North Carolina offers 51 down payment assistance programs to help homebuyers cover their down payment and closing costs. This includes 3 grant programs that never require repayment. Programs range from statewide options administered by the state housing finance agency to local city and county programs targeting specific communities.
Maximum assistance available reaches $200,000 through the most generous program. Credit score requirements start as low as 620 for some programs. Most programs require the home to be your primary residence, and many require homebuyer education.
Top Down Payment Assistance Programs in North Carolina
Highlighted programs that combine high assistance amounts with statewide or major-metro availability. See the full list below.
High Point City-Wide Homebuyer Assistance Program
verifyCity of High Point Community Development and Housing
UP TO $7,500 (City-Wide); $5,000 (Core City area, no income limits, max price $200,000)
Doorway to Prosperity
verifyDreamKey Partners
$95,000
City of Durham Down Payment Assistance Program
verifyCity of Durham Community Development Department
UP TO $80,000
Orange County Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP)
verifyOrange County Housing and Community Development (HOME Consortium: Orange County, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough)
UP TO $80,000
Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program
openCity of Durham
$80,000
Grant Programs (3)
Grants are the gold standard of down payment assistance. You receive the money and never have to pay it back.
Down Payment Assistance
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde - Housing
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Monroe-Union County CDC Down Payment Assistance (MUCCDC)
Monroe-Union County Community Development Corporation (MUCCDC)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Low-moderate income
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
Low to moderate income; HUD-approved income guidelines
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
Grant (not repayable based on typical structure)
Additional Requirements
Currently NOT accepting applications as of last check; City of Monroe opted out of CDBG funding for 2025, 2026, 2027; check directly with MUCCDC for current availability
Notes
First-time homebuyers
Down Payment Assistance
NC Realtors Housing Foundation
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium
- Max Price
- $350,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Forgivable Loans (11)
Forgivable loans are forgiven after a set period of living in the home. If you stay, you keep the money.
High Point City-Wide Homebuyer Assistance Program
City of High Point Community Development and Housing
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Low-moderate income
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- $200,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
Very low-to-moderate income (specific figures not published)
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
Deferred, low-interest loan (specific forgiveness terms not detailed publicly)
Additional Requirements
Separate Core City program available ($5,000, no income limits, max price $200,000)
Notes
Targeted to very low-to-moderate income buyers
City of Durham Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Durham Community Development Department
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, manufactured, townhome, condo
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA, VA, Conventional
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest, 15-year forgivable loan. Fully forgiven after 15 years.
Additional Requirements
Must apply through approved participating lender
Notes
First-time homebuyer or have not owned a home in the last 3 years
City of Raleigh Homebuyer Assistance Program
City of Raleigh Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Zero-interest deferred loans. No payments due until home is sold or owner no longer uses as primary residence.
Additional Requirements
Must complete Homeownership Class through DHIC Inc. (919-832-4345). Must use approved lender. Can be combined with NCHFA programs
Notes
Not explicitly stated as first-time buyer only; targeted to low-income households. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence
Rocky Mount Down Payment Assistance Program
Rocky Mount Housing Authority (RMHA)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- 640+
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
Below 80% AMI (~$63,300 for family of 4). Up to 120% AMI (~$94,920) for targeted neighborhoods.
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest deferred payment loan. Forgiven 20%/10%/6.67% per year after closing depending on affordability period (5/10/15 years). Secured by deed of trust.
Additional Requirements
Housing ratio must be 25-32%. Must complete approved homebuyer education course. Must receive at least 2 hours in-person housing counseling. First-come, first-served basis. Can combine with NC 1st Home Advantage and other DPA programs
Notes
First-time homebuyers; income up to 120% AMI for targeted neighborhoods. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence. Max DTI: 45%
Wake County Affordable Homeownership Program
Wake County and DHIC Inc.
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- 640+
- Property Types
- single-family, new construction, existing homes
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest forgivable loan. No monthly payments. Funds forgiven based on continued occupancy. Repayment triggered by sale or refinance of primary mortgage.
Additional Requirements
Can be layered with NCHFA programs; program administrator DHIC at 919-615-3720
Notes
First-time homebuyers only
City of Fayetteville Homebuying HERO Program
City of Fayetteville Economic and Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 120% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- government employees
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
At or below 120% AMI (Citizen HERO and Public Service HERO) or at or below 140% AMI (City Employee HERO). Tiers updated April 2025.
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest forgivable loan. City Employee HERO: forgiven over 5 years. Citizen/Public Service HERO: forgiven over 10 years.
Additional Requirements
HERO = Homebuyer Education and Readiness Opportunity; program guidelines updated May 12, 2025
Notes
First-time homebuyers
ReBuild NC Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP)
NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) / ReBuild NC
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 120% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
Up to 120% AMI (HOME program limits, updated annually by HUD)
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
Forgiven after 3-year minimum occupancy in purchased home. Full repayment required if property is sold or owner moves within 3 years. Standard: up to 20% of purchase price or $20,000 (whichever is less). First-generation buyers: up to 30% of purchase price or $30,000 (whichever is less). Closing cost assistance up to 5% of purchase price additional.
