Assistance is almost always faster. On a $299,188 home the 3% down payment is about $8,976. Saving that at $400/month takes roughly 23 months — over 1.9 years — while a matched state program can cover the same gap on application. The fastest path is usually to keep saving and apply for assistance, so you close sooner and keep a cash reserve.
As of Q1 2026 there are 2,679 down payment assistance programs in the U.S., and 77% are active and funded (source: Down Payment Resource, Q1 2026 program count). Most cover part or all of the 3% conventional or 3.5% FHA minimum down payment.
Related questions
Is it worth using down payment assistance?
For most first-time buyers, yes — it can turn years of saving into months, and deferred or forgivable structures mean you may never repay it out of pocket.
Should I keep saving if I use assistance?
Yes. Lenders like reserves, and having your own savings plus assistance gives you a cushion for closing costs and the unexpected.
How fast can assistance close the gap?
Immediately at closing, once approved — versus the months or years the same amount would take to save. Processing timelines vary by agency.