Louisiana First-Time Home Buyer Programs 2026: LHC Guide

LHC Programs Overview

The Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) is the state housing finance agency, offering first mortgages and down payment assistance through approved lenders statewide.

LHC's core products are the Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) programs — MRB Home for first-time buyers and MRB Assisted for enhanced DPA — plus the Delta 100 rural program and the Mortgage Credit Certificate.

MRB Home: Below-Market Mortgage + 4% DPA

MRB Home is LHC's primary program for first-time buyers, offering 30-year fixed-rate FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans at below-market rates paired with up to 4% of the loan amount in down payment assistance.

The DPA is a second mortgage — typically a 0% deferred or low-interest repayable structure depending on the current program terms. On a $250,000 Louisiana home, 4% provides $10,000 — covering the entire 3.5% FHA down payment ($8,750) plus closing cost help.

First-time buyer means no ownership in a primary residence in the past 3 years — waived in targeted areas and for veterans. Minimum credit score is 640. See our FHA vs conventional guide for loan-type help.

• 30-year fixed-rate FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans
• Below-market interest rates
• DPA up to 4% of loan amount
• Minimum 640 credit score
• First-time buyer (waived in targeted areas and for veterans)
• Income limits ~$95,000-$125,000 by parish

MRB Assisted: Enhanced DPA for Lower Incomes

MRB Assisted provides enhanced down payment assistance — up to 5% of the loan amount — for households at lower income tiers, typically those earning below 80% of area median income.

On a $250,000 loan, 5% provides $12,500 — enough to cover a full FHA down payment plus most closing costs. The assistance structure is similar to MRB Home but with more money for qualifying households.

If your income qualifies for MRB Assisted, always take it over MRB Home — same terms, more assistance.

• Up to 5% of loan amount for down payment and closing costs
• For households below ~80% area median income
• Same first mortgage structure as MRB Home
• On $250K loan: $12,500 in assistance
• Same 640 credit minimum
• Ask your lender to check 80% AMI eligibility

Delta 100: 100% Financing in Rural Parishes

Delta 100 is LHC's rural homeownership program, offering up to 100% financing — no down payment required — for buyers in designated rural Delta parishes.

The program targets areas along the Mississippi Delta where homeownership rates lag. It combines a below-market first mortgage with assistance covering the full down payment for eligible buyers.

If you are buying in a qualifying rural parish, Delta 100 is one of the few true zero-down state programs in the country. Check LHC's parish list to see if your area qualifies.

• Up to 100% financing — no down payment required
• For designated rural Delta parishes
• Below-market first mortgage
• Income limits apply
• One of few true zero-down state programs
• Check LHC parish list for eligibility

LHC Income and Purchase Price Limits 2026

LHC income limits vary by parish and household size. Here are the approximate 2026 limits for major Louisiana parishes — verify at LHC.LA.gov.

• Income limits based on total household income
• New Orleans and Baton Rouge metros have the highest limits
• Purchase price limits apply to total price
• Targeted areas have higher limits and no first-time requirement
• Verify current limits at LHC.LA.gov

LHC Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for MRB Home, first-time buyer status means no ownership in a primary residence in the past 3 years — waived in targeted areas and for veterans.

Credit score: minimum 640 for all LHC programs. DTI: maximum 45% for conventional, up to 50% for FHA with automated approval. See our DTI ratio guide for strategies.

Occupancy: primary residence only. Homebuyer education: required for first-time buyers — LHC-approved courses are available online and in-person.

• First-time buyer (past 3 years) — waived in targeted areas and for veterans
• Credit score: 640+ for all programs
• DTI: 45% conventional, up to 50% FHA
• Primary residence only
• Complete LHC-approved homebuyer education
• Must use an LHC-approved lender

How to Apply for LHC Programs

LHC programs are accessed through approved lenders — you cannot apply directly to LHC.

Step 1: Find an approved lender at LHC.LA.gov. Step 2: Get pre-approved — the lender verifies credit, income, and program eligibility including MRB Assisted and Delta 100. Step 3: Complete homebuyer education. Step 4: Find a home within the purchase price limit. Step 5: Close — DPA funds are delivered at settlement.

• Step 1: Find an LHC-approved lender at LHC.LA.gov
• Step 2: Get pre-approved and check MRB Assisted/Delta 100 eligibility
• Step 3: Complete LHC-approved homebuyer education
• Step 4: Shop within parish purchase price limits
• Step 5: Close — DPA funds delivered at settlement
• Tip: Ask about Delta 100 if buying in a rural parish — 100% financing

Local Louisiana DPA Programs

Several Louisiana cities offer additional assistance.

• New Orleans DHAP is one of the largest municipal programs in the South
• Local programs may stack with LHC — ask your lender
• City programs typically have lower income limits
• Funding cycles open and close — check availability early