: Prior to the 2017 reform, interest on up to $100,000 of home equity debt was deductible regardless of how the funds were used.

: These remained a key federal-to-state incentive, allowing qualified buyers to claim a direct federal tax credit for a portion of their annual mortgage interest. Government-Backed Loan Programs

These programs provided low-down-payment options that functioned as primary incentives for entry-level buyers in 2017.

In 2017, home buying incentives were defined by a mix of long-standing federal programs, state-level assistance, and a major shift in tax policy at the end of the year. Federal Mortgage Tax Incentives