a "second mortgage" to cover your down payment:

• Easy Close DPA: Provides a loan to cover down payment and closing costs. This is an amortizing loan you pay back monthly over 10 years at the same interest rate as your first mortgage.
• Capital Access DPA: Provides a 0% interest second mortgage with no monthly payments. It is completely deferred until you sell the home, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.

Note: WHEDA has income and purchase price limits, but they are surprisingly generous in Dane County.

2. The Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County (HBRT)

The HBRT often receives grant funding to provide true "forgivable" grants to first-time homebuyers in Dane County. Unlike WHEDA, this money usually does not have to be paid back if you live in the home for a certain number of years. Funding is limited and released in cycles, so timing is critical.

3. Movin' Out (For Buyers with Disabilities)

Movin' Out provides specialized down payment assistance for low-to-moderate-income households where a family member has a permanent disability. They offer deferred loans that can significantly reduce the cash needed to close.

4. City of Madison & Dane County Specific Grants

Depending on the specific neighborhood you buy in, the City of Madison and Dane County periodically offer localized grants, such as the Home Buy the American Dream program, aimed at closing the homeownership gap.

Can You "Stack" Programs?

Yes! One of my favorite strategies is to "stack" multiple programs. For example, we frequently pair a WHEDA first mortgage with a local grant, allowing a buyer to close with almost zero money out of pocket. We run a dedicated coaching session on stacking programs if you want to learn more.

---

Related Guide: Read more about the state's most popular program in our overview of WHEDA Loans & Down Payment Assistance.