City of London Homeownership Down Payment Assistance Program

Last reviewed October 30, 2026

The City of London runs a down payment assistance program for moderate-income renter households buying in London or Middlesex County. It provides an interest-free loan that's forgiven after 20 years. It's not always open, and funding is limited, so here's what to know and how to be ready.

Program details (as published by the City)

Loan amount
5% of the purchase price, to a maximum of $25,000
Interest
None
Forgiveness
Forgiven after 20 years if there's no default
Maximum purchase price
$500,000
Household income limit
Maximum gross household income of $113,700
Area
London or Middlesex County
Home types
Detached, semi-detached, townhouse (condo and freehold), stacked homes, row houses and condo apartments
Household liquid assets
Total household liquid assets cannot exceed $100,000
2026 intake
The City listed a deadline of October 9, 2026 (4:30 p.m.), which has now passed. The City's page said the program was expected to reopen April 1, 2027, but its FAQ also mentions continuous intake while funds last, so confirm the status with the City.

Source: City of London, Homeownership Down Payment Assistance Program (checked October 30, 2026). Housing Programs: housingprograms@london.ca or 519-661-2489 ext. 7831. Limits, funding and intake dates change, so check the City's page for the current status before you plan around this program.

How it works

The program helps renters who can afford mortgage payments but struggle to save a full down payment. If you're approved, the City lends you 5% of the purchase price, up to the maximum. That money goes toward your down payment. You don't make payments on the loan and it doesn't charge interest. If you stay in the home for the 20-year affordability period without defaulting, the loan is forgiven.

If you sell before 20 years

According to the City's program information, if you sell before the 20-year period ends, you repay the original loan plus 5% of any realized capital gain on the home. The City's materials also describe how sales at a loss are treated. Read the loan agreement carefully, and have your lawyer explain it, because this is a significant condition if you think you might move within 20 years.

Who it's for

Based on the City's published criteria, applicants must generally:

Check the City's full eligibility list and application guide, since there are additional requirements.

How to apply

  1. Read the current program page and FAQ on london.ca and confirm whether an intake is open. The 2026 intake deadline (October 9, 2026) has passed.
  2. Get mortgage pre-approval for your share of the purchase.
  3. Make an offer on an eligible home. The City's process involves submitting your application once you have an accepted offer.
  4. Submit the application forms by the method the City specifies (it has listed email, in-person drop-off at City Hall and mail).
  5. Allow enough time before closing: the City has advised allowing 30 days or more for processing.

Timing matters. The City says applications are processed first-come, first-served, subject to available funding, and intake windows close. If you're hoping to use this program, prepare your documents early and watch the City's page for the next intake (listed as expected April 1, 2027). Ask your agent and lawyer about writing an offer with a closing date that leaves room for the City's processing time.

Using it with other programs

The City's loan is one piece of your down payment. You may also be able to use your FHSA, the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan and your own savings, and claim the land transfer tax refund and tax credit. Confirm with the City how other funding sources affect your application.

Finding eligible homes

With a maximum purchase price, your search will focus on condo apartments, townhouses and some smaller homes. In London, those are spread across the city: the south and east ends, parts of the north, and downtown.