Buying a home is one of life’s most important decisions, as it is not only a financial commitment but also an investment in quality of life. The Government of Puerto Rico, through the Housing Finance Authority (HFA), launched the Pronto pa’ tu Casa program, an initiative funded with federal CDBG-MIT funds that provides financial assistance to eligible buyers to help facilitate the closing of their first primary residence.
Available since January 2026, the program is designed for low-to moderate-income individuals and families seeking to purchase their first primary residence in Puerto Rico.
Pronto pa’ tu Casa is a financial incentive exclusively aimed at those looking to acquire their first primary residence. The incentive is requested along with a mortgage loan at a participating financial institution. To determine eligibility and the amount of assistance, verification of income, household composition, and property location is required.
The program provides funds for down payment and closing costs of up to $45,000 per eligible household. If you are part of essential recovery personnel, assistance increases to $55,000. Additionally, if you purchase within an urban center certified by the Department of Housing, you may receive an additional $5,000, for a total of up to $60,000.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following general requirements:
Meet the HUD income limits based on household composition
Obtain approval for a first mortgage from a participating financial institution
Not currently owning a home at the time of application
Be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien
Complete a homebuyer education course
Commit to occupying the property as a primary residence for at least five years
Applications for Pronto pa’ tu Casa are not submitted directly to the Government. The process begins at a participating financial institution.
The first step is to apply for mortgage prequalification. At this stage:
Income, household composition, debts, and credit will be evaluated
The potential financing amount is determined
Program eligibility is assessed
You do not need to have a specific property identified to begin this process.
With the prequalification, you can search for a home within your purchasing capacity. The property must meet specific program requirements.
When you formally begin your mortgage process, the Pronto pa’ tu Casa application is submitted simultaneously. The financial institution submits the information to HFA through the HBA Platform for final evaluation.
The course is mandatory, but it does not need to be completed before starting the mortgage process.
Once eligibility is determined, the system automatically assigns a counseling agency.
The agency will contact you to coordinate the course (date, time, and format).
You will have 15 days to complete the course and obtain certification after applying for both the mortgage and Pronto pa’ tu Casa.
If you already have a valid certificate from HUD or CDBG-DR-approved programs, you may use it.
The certificate must be submitted before final award of assistance.
To qualify under the program, the property must:
Meet the minimum requirements established by the financial institution.
Have a valid title free of encumbrances.
Not be tenant-occupied.
Have a Use Permit if newly constructed.
Comply with the program's environmental review.
Have flood insurance if located in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
The property cannot be located in airport runway protection zones or Coastal Barrier Resource Areas. Applicants must sign a disclosure acknowledging this condition.
During the process, the financial institution may request:
Homebuyer education course certificate
Valid identification (Social Security card; passport; driver’s license; military ID; Naturalization Certificate; or Permanent Resident Card)
Birth certificate
Identification as Essential Recovery Personnel (if applicable)
Bank statements for the last three (3) months
Pay stubs for the last three (3) months
The last two (2) Puerto Rico income tax returns filed
W-2 forms for the past two (2) years
Current lease agreements
Certifications from ASUME or the Department of Labor, if applicable
If no income is reported, a No-Income Certification must be completed for all individuals over 18 years old.
Having these documents ready can significantly speed up the process.
In addition to covering the down payment and closing costs, Pronto pa’ tu Casa can be strategically used to reduce debt-to-income ratio, helping you:
Qualify for a better mortgage
Lower your monthly payment
Get closer to the home you want without compromising financial stability
If you are considering buying your first home in Puerto Rico, getting informed early is key. Visit www.1firstbank.com, explore the Online Mortgage section anytime, or visit any FirstBank branch or FirstMortgage centers across the island, or call 787-760-8100.
At FirstBank, we guide you from prequalification to closing, helping you evaluate whether this incentive fits your financial situation. Having the right guidance and resources can make all the difference. We are here to help you take this important step!
FirstBank is Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
Subject to credit approval. Certain restrictions apply. FirstMortgage is a division of FirstBank Puerto Rico. CDBG program funds are granted and managed by the Housing Finance Authority (HFA).
1 The prequalification is based on limited information provided by the consumer and does not guarantee approval, specific terms, or any interest rate. All mortgage loan offers, types, terms, and conditions are subject to credit approval.
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The contents in this section are provided for informational and educational purposes only and do not apply to all types of situations. The contents should not be construed as any type of advice or suggestion to take (or refrain from taking) any particular action, as it does not include or take into account all factors that may be relevant to your individual needs.