Buying a home in Wisconsin: the help you may qualify for.
Down payment assistance, property tax exemptions and veteran benefits in Wisconsin, gathered from official state sources and explained in plain English. Every program has its own rules, so check with the agency before you count on it.
Down payment and closing cost help
From the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).
Easy Close
Up to 6% of the price
A 10-year fixed-rate second loan for down payment, closing costs and homebuyer education, with a WHEDA first mortgage.
Capital Access
0% with no monthly payments
A 30-year deferred second loan with lower income limits.
Reopened in January 2026 with limited funding, first come, first served.
Who qualifies: Income and price limits, through a WHEDA-approved lender.
Property tax exemptions and credits
Exemptions lower your home’s taxable value or your bill. Most aren’t automatic: you apply with your Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Wisconsin’s official exemptions information.
For homeowners who live in the home
Lottery and gaming credit
A credit on your property tax bill
For Wisconsin residents who own and live in their home as their primary residence.
How to apply: Online through the Department of Revenue portal, or Form LC-100 with your county treasurer. (Wisconsin Department of Revenue)
Homestead credit
An income-based credit
For lower-income homeowners and renters; the amount depends on household income and property taxes.
How to apply: Schedule H or H-EZ with your Wisconsin taxes. (Wisconsin Department of Revenue)
For veterans
Veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit
A refundable credit equal to your property taxes
For eligible disabled veterans and unremarried surviving spouses certified by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. You can't also claim the homestead credit.
How to apply: With your Wisconsin income tax return. (Wisconsin Department of Revenue)
Want to see which ones fit you? Answer a few questions in the property tax exemptions checker.
If you serve or served
- VA home loan: available in every state, often with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility. See VA home loans.
- Property tax: veterans in Wisconsin may qualify for Veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit. See the details above.
Your next steps
- Work out a monthly cost you’re comfortable with in the home cost calculator. It also lists Wisconsin’s programs with the loans you may qualify for.
- Talk with a free or low-cost HUD-approved housing counselor. Find one near you.
- Ask each lender which of these programs they work with, and compare Loan Estimates from at least three.
- Follow the step-by-step home buyer’s guide from budget to keys.
Common questions
Does Wisconsin have down payment help for home buyers?
Yes. Programs from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) include Easy Close, Capital Access. Income and price limits, through a WHEDA-approved lender. Funding and rules change often, so check with the agency or a participating lender.
Does Wisconsin have a homestead or property tax exemption for homeowners?
Yes. Homeowners who live in the home may qualify for: Lottery and gaming credit, Homestead credit. Apply with your Wisconsin Department of Revenue; most exemptions aren't automatic.
Is there help for veterans buying a home in Wisconsin?
VA home loans are available in every state, often with no down payment. Veterans may also qualify for property tax benefits such as Veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit.
Sources: Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) and Wisconsin’s property tax office, linked above. Last checked November 11, 2026. Programs, amounts, income limits and funding change often, sometimes every year. Know Before You Own doesn’t recommend lenders or take referral fees. This page is general education, not legal, tax or lending advice. See other states.