MOORE’S SUMMARY: In March, we told you about a new program Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration launched offering up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible first-time Illinois homebuyers.

Within nine weeks, more than 1,500 homebuyers have been offered upwards of $18 million in down payment assistance, Pritzker’s office confirmed to us. The program, dubbed “Access Home,” has quickly become the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s most popular program, representing 61% of the department’s loan reservations made in 2026.

The assistance is provided as a zero-interest silent second mortgage with repayment deferred for up to 30 years unless the home is sold or refinanced earlier.

Initial funding uses existing sources, including reallocated funds from prior down payment assistance programs, excess single-family indenture liquidity and proceeds from future revenue bond debt issuances.

‘SUCCESS’: “As evidenced by the recent success of Access Home, there remains a large pool of individuals and families who want to buy and put roots down in Illinois,” said IDHA executive director Kristin Faust. “The passage of BUILD will expand IHDA’s ability to provide downpayment assistance programs for working individuals and families, giving them the chance to thrive and not worry about student loan debt or other hurdles preventing them from achieving their dreams.”

CONTEXT: The news comes as Pritzker pushes his Building Up Illinois Developments, or BUILD housing plan, which includes proposals to relax restrictions on the development of multi-unit housing, legalize accessory dwelling units and cut red tape that’s slowed homebuilding.

The plan has run into roadblocks from municipal leaders and some state legislators over its preemption of local control on zoning. Read: Illinois municipal leaders unveil ‘REAL’ counter to Pritzker’s ‘BUILD’ housing plan

However, Pritzker’s plan includes a $250 million capital funding request for site preparation grants, middle housing development, and first-time homebuyer assistance. This aspect of the plan has generally garnered bipartisan support.