Local programs
Beyond the statewide CHFA programs, buyers anywhere in El Paso County, including Colorado Springs, can use Pikes Peak Down Payment Assistance (PPDPA) from the El Paso County Housing Authority. It offers up to 5% of the loan amount as a forgivable second mortgage with FHA, VA, USDA or Freddie Mac HFA Advantage loans, and you do not have to be a first-time buyer. Here is how it works as of September 2026 and how to figure out whether it fits you.
The local angle
How it works
PPDPA offers 2%, 3%, 4% or 5% of the loan amount toward the down payment and closing costs for homes anywhere in El Paso County. There is no maximum purchase price and no first-time buyer requirement.
The assistance is reserved with a 30-year fixed PPDPA first mortgage: FHA, VA, USDA-RD or Freddie Mac HFA Advantage. Refinances are not allowed, and the lender's origination fee is capped at 1% with no discount points.
Income up to $178,920 (FHA, VA, USDA) or $92,560 (Freddie Mac HFA Advantage) for reservations from June 13, 2026, a 640 minimum credit score, and a debt-to-income ratio up to 45%, or 50% with a 680+ score.
Local program terms, amounts, and availability are set by the program administrators and change over time. We verify what is currently open and what you qualify for rather than relying on a static list.
Where we come in
Common questions
Pikes Peak Down Payment Assistance (PPDPA) is the El Paso County Housing Authority's program, separate from statewide CHFA. As of September 2026 it offers up to 5% of the loan amount as a 0% interest second mortgage that is fully forgivable at 30 years, for homes anywhere in El Paso County, including Colorado Springs.
PPDPA comes with its own program first mortgage: a 30-year fixed FHA, VA, USDA-RD or Freddie Mac HFA Advantage loan. CHFA assistance is for buyers using a CHFA first mortgage, and neither program's documents describe using both on one purchase. We compare the two for your situation.
The county's PPDPA page mentions Turnkey and Turnkey Plus only for payoffs: payoffs for Turnkey, Turnkey Plus and PPDPA loans are handled by the master servicer, U.S. Bank. The page presents PPDPA as the program buyers apply for today.
For PPDPA, as of September 2026: household income up to $178,920 for FHA, VA and USDA loans or $92,560 for Freddie Mac HFA Advantage loans, a credit score of 640 or higher, a debt-to-income ratio up to 45% (50% with a 680+ score), and a home in El Paso County that you will live in. There is no first-time buyer requirement and no maximum purchase price.
The county says to choose a lender from its participating lenders list and apply for a mortgage loan; the assistance is reserved with the first mortgage. Clayhouse Mortgage is not on that list; we can help you check eligibility and, where a program is available through the wholesale lenders we work with, originate the loan.
Keep exploring
CHFA, CHAC, metroDPA, and the Pikes Peak programs side by side.
Learn moreGrant or second-mortgage assistance toward your down payment and closing costs.
Learn moreWork with a local Colorado Springs broker who offers CHFA's programs.
Learn moreThis page is general education, not a commitment to lend, financial advice, or a guarantee of program eligibility, assistance amount, rate, or term. CHFA and local program rules, income limits, and assistance are set by the program administrators and change over time; confirm current details at chfainfo.com and with the relevant local program. Clayhouse Mortgage is not affiliated with El Paso County or the El Paso County Housing Authority. All loans subject to credit approval; not all applicants will qualify. We do business in accordance with the Fair Housing Act and Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
Sources (reviewed September 29, 2026): El Paso County: Pikes Peak Down Payment Assistance (PPDPA) program page; El Paso County Housing Authority: Pikes Peak DPA Administrator Guidelines, rev. 06/11/26 (eHousingPlus); El Paso County: PPDPA flyer, updated 6/13/2026; El Paso County: PPDPA participating lenders; CHFA: Down Payment Assistance.
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Tell us where you are buying and your rough income and we will line up the local and statewide assistance you qualify for, with no pressure and no application required to ask.
