What Is the Most Common Grant for First-Time Homebuyers in Milwaukee County?

Written By Paul McKenna

By Victoria Ratliff

If you're buying your first home in Milwaukee County, the most commonly used local grant is the Milwaukee Home Down Payment Assistance Program. It helps eligible first-time buyers with their down payment and closing costs.

1. Milwaukee Home Down Payment Assistance Program (Most Common Local Grant)

This City of Milwaukee program provides forgivable grants of:

  • Up to $5,000 for eligible homes in the City of Milwaukee

  • Up to $7,000 if the home is located within an eligible Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) area.

The grant can be used for:

  • Down payment

  • Closing costs

Basic eligibility includes:

  • First-time homebuyer (generally, you have not owned a home in the past three years)

  • Current City of Milwaukee resident

  • Income within program limits

  • Purchase the home as your primary residence

  • Complete 8 hours of HUD-approved homebuyer education

  • Live in the home for the required occupancy period so the grant is forgiven.

2. WHEDA Down Payment Assistance Programs

Many Milwaukee County buyers also use programs offered by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority.

WHEDA offers several assistance options that can help cover down payment and closing costs when paired with a qualifying mortgage. Some are repayable loans, while others are deferred-payment assistance depending on the program.

3. WORTH Down Payment Assistance

Another program available to many eligible buyers in Milwaukee County is the WORTH Down Payment Assistance Program, which offers grants of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time buyers purchasing eligible homes in Milwaukee County. Homebuyer education is required, and income limits apply.

Can You Combine Programs?

In some cases, buyers may be able to combine different assistance programs if they meet the eligibility requirements and the programs allow it. Your lender and homebuyer counseling agency can help determine which combinations are available.

Why Homebuyer Education Matters

Many grant programs require buyers to complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course before receiving assistance. These classes help you understand:

  • The mortgage process

  • Budgeting for homeownership

  • Home inspections

  • Closing costs

  • Maintaining your home after purchase

Final Thoughts

For most first-time homebuyers in Milwaukee County, the Milwaukee Home Down Payment Assistance Program is the most widely recognized local grant. Combined with WHEDA financing or other assistance programs, it can significantly reduce the amount of cash needed to buy a home.

Paul McKenna
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Benefits of Becoming a First-Time Homebuyer