Affordable home financing for eligible Native American home buyers
Backed by HUD, the Section 184 program offers low down payments, competitive fixed rates, and flexible financing to help eligible American Indian and Alaska Native families buy, build, renovate, or refinance a home.
What is a HUD Section 184 Loan?
The HUD Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program is a government-backed mortgage created by Congress and administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to increase homeownership opportunities for eligible American Indian and Alaska Native families. Designed specifically for Native communities, the program offers affordable financing with low down payment requirements, competitive fixed interest rates, flexible underwriting guidelines, and no monthly mortgage insurance. Whether you're purchasing your first home, building on tribal land, buying off tribal land in an eligible area, refinancing an existing mortgage, or financing eligible home improvements, a Section 184 loan can make homeownership more accessible. Backed by HUD's loan guarantee, the program helps reduce lender risk while expanding access to mortgage financing for eligible borrowers.
Highlights
HUD Section 184 features
General HUD Section 184 requirements
- Must be purchasing in eligible areas across 39 states with full or partial approval
- Must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or Alaska Native village
- Meet income, credit, and underwriting requirements (loan limits follow FHA limits)
- Work with a HUD-approved Section 184 lender
- Must be a primary residence:
- Single-family homes
- New construction
- Manufactured homes on permanent foundations (when eligible)
- One- to four-unit primary residences
- Homes requiring eligible rehabilitation
Things to consider before getting a HUD Section 184 Loan
- Only available to eligible tribal members and certain tribal entities
- Homes must be located within HUD-approved program areas
- The property must be your primary residence
- Adjustable-rate mortgages aren't permitted
- Maximum loan amounts are based on county loan limits
- There's a 1% guarantee fee that can be rolled into the loan
Why buyers choose Section 184 loans
Home buyers often choose a Section 184 loan because it offers:
- A lower down payment than many conventional loan options
- No monthly mortgage insurance
- Financing for purchasing, building, refinancing, or eligible renovations
- Flexible underwriting that considers more than just your credit score
- Financing options for homes on tribal trust land and in approved off-reservation areas
- A government-backed loan designed specifically for eligible Native American and Alaska Native borrowers
How it works
1. Verify eligibility
Confirm you're an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native village and that the property is located in an eligible area.
2. Apply with a participating lender
Complete a mortgage application and provide income, employment, asset, and tribal enrollment documentation.
3. Review your financing options
We'll determine whether a Section 184 loan is the best fit for your goals and explain available down payment and closing cost assistance options if applicable.
4. Complete underwriting
Your loan is reviewed using Section 184 guidelines, and HUD provides its loan guarantee after approval.
5. Close on your home
Sign your final documents, receive your keys, and begin enjoying homeownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re here to help! Find answers to your everyday banking questions.
The HUD Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program is a government-backed mortgage created specifically for eligible American Indian and Alaska Native home buyers.
Eligible borrowers generally include enrolled members of federally recognized American Indian tribes or Alaska Native villages, along with certain tribes and tribally designated housing entities.
Most Section 184 loans require only 2.25% down, while loans under $50,000 require just 1.25% down.
No. Section 184 loans do not have monthly mortgage insurance. Instead, borrowers pay a one-time 1% loan guarantee fee, which can typically be financed into the loan.
Yes. Many approved counties allow eligible borrowers to use Section 184 financing off tribal trust land, provided the property is located in an approved service area.
Yes. The program can finance the construction of a new home, subject to HUD and lender requirements.
Yes. Eligible homeowners may use Section 184 for rate-and-term refinances, streamline refinances, or cash-out refinances when program guidelines are met.
Yes. Eligible manufactured homes on permanent foundations may qualify under HUD guidelines.