Down Payment Assistance

The Town of Hamden Office of Housing and Neighborhood Development offers applications for a First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Loan. The program is designed to assist low and moderate income first-time homebuyers with the purchase of their first home. Qualified applicants can receive up to $5,000 in matching funds to help with their down payment.

• Down Payment Assistance Policies and Procedures
• Down Payment Assistance Application
• Renovate Right Pamphlet

Frequently Asked Questions about the Downpayment Assistance Program

Q: Is this a grant or a loan? Will I have to pay any money back?

A: Financial assistance for all programs is an interest-free loan. There are no monthly payments. The loan is required to be repaid upon sale or transfer of property or in the case of a refinance. In rare instances, when approved by OHND, the loan may be transferred to a family member who is also low to moderate income.

 Q: How do I know if I qualify for this program?

A: There are income guidelines which the applicant has to meet. The applicant must be current on all taxes including motor vehicles registered in the Town of Hamden.

Q: Can I purchase a home anywhere in town?

A: The Grant is a Community Development Block Grant therefore the home would need to be purchase in one of the three (3) designated target areas. Census Tract #1655 - Highwood, Census Tract # 1656 - Hamden Plains, and the State Street Neighborhood Revitalization Zone. A listing of specific street is included with the program guidelines and application.

 Q: Will the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Development help me find a home?

A: No, you will need to contact a real estate agent to assist in finding a home. If you do not already have a real estate agent, your mortgage lender may be able to recommend one.

 Q: Can I purchase any type of home?

A: To qualify for the program you must purchase a detached single family or two to four-family dwelling. Investment properties are not eligible for assistance.

 Q: Do I need to be a Hamden resident to apply?

A: No.

 Q: When looking at houses, is there anything I specific I should consider?

A: When looking at houses, in addition to ensuring that they are in the target zone, you should consider the condition of the interior and exterior painted surfaces. All homes purchased with these funds must pass an inspection by a certified lead inspector, and any peeling, chipped, chalking, or otherwise damaged painted surfaces will cause the house to fail inspection until those defects are fixed. Click here to learn more about how to protect your family from lead.

 Q: How can I find out more information and/or get an application for the Hamden First-Time Homeownership Down Payment Assistance Program?

A: Applications are available on line or you can contact Adam Sendroff, Director Community Development at 203-776-5978 or asendroff@hamden.com.