Thinking About Buying Your First Home in Indianapolis?

If you’ve been dreaming of buying your first home in Indy, 2025 might actually be your year.

After a few years of rising rates and tight inventory, the market is finally balancing out. According to Redfin Indianapolis, median home prices are holding steady around $263,000 as of fall 2025, while mortgage rates have eased slightly from their 2024 highs. That’s making first-time homebuyer programs more valuable than ever for those trying to break into the market.

Let’s walk through what programs are available in 2025—locally and nationally—so you can see which ones make sense for your budget and goals.

Why First-Time Buyer Programs Matter in 2025

It’s no secret that affordability is still tight in central Indiana. Many buyers are facing high rents, modest wage growth, and limited starter homes under $250K.

That’s exactly where first-time homebuyer programs come in. These programs can help by offering:

• Down payment assistance (DPA)

• Reduced mortgage insurance

• Grants or forgivable loans

• Lower credit score or income requirements

When combined with today’s slightly lower rates (check our full 2025 Mortgage Rate Update), they can make homeownership in Indy surprisingly achievable.

Statewide Help: Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA)

The IHCDA runs several programs that directly benefit first-time homebuyers across the state, including Marion County and Indianapolis suburbs.

1. First Place Program

Best for: First-time buyers or veterans

• Offers up to 6% of the home’s purchase price as down payment assistance.

• The assistance is a forgivable loan after staying in the home for a set period.

• Must meet income and purchase price limits (which vary by county).

2. Next Home Program

Best for: Repeat buyers and move-up homeowners

• Designed for buyers who aren’t first-timers but still need help with a down payment.

• Offers up to 3.5% assistance toward the down payment.

• Can be paired with FHA, VA, or conventional loans.

3. Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)

Best for: Buyers looking for long-term tax savings

• Provides a tax credit of up to 25% of the mortgage interest paid annually.

• Can save thousands over the life of your loan.

Local Tip: Many Indianapolis lenders are IHCDA-approved, and programs like First Place can often be layered with national FHA loans for maximum flexibility.

City & County Options: Marion County and Indianapolis Assistance

In addition to statewide programs, a few local initiatives help buyers within Marion County and the Indianapolis metro area.

Homeownership Opportunities Program (HOP)

• Offers grants up to $10,000 for qualifying low- to moderate-income buyers.

• Must complete an approved homebuyer education course.

• Can be used for both down payment and closing costs.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds

• Sometimes available through local nonprofits or neighborhood development corporations (NDCs).

• Typically targeted at revitalizing specific areas—great if you’re buying in older neighborhoods like Martindale-Brightwood or Haughville.

Pro Tip: These funds can run out fast each fiscal year, so apply early or get pre-qualified with a local lender familiar with Indy’s municipal programs.

National Programs Every Indy Buyer Should Know

Even if you don’t qualify for state or city programs, national first-time buyer loans are designed to make ownership accessible.

FHA Loans (Federal Housing Administration)

• Only 3.5% down payment required.

• Lower credit score thresholds (as low as 580).

• Backed by the federal government, making lenders more flexible.

• Perfect for first-time homebuyers balancing student loans or limited savings.

USDA Loans

• For buyers purchasing in eligible rural or suburban areas (yes, parts of Hendricks, Hancock, and Johnson counties qualify).

• Zero down payment required.

• Lower mortgage insurance than FHA loans.

VA Loans

• For active-duty military members, veterans, and eligible spouses.

• Zero down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).

• Competitive interest rates—often lower than conventional loans.

2025 Snapshot: What’s Changed for First-Time Buyers

Here’s what’s new (and worth noting) for this year:

• Higher FHA loan limits: Up to $498,257 in Marion County for single-family homes.

• Rate relief: Mortgage rates have dipped below 6.5% as of October 2025, improving affordability.

• Increased income caps for IHCDA programs to reflect wage inflation.

• Digital pre-approval tools: Many Indy lenders now offer same-day online approval with access to local grant programs automatically applied.

How to Choose the Right Program for You

Every buyer’s situation is different, but here’s how to narrow it down:

1. Check your eligibility.
   Review credit score, income limits, and purchase price caps for each program.

2. Get pre-approved with a local lender.
   Not all lenders participate in IHCDA or grant programs—ask up front.

3. Take a homebuyer education course.
   Most assistance programs require one, and they’re genuinely helpful for understanding mortgages, budgeting, and maintenance.

4. Stack benefits when possible.
   You can often combine an FHA loan with IHCDA’s First Place DPA or a local HOP grant for maximum savings.

Example: How Indy Buyers Save with Programs

Let’s say you’re buying a $250,000 home in Beech Grove with an FHA loan.

• You’d typically need $8,750 down (3.5%).

• With IHCDA’s First Place Program, you could receive up to $15,000 in assistance—enough to cover your down payment and part of your closing costs.

That means you could move into your first home with little to no upfront cash and start building equity right away.

Timing Your Purchase: Fall 2025 Market Conditions

Fall is a great time for first-time buyers in Indy. There’s usually less competition than in spring, and sellers are more motivated before year-end. Pair that with improving rates (see 2025 Mortgage Rate Update) and you’ve got a perfect window to enter the market.

If you’re just getting started, check out our October Homebuyer Checklist for step-by-step guidance.

Quick Q&A: Indy First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Do I have to be a first-time buyer for IHCDA programs?

Mostly yes—but veterans and buyers who haven’t owned in 3 years also qualify as “first-time” under IHCDA rules.

Can I combine programs?

Yes. You can often pair a federal FHA loan with state or local assistance.

Do I have to repay down payment assistance?

Some grants are forgivable after a few years; others are second mortgages that need repayment if you sell early. Always ask before closing.

What credit score do I need?

For FHA: 580+. For conventional or IHCDA programs: generally 640+.

Are there first-time buyer grants specifically for Marion County?

Yes—programs like HOP and CDBG often target Indy neighborhoods, especially for buyers under certain income thresholds.

Final Thoughts: Your Path to Homeownership in Indy

Buying your first home in Indianapolis doesn’t have to feel out of reach. Between state-backed programs, local grants, and national FHA options, there are real tools designed to help you get there faster.

If you’re feeling unsure where to start, connect with a Roots Realty Co. agent who knows which programs best fit your goals—and can help you layer them strategically for the biggest savings.

👉 Explore our Buyer Resources to get matched with Indy lenders and programs built for first-time buyers.

Related Reads:

• 2025 Mortgage Rate Update: What Buyers Should Expect

• October Homebuyer Checklist: Fall 2025 Edition

• Buyer Resources