Additional Requirements
CDBG-DR funded; separate program for Haywood County; contact HAP.support@ncdps.gov
Notes
First-time or first-generation homebuyers; first-time defined as not owned home in past 3 years
Greensboro Housing Connect GSO Homebuyer DPA
City of Greensboro Housing and Neighborhood Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 120% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- teachers, veterans
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Income Limits
Up to 120% AMI for 1-2 person households; up to 140% AMI for 3+ person households
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest, deferred second mortgage, forgiven after 10 years if borrower remains in the home.
Additional Requirements
Minimum $500 cash investment required
Notes
First-time homebuyer or have not owned in last 3 years. Waived if purchasing in designated redevelopment area.
Cumberland County Down Payment and GAP Loan Program
Cumberland County Community Development Office
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Low income
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
Low-income household (specific AMI thresholds not published; HOME funds)
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
DAP: forgiven over 10 years. GAP: recaptured if sold or refinanced during HOME affordability period based on amount invested.
Additional Requirements
Loan secured by first, second, or third mortgage; recaptured if sold or refinanced during affordability period
Notes
Must not have owned a home within the past 3 years
City of Winston-Salem Homebuyer Assistance Program
City of Winston-Salem Neighborhood Services Department
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- $275,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
At or below 80% AMI; household assets must not exceed $10,000; family of 4 income limit approximately $53,400
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
Forgivable after 10 years if borrower remains in the home.
Additional Requirements
Applications at Bryce A Stuart Building, 100 E. 1st Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 or email NS-Lending@cityofws.org
Notes
Must be first-time homebuyer
Chapel Hill Employee Down Payment Assistance Program
Town of Chapel Hill Housing and Community Connections
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- 115% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest, forgiven at 20% per year of employment with the Town of Chapel Hill. Due if employee leaves within 5 years.
Additional Requirements
Employee-only program; if employee leaves within five years, must repay any unforgiven balance
Notes
Not explicitly first-time only; restricted to Town of Chapel Hill employees
Deferred Payment Loans (35)
Deferred loans require no monthly payments while you live in the home. You repay when you sell, refinance, or move out.
Doorway to Prosperity
DreamKey Partners
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- $315,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- No
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program
City of Durham
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, Manufactured
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA +3
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Enhanced Homebuyer Assistance Program
City of Raleigh
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- $450,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
House Charlotte Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Charlotte / DreamKey Partners
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 110% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- 620+
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- $365,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
Up to 110% AMI (~$123,400 for family of 4 in 2025). Higher assistance at/under 80% AMI (~$89,750 for family of 4).
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
0% interest deferred loan. 30-year term, forgiven at year 31. Can be used for down payment, closing costs, interest rate buy-down, or principal reduction.
Additional Requirements
8 hours minimum homebuyer education and counseling required. Must use House Charlotte-approved lender. Public service employee bonus tier available
Notes
Must be first-time homebuyer and not own any other property. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence
Community Partners Loan Pool - CPLP
DreamKey Partners
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, Manufactured
- Max Price
- $342,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +4, USDA-RD +1, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Down Payment Assistance Program
Rocky Mount Housing Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units
- Max Price
- $276,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Mountain Housing Opportunities Down Payment Assistance
Mountain Housing Opportunities (MHO)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- 640+
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
Non-forgivable 0% interest deferred loan (Buncombe County component). Repaid when home is sold.
Additional Requirements
MHO assisted over 2,000 households in 2024; seven projects in development for 2025; Buncombe County component is non-forgivable 0% interest loan up to 10% of purchase price
Notes
Must complete homebuyer education; not explicitly first-time only
HouseCharlotte - Program 1A
DreamKey Partners
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- $315,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
The Homeownership Assistance Program
Rebuild NC
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, Manufactured, Modular
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Wilmington Home Ownership Pool (HOP) Program
City of Wilmington Housing Division (in partnership with local banks)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest deferred loan. 100% financing available on specific portion. Repaid when home is sold or refinanced.
Additional Requirements
Partner banks provide approximately $1 million annually; HOP 2GETHER free resources program also available; FY 2025-26 Annual Action Plan continues this program
Notes
Low-to-moderate income households; not explicitly first-time only
Homebuyer Assistance Program for Public Service Heroes
City of Greensboro
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, Manufactured
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Homebuyer Assistance Program
City of Fayetteville
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, Modular
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Homebuyer Assistance Program for Households
City of Greensboro
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
HOME Down Payment Assistance
City of Greenville
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- $150,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program (AHOP)
Forsyth County
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- $290,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +4
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Lumbee Tribe Down Payment Assistance Program
Lumbee Tribe of NC
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Unifour Consortium Down-payment assistance program
City of Lenoir
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units
- Max Price
- $273,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
NC Home Advantage Mortgage
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium, Manufactured
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +4
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayment at sale or refinance and If programType is 'Loan' and Amortizing or Fully Amortizing is mentioned, set repaymentStructure to 'Fully Amortizing',and If programType is 'Loan' and Forgivable or Forgiven or Fully Forgiven is mentioned, set repaymentStructure to 'Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule'
Homebuyer Assistance Program for #100Homes
City of Greensboro
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, Manufactured
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium, Manufactured
- Max Price
- $495,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Downpayment Assistance Program
City of Concord
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family
- Max Price
- $329,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Homebuyer's Assistance Program (HOME)
City of Gastonia
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, Manufactured
- Max Price
- $308,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Homebuyer Assistance For WG/Univ Areas
City of Greenville
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- No
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Core City Homebuyer Incentive Program
City of High Point
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- $300,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule.
