StatewiseFinance

Alabama pairs one of the lowest property tax burdens in the country with a strong AHFA down payment assistance program — here's what buyers need to know before applying.

South Carolina taxes owner-occupied homes at a fraction of the rate applied to second homes — but only if you file the right paperwork after closing.

Wisconsin offers up to 6% in WHEDA down payment assistance, plus the stacking property tax credits many homeowners never realize they can claim in 2026.

Colorado buyers can combine FHA or conventional financing with up to $25,000 in CHFA down payment assistance, plus a new 2026 program for public school employees.

Maryland buyers can access up to 5% in Maryland Mortgage Program down payment assistance, plus a Homestead Tax Credit filing trap worth knowing about in 2026.

Missouri combines affordable home prices with up to 4% in MHDC down payment assistance, plus the Kansas City and St. Louis earnings tax buyers should budget for in 2026.

Indiana pairs affordable home prices with a constitutional 1% cap on homestead property tax, plus up to 6% in IHCDA down payment assistance for 2026.

Michigan offers up to $10,000 in MSHDA down payment assistance, plus how Proposal A's property tax cap resets for buyers when a home changes hands in 2026.

Virginia offers down payment assistance through two separate agencies, plus how locally set property tax rates vary widely across its counties and cities in 2026.

New Jersey offers up to $22,000 in NJHMFA down payment assistance, plus the nation's highest property tax rates and what buyers need to budget for in 2026.

North Carolina offers up to $15,000 in NCHFA down payment assistance, plus the unusual forgiveness schedule buyers need to understand before selling early in 2026.

Georgia Dream offers up to $12,500 in down payment assistance across three tiers, plus the loan limits and property tax details Georgia home buyers need in 2026.

Ohio offers up to 3.5% in OHFA down payment assistance, plus a wave of 2026 property tax reform that is already changing bills across the state.

Illinois launched its largest-ever down payment assistance program in 2026, offering up to $15,000 through IHDAccess Home, plus the loan limits and property tax details buyers need.

Pennsylvania offers up to $10,000 in forgivable PHFA down payment assistance, plus why the state's uncapped property tax assessments can jump sharply in a single year.

Washington offers up to 5% in WSHFC down payment assistance, plus which counties get the state's highest loan limits and which sit at the national floor.

New York offers up to $15,000 in SONYMA down payment assistance, plus how property tax rates really compare between New York City and upstate counties in 2026.

Florida offers up to $12,500 in down payment assistance through FL Assist and FL HLP, plus the loan limits, property tax, and insurance details buyers need in 2026.

Texas offers up to 5% in TSAHC and TDHCA down payment assistance, plus why no state income tax means budgeting the full property tax bill matters more here.

California pairs 3.5% down FHA loans with CalHFA down payment assistance worth up to $150,000, plus the loan limits and property tax details buyers need for 2026.