North Dakota offers 10 down payment assistance programs to help homebuyers cover their down payment and closing costs. This includes 2 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 $40,000 through the most generous program. Most programs require the home to be your primary residence, and many require homebuyer education.
Top Down Payment Assistance Programs in North Dakota
Highlighted programs that combine high assistance amounts with statewide or major-metro availability. See the full list below.
Dunn County Housing Down Payment Assistance (DPI)
openDunn County
$40,000
Down Payment Assistance
openConfederated Tribes of Grand Ronde - Housing
20 (max $20,000)
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance (DCA) Program
verifyNorth Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA)
3% of the first mortgage loan amount (minimum (max 3% of the first mortgage loan amount (minimum $3,000))
Grant Programs (2)
Grants are the gold standard of down payment assistance. You receive the money and never have to pay it back.
Dunn County Housing Down Payment Assistance (DPI)
Dunn 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
- grant
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- No
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
Deferred Payment Loans (6)
Deferred loans require no monthly payments while you live in the home. You repay when you sell, refinance, or move out.
FirstHome Program (NDHFA)
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Varies by county and household size (typ...
- 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
Varies by county and household size (typically around $110,000+ for families)
Check AMI limits for your county →Notes
Have not owned a primary residence in the last 3 years. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence
HomeAccess Program (NDHFA)
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Varies
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- veterans
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Additional Requirements
Must qualify under one of the underserved categories (veterans, disabled, single parents, elderly)
Notes
Targeted to underserved groups (veterans, disabled, single parents, elderly). Occupancy requirement: Primary residence
NDHFA North Dakota Roots
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- 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
Varies; designed for moderate-income buyers who may exceed standard DCA income limits
Check AMI limits for your county →Notes
Designed for repeat homebuyers or those exceeding FirstHome income limits
City of Fargo (No Separate City DPA)
City of Fargo (directs to NDHFA)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Per NDHFA guidelines
- 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
Additional Requirements
Fargo does not have a separate city DPA program; directs buyers to NDHFA DCA
Notes
Directed to NDHFA statewide programs
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.
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance (DCA) Program
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Varies by county and household size
- 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.
- Not specified
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest deferred loan. No monthly payments; repayment due only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the mortgage.
Additional Requirements
Must use an NDHFA first mortgage
Notes
First-time homebuyers (not owned in last 3 years). Occupancy requirement: Primary residence
Lewis & Clark Development Group DREAM Fund
Lewis & Clark Development Group
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- Varies
- 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.
- Not specified
Additional Requirements
Also serves Corson County, South Dakota
Notes
Check program requirements
How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance in North Dakota
-
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.
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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 Dakota?
Up to $40,000 through available programs in North Dakota. 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. 4 programs in North Dakota 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?
Requirements vary by program. Most require a credit score of at least 620-660.
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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