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City of Memphis

Memphis Citywide Down Payment Assistance (CWDPA)

Low- and moderate-income buyers at or under 80% of area median income can get up to 10% of the sales price, to a $25,000 maximum, for a home anywhere inside Memphis city limits.

Citywide Down Payment Assistance (CWDPA)

Funds limited

City of Memphis

For
Low/moderate-income buyers purchasing anywhere in Memphis city limits
How much
Up to 10% of sales price, not to exceed $25,000 (cap applies across City DPA programs, subject to funding)
Income cap
80% AMI
Price cap
Current HUD HOME value limits
Fine print
Property must be inside Memphis city limits and pay Memphis city taxes; apply through an approved DPA lender with the Income Asset Questionnaire; DPA promissory note and deed signed after first mortgage

City page says requirements 'may include' first-time buyer status; per-program amounts and forgiveness terms not posted. Contact 901-636-7300.

Checked against the source November 2026 · how we check

Could I use this?
Want a heads-up? Citywide Down Payment Assistance (CWDPA) runs on a limited pot of money that can run dry. We'll tell you when a new round is funded.

How CWDPA works

CWDPA is the broadest of the City of Memphis programs. The Division of Housing & Community Development funds it and works through approved DPA lenders. Help is up to 10% of the sales price and no more than $25,000, and that ceiling applies across every City DPA program, so you cannot pile two city awards above it. Money depends on funding, which is why the card shows "Funding varies."

The city has not posted whether CWDPA is forgiven over time or repaid. You do sign a DPA promissory note and deed after your first mortgage, so expect a lien on the home and ask your lender for the written terms.

Who can use it

  • Household income at or below 80% AMI.
  • The home must be inside Memphis city limits and pay Memphis city taxes. Suburbs like Bartlett, Germantown and Collierville do not count.
  • Price at or under the current HUD HOME value limit.
  • The city says requirements "may include" first-time buyer status, so confirm before you assume either way.

The 80% line is much tighter than THDA's Shelby County limit of $102,794 for one or two people. Plenty of Memphis teachers and officers will fit THDA but not CWDPA; city police, firefighters and school staff should look at their own incentive programs, which have no income limit.

Using it with THDA

The city does not say whether CWDPA can go on a THDA Homeownership for Heroes loan. A participating lender confirms whether they combine. More on Memphis-area options is in our Shelby County guide.

Watch the timing: because CWDPA is funding-dependent, an approved lender may tell you funds are paused when you call. Ask when the next allocation is expected before you sign a purchase contract with a tight closing date. If you also qualify for THDA, keep its Heroes Plus option as your fallback so a pause in city money does not sink the deal.

How to apply

  1. Pick an approved City of Memphis DPA lender.
  2. Fill out the city's Income Asset Questionnaire with that lender.
  3. Get pre-approved, find a home inside city limits under the HOME value limit, and sign a contract.
  4. Close the first mortgage, then sign the DPA note and deed. Questions go to HCD at 901-636-7300.

Avoid the common slip-ups in our DPA mistakes guide, then check your eligibility.

Counties we cover that it serves: Shelby County

Questions about Citywide Down Payment Assistance (CWDPA)

How much is Memphis CWDPA?

Up to 10% of the sales price, capped at $25,000, subject to city funding. The $25,000 cap covers all City DPA programs combined.

Can I use CWDPA in Germantown or Bartlett?

No. The home must be inside Memphis city limits and pay Memphis city taxes.

Is CWDPA forgivable?

The city has not posted forgiveness or repayment terms. You sign a promissory note and deed, so get the terms in writing from your approved lender.

Could I use this program?

Other programs worth a look

Summarized from the program's official page as of November 2026. Money and rules change, so check current terms with the program or a lender who takes part. Tennessee Down Payment Assistance has no connection to this program.