For 2026, grant amounts increase to up to $9,000, with down payment assistance now available up to $24,000.
TAMPA BAY, FL, UNITED STATES, January 13, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ —
Teacher Next Door®, a national homebuyer assistance program dedicated to supporting teachers and education professionals, today announced expanded home-buying support for eligible participants in 2026. The updated program offerings include grants of up to $9,000 and down payment assistance of up to $24,000, reflecting a meaningful increase from prior year’s assistance levels.
The expanded support is intended to help teachers navigate ongoing affordability challenges in today’s housing market, where rising home prices and higher borrowing thresholds have made homeownership increasingly difficult for many first-time buyers.
“Teachers are foundational to the strength of our communities,” said Steve Parks of Teacher Next Door®. “By expanding these assistance levels, we’re helping educators better access stable, long-term homeownership despite the realities of today’s housing market.”
Supporting Educators in a Changing Housing Landscape
Teacher Next Door® maintains access to a national network of more than 200 grant and down payment assistance programs, including the Teacher Next Door grant, to support eligible educators across the United States. The decision to increase assistance levels reflects several market-driven factors:
• Continued increases in home prices nationwide
• Affordability pressures impacting teachers and first-time homebuyers
• Higher conforming loan limits, which affect mortgage qualification and price ranges
For 2026, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) increased the baseline conforming loan limit for single-family homes in most U.S. counties to $832,750, with limits reaching $1,249,125 in designated high-cost areas. These changes influence financing options for conventional loans and the competitive landscape for homebuyers.
“These adjustments help ensure our program remains relevant and responsive,” Parks added. “Our focus is on providing educators with practical support that reflects current housing and lending conditions.”
Understanding Grants and Down Payment Assistance
Grant funds made available through Teacher Next Door® never have to be repaid, provided program guidelines are met.
Down payment assistance programs may be layered with grants and can vary by location and funding source. Some down payment assistance programs are structured as forgivable second mortgages, which may be forgiven after a required occupancy period — often three years — while other programs may have different terms. Because assistance programs vary, specific structures are determined based on local availability and eligibility.
Program Eligibility and Participation
Assistance awards through the Teacher Next Door® Program are subject to eligibility criteria, including but not limited to:
• Employment as a teacher or qualifying education professional
• Eligibility based on income, location, and purchase price
• Satisfying lender and financing program requirements
Educators interested in learning more about the Teacher Next Door® Program — including how to apply and explore available local assistance — are encouraged to visit:
www.teachernextdoor.us
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About Teacher Next Door®
Teacher Next Door® is a nationally recognized homeownership assistance program dedicated to helping teachers and education professionals achieve the financial benefits of homeownership. Through targeted grants, down payment assistance, and program guidance, Teacher Next Door® supports educators in communities across the United States.
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About Next Door Programs®
Next Door Programs® is the largest national home-buying program in the U.S., supporting America’s public-service professionals — including teachers, nurses, law enforcement officers, firefighters, government employees, and military families — by providing access to home-buying assistance, grants, and educational resources.
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