The first-time buyer rule and the 3-year test
THDA's "first-time buyer" does not always mean you have never owned. It turns on the last 3 years.
3 years: the look-back in THDA's first-time buyer rule. As of 10-28-2026.
The 3-year rule, as a flow
If you have not owned and lived in a home in the last 3 years, you may meet the first-time buyer rule. If you have, other routes may still work. As of 10-28-2026.
Show the same facts as a list
| Step | Answer |
|---|---|
| Owned and lived in a home, last 3 years? | No: May meet the first-time rule. Yes: Targeted area, qualified military and spouse, or ask a lender. |
The test, in one question
In the last 3 years, did you own a home and live in it as your main home? If not, THDA's rule may treat you as a first-time buyer even if you owned a home before that.
Your household
A lender looks at the whole household's history, so have the facts for a spouse ready too.
If the answer is yes
A repeat buyer may still fit in a targeted county or area, or as qualified military and spouse. The repeat buyer quiz walks through the routes.
What this rests on
Each line below was read at thda.org on the date shown.
- A buyer who has not lived in a home they owned in the last 3 years may be a first-time buyer under THDA's rule. Repeat buyers may also be eligible in a targeted county or area, or as qualified military and spouse. THDA lists 43 counties as targeted, and designated areas in additional counties. As of 10-28-2026.
What this page holds back
Any figure marked "As of" was checked at thda.org on that day. The price limit, the county income limits and other amounts are not printed here until a person has checked them. They change, and they depend on your county and household.
Limits vary by county and change. Ask a THDA-approved lender. THDA's own limits page.
Check where you stand
First-time buyer check
Three quick taps on THDA's 3-year rule. No account needed. 3 questions, about 2 minutes
- Repeat buyer: which route? (3 questions, about 2 minutes)
Last checked 10-28-2026 · Source: THDA's map of targeted areas