Skip to content
Purchase Mortgage Loan
Get Pre-Approved

First-Time Buyer loans in Louisiana

Quick answer

First-time buyers in Louisiana can use FHA (3.5% down), conventional 97 (3% down), VA or USDA loans, plus programs from Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC). On a $208,700 home, 3% down is about $6,261.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsLast updated

First-Time Buyer loan snapshot for Louisiana

ItemEstimate
Minimum down payment0%–3.5%
Minimum credit score580–620
Typical LA home value$208,700
3.5% down on typical home$7,305
20% down on typical home$41,740
Avg. effective property tax0.55%/yr (~$95/mo)
Income for typical home (31% rule)$63,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Which Louisiana programs pair with First-Time Buyer loans?

  • Market Rate GNMA with Assistance: A first mortgage paired with down payment and closing cost assistance.
  • Mortgage Revenue Bond Program: Below-market-rate financing when bond funds are available.

Details and current limits: Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC).

Compare first-time buyer loan options

LoanMin. downMin. creditMortgage insurance
FHA3.5%5801.75% upfront + annual MIP
Conventional 97 / HomeReady / Home Possible3%620PMI, removable
VA0%Lender-set (~580–620)None (funding fee)
USDA0%~6401% upfront + 0.35% annual

Who counts as a first-time home buyer?

Under HUD and most agency definitions, you're a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a principal residence in the last three years. Single parents and displaced homemakers who only owned with a former spouse may also qualify.

First-Time Buyer loans in Louisiana cities

First-Time Buyer in New OrleansFirst-Time Buyer in Baton RougeFirst-Time Buyer in ShreveportFirst-Time Buyer in MetairieFirst-Time Buyer in LafayetteFirst-Time Buyer in Lake CharlesFirst-Time Buyer in KennerFirst-Time Buyer in Bossier CityFirst-Time Buyer in MonroeFirst-Time Buyer in AlexandriaFirst-Time Buyer in PrairievilleFirst-Time Buyer in HoumaFirst-Time Buyer in MarreroFirst-Time Buyer in CentralFirst-Time Buyer in SlidellFirst-Time Buyer in LaplaceFirst-Time Buyer in New IberiaFirst-Time Buyer in TerrytownFirst-Time Buyer in ChalmetteFirst-Time Buyer in RustonFirst-Time Buyer in Bayou CaneFirst-Time Buyer in HarveyFirst-Time Buyer in SulphurFirst-Time Buyer in HammondFirst-Time Buyer in ZacharyFirst-Time Buyer in ShenandoahFirst-Time Buyer in NatchitochesFirst-Time Buyer in GretnaFirst-Time Buyer in EstelleFirst-Time Buyer in YoungsvilleFirst-Time Buyer in ThibodauxFirst-Time Buyer in OpelousasFirst-Time Buyer in PinevilleFirst-Time Buyer in LulingFirst-Time Buyer in BroussardFirst-Time Buyer in River RidgeFirst-Time Buyer in MandevilleFirst-Time Buyer in West MonroeFirst-Time Buyer in GonzalesFirst-Time Buyer in ClaiborneFirst-Time Buyer in BakerFirst-Time Buyer in GardereFirst-Time Buyer in DestrehanFirst-Time Buyer in WoodmereFirst-Time Buyer in MindenFirst-Time Buyer in CovingtonFirst-Time Buyer in CrowleyFirst-Time Buyer in Moss BluffFirst-Time Buyer in Bayou BlueFirst-Time Buyer in Morgan CityFirst-Time Buyer in TimberlaneFirst-Time Buyer in AbbevilleFirst-Time Buyer in Belle ChasseFirst-Time Buyer in CarencroFirst-Time Buyer in WaggamanFirst-Time Buyer in BogalusaFirst-Time Buyer in Raceland

Frequently asked questions

Yes. First-Time Buyer loans are available statewide in Louisiana through approved lenders, subject to county loan limits where they apply.

Often yes. Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) and local programs frequently pair assistance with FHA, conventional, VA or USDA first mortgages. Eligibility depends on income, price and program rules.

Answer a few questions on Purchase Mortgage Loan and we'll match you with lenders and loan officers in our network who serve Louisiana.

Get matched with First-Time Buyer lenders in Louisiana

Answer a few quick questions and get matched with purchase mortgage lenders in your area. Free, and it won't affect your credit score.

Get My Matches

Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.