HouseCharlotte - Program 1B
DreamKey Partners
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- $315,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program
Guilford County - Housing Consultants Group
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, Manufactured
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +4, USDA-RD +1, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Homebuyer Assistance Program
Town of Davidson
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Modular
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Down-payment Assistance Program (DAP)
Cumberland County
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
4% Interest
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Jacksonville NC Homeownership Down Payment Assistance
City of Jacksonville Neighborhood Improvement Services
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest deferred payment loan. Due in full at end of first mortgage term, upon resale, or upon conversion to rental unit. NOT forgiven. repayment required.
Additional Requirements
Must qualify for and repay a first mortgage. Homebuyer education courses offered at Jacksonville Station, 1300 N Marine Blvd
Notes
Not explicitly stated as first-time only. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence
City of Greenville Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Greenville Neighborhood and Business Services, Community Development Division
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Low-moderate income
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Income Limits
Low to moderate income (2025 Income Program Chart available from city)
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest, deferred loan
Additional Requirements
DPA Lunch and Learn education sessions offered; contact Lori Guttman at (252) 329-4607
Notes
First-time homebuyers purchasing in designated target areas
Downpayment Assistance
Buncombe County
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Affordable Housing 10% Loan Assistance Program
City of Greenville
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- $266,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Downpayment Assistance Program
Mountain Housing Opportunities
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Chenoa Fund FHA Down Payment Assistance Forgivable
CBC Mortgage Agency (Chenoa Fund)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, Leasehold, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, Manufactured
- Max Price
- $766,550
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Chenoa Fund FHA Down Payment Assistance Repayable
CBC Mortgage Agency (Chenoa Fund)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, Leasehold, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, Manufactured
- Max Price
- $766,550
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
Note rate 1% above the first mortgage note rate
Repayment Terms
This loan does require a monthly payment on the second mortgage.
Second Mortgages (2)
These programs provide DPA as a second mortgage, sometimes with monthly payments, sometimes deferred.
Orange County Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP)
Orange County Housing and Community Development (HOME Consortium: Orange County, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- second mortgage
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
3% simple interest
Repayment Terms
3% simple interest, deferred payment, 30-year term. Repaid when home is sold or refinanced.
Additional Requirements
2025-2030 Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan in development; 30-year term
Notes
First-time homebuyers who have not owned a home in the previous three years
CADA Homeownership Down Payment Assistance (CPLP Member)
Choanoke Area Development Association of NC (CADA)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Low-moderate income
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- USDA
- Assistance Type
- second mortgage
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Income Limits
Low to moderate income (USDA Section 502 income limits apply)
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest, deferred second mortgage matching the first mortgage term up to 33 years. Repaid when home is sold or at end of loan term.
Additional Requirements
Member of NCHFA Community Partners Loan Pool; provides group education and one-on-one counseling
Notes
Not explicitly first-time only; assists income-eligible buyers
How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance in North Carolina
-
1
Check Your Eligibility
Use our free eligibility tool to see which programs match your situation. Enter your state, city, income, and target home price.
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2
Contact the Program Administrator
Each program has its own application process. Visit the program website or call the administering agency to get started. Many programs work through approved lenders.
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3
Get Pre-Approved with a Participating Lender
Not every lender participates in every DPA program. Work with a lender who is approved for the programs you want. The program administrator can provide a list of approved lenders.
-
4
Complete Homebuyer Education (If Required)
Many programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Online options through eHome America and Framework are accepted by most programs.
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5
Close & Move In
DPA funds are typically disbursed at closing alongside your first mortgage. Your lender coordinates the DPA program paperwork as part of the loan process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in North Carolina?
Up to $200,000 through available programs in North Carolina. Multiple programs can often be combined for even more assistance. The exact amount depends on your income, location, and the specific program requirements.
Do I need to be a first-time homebuyer?
Not always. 10 programs in North Carolina are open to repeat buyers. "First-time buyer" is typically defined as not having owned a home in the past three years.
What credit score do I need?
As low as 620 for some programs. Most programs require 620-660. Higher credit scores may qualify you for more programs and better terms.
Can I combine multiple DPA programs?
In many cases, yes. Some programs are specifically designed to be layered with others. For example, you might combine a state grant with a local deferred loan. Check with each program administrator about stacking eligibility.
DPA Programs in Nearby States
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