Buying a home in Connecticut: the help you may qualify for.

Down payment and closing cost help

From the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA).

• Time To Own

  Up to $25,000 (up to $18,750 at 80 to 100% of median income)

  0% with no monthly payments, forgiven 10% a year over 10 years, with a CHFA first mortgage. Generally for first-time buyers with three years of Connecticut residency.

• First Responders Mortgage Program Military and heroes

  Time To Own plus a lower rate

  A 0.125% lower rate and no three-year residency rule for first responders.

  First Responders Mortgage Program details

Who qualifies: Income limits apply, through a CHFA participating lender.

Property tax exemptions and credits

Exemptions lower your home’s taxable value or your bill. Most aren’t automatic: you apply with your town assessor. Connecticut’s official exemptions information.

No exemption for every homeownerConnecticut doesn’t have a statewide property tax exemption for every homeowner. Its benefits are for the groups below. Some cities and counties add their own, so ask your town assessor.

For homeowners 65 and older

• Circuit breaker tax relief (65+ or disabled)

  Up to $1,000 single or $1,250 married off your tax bill

  For homeowners 65 or older, totally disabled, or surviving spouses 50 or older of someone who qualified, with income under the yearly limit ($46,300 single, $56,500 married for 2025). Connecticut has no general homestead exemption; some towns add their own relief.

  How to apply: With your town assessor. (Connecticut Office of Policy and Management)

For veterans

• Veteran exemptions

  A full exemption for permanently and totally disabled veterans

  Since the 2024 assessment year, towns must fully exempt certain veterans with a permanent and total disability rating. Other veterans get smaller exemptions, larger with lower income.

  How to apply: With your town assessor. (Connecticut General Assembly (OLR))

For homeowners with disabilities

• Disabled homeowner exemption

  $1,000 off assessed value (up to $3,000 in some towns)

  Towns may add up to $2,000 more for lower-income homeowners with disabilities.

  How to apply: With your town assessor. (Connecticut Office of Policy and Management)

Want to see which ones fit you? Answer a few questions in the property tax exemptions checker.

Your next steps

1. Work out a monthly cost you’re comfortable with in the home cost calculator. It also lists Connecticut’s programs with the loans you may qualify for.
2. Talk with a free or low-cost HUD-approved housing counselor. Find one near you.
3. Ask each lender which of these programs they work with, and compare Loan Estimates from at least three.
4. Follow the step-by-step home buyer’s guide from budget to keys.

Common questions