Where to find affordable housing in Denver right now

Denver has several active programs that help lower-income buyers and renters find homes they can afford. The Denver Housing Authority runs public housing and voucher programs. The Colorado Division of Housing administers state-level programs. The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in the Denver area offer down payment help and below-market mortgages. Local nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity Denver and Community Housing Services build or rehabilitate homes for specific income levels.

The fastest way to learn what is currently available is to contact the City and County of Denver's Affordable Housing office directly. They maintain a list of programs taking new participants and can tell you which ones match your income and situation. Many programs have funding cycles or waiting lists that change throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

  • Denver's affordable housing programs are run by the Denver Housing Authority, nonprofits, and CDFIs—not a single office—so you will need to contact multiple sources to find what is open.
  • Income limits vary by program and by family size, and most programs require you to earn between 30 and 80 percent of Denver's area median income.
  • Down payment information programs can cover 3 to 10 percent of your purchase price, but they usually require you to complete a homebuyer education course first.
  • Neighborhoods with more affordable inventory include North Denver, Southwest Denver, and areas along transit corridors, though prices and availability change seasonally.
  • Rental information and voucher programs have waiting lists that can be months or years long, so getting on a list early matters even if you do not need help when ready.

Income limits and who qualifies for Denver programs

Most Denver affordable housing programs set income limits based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area. A program might serve households earning up to 60 percent AMI, or up to 80 percent AMI. The actual dollar amount changes each year and depends on your household size.

For 2024, 60 percent AMI for a family of four in the Denver metro is roughly $60,000 to $65,000 annually, though this figure varies by source and updates. Programs serving 80 percent AMI serve households earning roughly $80,000 to $87,000. The Denver Housing Authority and the City's Affordable Housing office publish current income limits on their websites, and you should check those directly rather than relying on older figures.

Beyond income, programs typically require proof of residency in Colorado, a valid Social Security number or ITIN, and a credit or rental history. Some programs prioritize people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, or families with children. Ask each program what their specific requirements are before you spend time gathering documents.

Down payment information and first-time buyer programs

Several organizations in Denver offer down payment help for first-time homebuyers. The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) offers mortgages with down payments as low as 3 percent and can pair them with down payment grants. Habitat for Humanity Denver builds homes for families earning 30 to 60 percent AMI and requires sweat equity (volunteer hours) rather than a large down payment. Community Housing Services offers down payment grants and below-market mortgages through their lending program.

Most down payment programs require you to complete a homebuyer education course before you can borrow. These courses typically run 8 to 12 hours and cover budgeting, credit, inspections, and the mortgage process. Many nonprofits offer the course for free or low cost. After you finish, you are may be able to access to explore for the down payment funds.

Down payment information usually covers 3 to 10 percent of the purchase price, though some programs offer more. The money may come as a grant (you do not repay it), a forgivable loan (you repay it only if you sell within a certain number of years), or a second mortgage (you repay it over time). Ask which structure each program uses, because it affects your total monthly payment.

Rental information and voucher programs in Denver

The Denver Housing Authority administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord. You pay the difference. The program has a waiting list, and the list is currently closed to new applicants, though it reopens periodically. Getting on the list when it opens is important because the wait can be two years or longer.

The Denver Housing Authority also runs public housing—apartments it owns directly. Public housing has its own waiting list and income limits. Rent is typically 30 percent of your household income, which is lower than market rent in Denver.

If you are currently behind on rent or facing eviction, the Denver Office of the Homeless Initiatives and local nonprofits administer emergency rental information when funds are available. These programs are temporary and funding runs out, so contact them to ask whether money is currently available and what the process timeline is.

Neighborhoods with more affordable inventory

North Denver (Five Points, RiNo, Globeville, Elyria-Swansea) has seen significant development and still has pockets of more affordable homes, though prices have risen sharply in recent years. Southwest Denver (Westwood, Athmar Park, Platte Park) remains more affordable than central Denver. Areas along transit corridors—particularly the A Line (to the airport), the W Line (to Golden), and the T Line (to the airport)—have more affordable options because they are farther from downtown.

Neighborhoods farther from downtown and transit, like Montbello, Marston, and Sloan's Lake, also tend to have lower prices. However, "affordable" in Denver is relative: median home prices remain high compared to many other U.S. cities, and inventory changes seasonally. Spring and early summer typically bring more listings but also more competition.

Before you focus on a specific neighborhood, check whether the programs you are considering have geographic restrictions. Some programs prioritize certain neighborhoods or require you to live in Denver proper rather than the suburbs.

how the process works and what documents you will need

The process process differs by program, but most require similar documents. Have ready: proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), identification, Social Security number or ITIN, and a credit report authorization. For rental programs, you will also need landlord contact information and a signed lease.

Start by contacting the Denver Housing Authority or the City's Affordable Housing office to learn which programs are currently taking applications. They can tell you the order in which to explore and whether one program's approval affects another. Some programs have online applications; others require you to explore in person or by mail.

Processing times vary. Down payment information programs typically take 4 to 8 weeks after you submit a complete process. Voucher programs may take several months. Rental information can move faster if funds are available, but it can also take weeks if the program is processing a backlog. Ask each program for a timeline when you explore.

Working with nonprofits and community organizations

Denver has a strong network of nonprofits focused on affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity Denver builds homes and also runs a home repair program for existing homeowners. Community Housing Services offers lending, counseling, and down payment help. Colorado Coalition for the Homeless serves people experiencing homelessness and those at risk. Westword and local news outlets regularly publish lists of organizations working in specific neighborhoods.

Nonprofits often have smaller programs with shorter waiting lists than government agencies, and they may have more flexibility on income limits or credit requirements. Many also offer free or low-cost financial counseling and homebuyer education. If you do not may have access to for one program, a nonprofit counselor can often point you toward another that might work for your situation.

You can find nonprofits through the Colorado Nonprofit Association directory or by searching "affordable housing nonprofits Denver" and checking their websites for current programs. Many have community meetings or open office hours where you can ask questions without committing to an process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in Denver to use these programs, or can I buy in the suburbs?

Most City and County of Denver programs require you to buy or rent within Denver's city limits. Some state-level programs and nonprofits serve the wider metro area. Check each program's geographic rules before you explore. If you are interested in suburbs like Aurora, Lakewood, or Boulder, contact their local housing authorities or nonprofits directly.

What happens to my rent if I get a voucher?

With a Housing Choice Voucher, you pay 30 percent of your household income toward rent, and the program pays the landlord the difference (up to a limit set by the program). If your income increases, your share goes up. If your income decreases, your share goes down. You can use the voucher at any apartment where the landlord accepts it.

Can I use down payment information if I have bad credit?

Some programs have minimum credit score requirements (often 580 to 620), while others focus more on income and rental history. If your credit is low, ask whether the program offers credit counseling or whether you can improve your score before explore. Nonprofit lenders are sometimes more flexible than traditional banks on credit requirements.

How long does it take to get off the voucher waiting list?

Wait times vary widely depending on the program and current demand. The Denver Housing Authority's voucher list has had waits of two years or longer in recent years. When the list reopens, get on it as soon as possible, even if you do not need a voucher when ready. Some programs prioritize people with disabilities or experiencing homelessness, which can shorten the wait.

What if I earn too much for one program but not enough to buy on my own?

Denver has programs at different income levels. If you do not may have access to for 60 percent AMI programs, look for 80 percent AMI programs. If you exceed those, some nonprofits and CDFIs work with moderate-income households. A housing counselor can review your income and point you toward programs that fit your situation.