Portland First-Time Homebuyer Programs for 2026

How to find down payment help in Portland, Oregon

Buying your first home in Portland is still doable in 2026, but most buyers will need to pair their savings with some kind of assistance. The good news is that Portland buyers have three main paths to explore: a city-backed loan, state-funded assistance, and local nonprofits that coach you through it.

This guide walks you through all three, what to expect, and when to start.

1. City of Portland Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL)

The Portland Housing Bureau offers a Down Payment Assistance Loan that can cover part of what you need to bring to closing. It is designed to work alongside your main mortgage.

Key points:

• For homes inside Portland city limits
  
  
• Income and purchase price limits apply
  
  
• Funds are limited and can run out during the year
  
  
• You usually apply through approved community partners
  
  

What to do now: check the current DPAL info on the city site and call one of the listed partners to see if funding will be available when you plan to buy.

2. Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)–Backed Assistance

At the state level, Oregon Housing and Community Services funds local organizations that provide down payment assistance. You don’t apply to the state directly, you work through a local agency.

What it often requires:

• Meeting income limits tied to Area Median Income
  
  
• Completing a homebuyer education class
  
  
• Using a participating lender
  
  

This is valuable because sometimes you can pair assistance with a below-market-rate first mortgage, which helps both upfront and monthly costs.

3. Local Nonprofits (like Portland Housing Center)

Nonprofits are often the easiest entry point because they spell out exactly what you qualify for and in what order to apply. Portland Housing Center is a great example.

They can help you:

• Take the required homebuyer class
  
  
• See which city/state funds are open
  
  
• Access matched savings or special loan products
  
  
• Get referred to lenders who actually know how to use these programs
  
  

This is also what buyers search for early on (“homebuyer class Portland,” “down payment help Portland”), so explaining it clearly on your site positions you as the guide.

2026 Timing Tips

• Start 6–12 months out. Many programs want education completed before you’re under contract.
  
  
• Apply early in the calendar year. Some assistance is first-come, first-served.
  
  
• Use local pros. Not every lender or agent knows how to stack Portland-specific programs.
  
  

Work With Sonder Northwest

If you want to buy in Portland in 2026, we can map out your path now. We can connect you with housing counselors, lenders who work with Portland and OHCS funds, and then set up a home search that fits the program rules.

Interested in learning more?   Send me a note     megan@sondernw.com