As home prices skyrocket, so does the size of down payments. Buyers from Boise or Bethesda are feeling the squeeze as they stockpile down payments that often exceed $50,000.

Those who are struggling include middle-class families earning anywhere from the national median income of $89,000 to $100,000 or more.

They face a particular dilemma. They earn too much for traditional down payment aid — but not enough to qualify for a mortgage without a big down payment.

But there’s financial relief in sight for these and other households.

According to a recent report from Down Payment Resource, eligibility for down payment assistance programs has broadened across the U.S., especially where home prices have spiked the most (1).

In fact, there are currently 2,000 home-buying assistance options nationwide — and more than half of those are open to buyers earning six figures (1).

Here’s how you can apply for these homeownership assistance programs, even if you earn a comfortable middle-class salary.

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According to Down Payment Resource, the average homeownership assistance benefit is $18,000, and that can be used to help with closing costs and the down payment.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Home Buyer Dream Program (HDP) offers as much as $19,500 to borrowers getting a mortgage through an approved member lender, and $500 toward homeownership counseling (2).

The fastest way to find active programs is to use a database tool like the one offered by Down Payment Resource to search by location and household details (3).

State and local housing finance agencies run the highest-volume programs and often offer a combination of a first mortgage and second-lien assistance.

Because many programs are structured as a low-interest second mortgage on your home, it’s important to apply through a participating lender.

These programs can also come with resale, refinance, and occupancy rules, so if you plan to move out of your home, you may need to repay your down-payment assistance loan in full.

That could wipe out any equity you’ve gained in the house.

However, some down-payment assistance second mortgages are forgivable, so you may be able to benefit from ‘free money’.

Once you identify a potential program (or programs), confirm the details on the official website of the program administrator.

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Program administrators will consider:

property location

property price (there may be a price cap)

household size

buyer's credit profile

whether the applicant is a first-time buyer (first-time buyers usually put down 10% and repeat buyers put down 23% (4)

Your choice of lender and loan type is also critical. Some assistance only pairs with certain mortgage products or approved participating lenders.

Housing finance agency programs often require you to work with a specific list of lenders who are trained in their requirements.

Many of these homeownership assistance programs work alongside:

conventional housing programs

Federal Housing Agency (FHA) programs

Veterans Affairs (VA) Housing Assistance

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) housing programs

Keep in mind, the specific pairing depends on individual program rules.

Eligibility is about more than your income. It can also include completing an approved course or counseling certificate.

Waiting until you are already under contract to complete this requirement can slow down your purchase timeline, so it’s wise to finish the education and application process early to avoid losing a home during the bidding or underwriting process.

If you’ve done all your research and find out you’re not eligible for a homeownership assistance program, there are other ways to boost your down payment.

For example, family gift funds are a common source of cash, but you can also tap into your IRA for up to $10,000 if you’re a first-time buyer.

Usually when you withdraw money from an IRA before you turn 59½, you have to pay a 10% penalty, but the IRS makes an exception for first-time homebuyers (5).

You may have to pay income taxes on the withdrawal, depending on the type of account, however.

The down payment is only one part of the affordability equation. Ultimately, mortgage rates — currently hovering around 6.1% — and monthly payment reality should drive your strategy.

While down payment assistance is a powerful on-ramp to homeownership for both moderate and higher earners, the best approach is to search locally, work with an experienced lender and carefully read the fine print before handing over a down payment and committing to a mortgage.

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Down Payment Resource (1, 3) ; Home Trek (2); National Association of Realtors (4); IRS (5)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.