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City of Memphis

Memphis-Shelby County Schools homebuyer incentive for teachers and staff

Full-time Memphis-Shelby County Schools employees with at least two years of service, teachers and every other role, can get up to 10% of the price, capped at $25,000, to buy in Memphis.

Homebuyer Incentive Program - Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS)

Funds limited

City of Memphis

For
Full-time MSCS employees with at least 2 years of service (teachers and all staff)
How much
Up to 10% of sales price, max $25,000 (City DPA cap)

No income limit; home must be inside Memphis city limits. Strongest local teacher hook in TN found.

Checked against the source November 2026 · how we check

Could I use this?
Want a heads-up? Homebuyer Incentive Program - Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) runs on a limited pot of money that can run dry. We'll tell you when a new round is funded.

Not just for teachers

This City of Memphis incentive covers all full-time MSCS employees, not only classroom teachers. The city says all staff count, as long as they are full-time and have two years with the district. That is broader than THDA's Homeownership for Heroes, which covers full-time K-12 teachers and principals but not other school staff. Employees of Bartlett, Collierville or Germantown districts are not named.

Amount and rules

Help is up to 10% of the sales price, to a $25,000 maximum that applies across all City of Memphis DPA programs. There is no income limit. The home must be inside Memphis city limits, and the city's DPA programs use HUD HOME value limits for price. Funding varies, and the city has not posted whether the money is forgiven or repaid.

Teachers: stack the rate and the cash

An MSCS teacher or principal can also apply for Homeownership for Heroes, which since May 2026 includes full-time K-12 teachers in Tennessee public and private schools. Heroes lowers the rate by 0.5% and offers a Heroes Plus down payment option. Whether the MSCS incentive can sit on a THDA loan is not stated, so a participating lender confirms whether they combine. If both work, a teacher could keep more savings in reserve. Teachers on a 10-month contract should read how lenders count contract and summer pay and the teacher eligibility page.

New hires, take note: the two-year service rule means first- and second-year MSCS staff must wait for this incentive, even though first-year teachers may already qualify for THDA's program. If you are close to the two-year mark, it can pay to time your closing after your anniversary date. Ask HR for the exact start date on your record.

Getting it done

  1. Pull an employment verification showing two or more full-time years with MSCS.
  2. Pick a City of Memphis approved DPA lender, preferably one that also offers THDA loans.
  3. Confirm city funds with HCD at 901-636-7300.
  4. Buy within city limits; neighborhoods in Bartlett or Germantown do not qualify.

See other Memphis-area help in the Shelby County guide, then check your eligibility.

Questions about Homebuyer Incentive Program - Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS)

Can MSCS support staff use the Memphis schools homebuyer incentive?

Yes. It covers all full-time Memphis-Shelby County Schools employees with at least two years of service, not only teachers.

Is there an income limit for the MSCS incentive?

No. There is no income limit, but the home must be inside Memphis city limits.

How much can an MSCS employee get?

Up to 10% of the sales price, with a $25,000 cap across all City of Memphis DPA programs, subject to funding.

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.