South Carolina offers 34 down payment assistance programs to help homebuyers cover their down payment and closing costs. This includes 1 grant program 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 $50,000 through the most generous program. Credit score requirements start as low as 600 for some programs. Most programs require the home to be your primary residence, and many require homebuyer education.
Top Down Payment Assistance Programs in South Carolina
Highlighted programs that combine high assistance amounts with statewide or major-metro availability. See the full list below.
City of Greenville Employer Assisted Homebuyer Program
verifyCommunityWorks Carolina (administered for City of Greenville)
UP TO $50,000 (varies by AMI tier)
North Pointe Subdivision Down-payment Assistance
verifyCity of Florence
$30,000
SC Housing Made It Home! Program
verifySC State Housing Finance and Development Authority
UP TO $25,000
Town of Bluffton Homebuyer Assistance Program
openCommunity Works
$25,000
Richland County Homeownership Assistance
openRichland County Community Development
$24,500
Grant Programs (1)
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
Forgivable Loans (13)
Forgivable loans are forgiven after a set period of living in the home. If you stay, you keep the money.
City of Greenville Employer Assisted Homebuyer Program
CommunityWorks Carolina (administered for City of Greenville)
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
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- City of Greenville employees (full-time or permane...
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
Up to $50,000 for <=80% AMI; $40,000 for >80-100%; $30,000 for >100-120%; $20,000 for >120-150%
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
Forgivable loan; repayment/forgiveness terms not confirmed (not captured from web page; fact sheet required)
Additional Requirements
Must be a full-time or permanent part-time City of Greenville employee. Minimum 1 year of employment with City of Greenville. Must be in good standing with employer
Notes
Must be first-time homebuyer (not owned in 3 years). Properties in Greenville County or contiguous SC counties (Abbeville, Anderson, Laurens, Pickens, Spartanburg). Full-time tiers: $50K (≤80% AMI), $40K (80-100%), $30K (100-120%), $20K (120-150%). Permanent part-time: lower amounts. Must maintain City of Greenville employment for 5-year forgiveness term.
SC Housing Made It Home! Program
SC State Housing Finance and Development Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- $135,000 or county income limits if lowe...
- Min Credit Score
- 640+
- Property Types
- single-family
- Max Price
- $200,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
10-year forgivable zero percent interest second mortgage; $25,000 DPA; must repay upon sale, refinance, or non-occupancy before maturity; cannot combine with other SC Housing DPA programs; subordination not permitted
Additional Requirements
Must purchase one of 130 designated new construction homes. Communities: Columbia (McGuinn Homes, 45 homes), Darlington/Orangeburg (D.R. Horton, 40 homes), Rock Hill (15 homes), Spartanburg (15 homes), Sumter (15 homes). Cannot be combined with other SC Housing down payment assistance programs. Must use SC Housing-approved lender
Notes
First-time buyer definition required if using SC Housing Homebuyer Bond program alongside; not required for all buyers. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence
Richland County Homeownership Assistance
Richland County Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family
- Max Price
- $228,000 existing / $273,000 new construction
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Deferred forgivable second mortgage; fully forgiven after 5 years if buyer occupies as primary residence
Additional Requirements
Property must be single-family detached, built after 1978, in unincorporated Richland County. Must attend homebuyer education classes through Richland County. Contact: 803-576-2230 or cd@richlandcountysc.gov
Notes
First-time homebuyers required. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence
City of Charleston Homeownership Initiative
City of Charleston Department of Housing and Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 50-120% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
Zero-interest deferred forgivable loan; conditioned on living in the home for up to 20 years
Additional Requirements
Contact Charleston Housing and Community Development department directly for current program status
Notes
Requirements not confirmed. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence (assumed)
CommunityWorks Carolina Greenville County DPA
CommunityWorks Carolina
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80-120% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- manufactured
- Max Price
- $425,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
80% to 120% AMI (tiered: $20,000 at ≤80% AMI; $10,000 at 80-120% AMI)
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
Non-amortizing subordinate loan at 0% interest; forgivable portion forgiven over 5 years ($10,000 tier) or 8 years ($20,000 tier); $10,000 non-forgivable component (for ≤80% AMI borrowers) due on sale or transfer
Additional Requirements
Minimum $500 personal investment required. Must complete homebuyer education workshop. Waitlist available; expected to reopen mid-2026
Notes
Currently out of funds as of April 2026; waiting list available; funds expected mid-2026. Properties in City of Greenville are NOT eligible (Greenville County only). Manufactured homes max purchase price $195,000. Minimum $500 personal investment required.
Northside Development Group Spartanburg Homebuyer Assistance
CommunityWorks Carolina (administered for Northside Development Group)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- 200% 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 (first-time homebuyers at ≤200% AMI; OR Sparta...
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Forgivable loan; terms not confirmed while program is inactive
Additional Requirements
Funds currently unavailable as of April 4, 2026. March 2026 restart expected per program page but not confirmed
Notes
First-time homebuyers required. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence
FHLBank Atlanta First-Time Homebuyer Product
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (via member financial institutions)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, townhome, manufactured, multi-family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Repayment Terms
Subsidy subject to recapture if home is sold or no longer primary residence within 5-year retention period
Additional Requirements
Must obtain mortgage through an FHLBank Atlanta member institution. Homebuyer must contribute at least $1,000. 5-year retention requirement: buyer must remain in home; pro-rated recapture if sold/vacated within 5 years. Available in SC as part of FHLBank Atlanta district (AL, DC, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA).
Notes
First-time homebuyers only. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence
2026 Palmetto Heroes Program
SC State Housing Finance and Development Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Subject to SC Housing income qualificati...
- Min Credit Score
- 640+
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, townhome, modular
- Max Price
- $450,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- teachers, veterans, first responders, law enforcem...
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
Subject to SC Housing income qualifications (varies by county)
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
15-year forgivable zero percent interest second mortgage with no monthly payments; must be repaid upon sale, refinance, or non-occupancy before maturity; limited program through December 31, 2026
Additional Requirements
Must be employed as: teacher, nurse, law enforcement officer, correctional officer, firefighter, EMT, paramedic, veteran, active-duty military, or National Guard member. Must have an executed sales contract to secure assistance. Funds available on a first-come, first-served basis. 30-year fixed-rate mortgage through SC Housing lender network. RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED STARTING MONDAY MARCH 16, 2026
Notes
Subject to SC Housing first-time homebuyer qualifications. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence
SC Housing First-Generation Homebuyer Program
SC State Housing Finance and Development Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Subject to SC Housing income limits (var...
- Min Credit Score
- 640+
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, townhome, modular
- Max Price
- $450,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA, VA, USDA
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
Subject to SC Housing income limits (varies by county)
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
15-year forgivable zero percent interest second mortgage; $10,000 DPA; FHA/VA/USDA financing only (Conventional excluded per Community Lending Initiative rules); both borrower AND all co-borrowers must meet first-generation definition
Additional Requirements
Borrower and co-borrower must both meet first-generation definition (parents never owned a home). Must use a participating SC Housing lender. Program launched October 15, 2025
Notes
First-generation homebuyer: neither the borrower nor any co-borrower has previously owned a home, AND neither borrower's parents have owned a home. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence
Lexington County Homeownership Assistance
Lexington County Community Development
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
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Forgiven after 5 years of owner-occupancy
Additional Requirements
Funded through HOME funds. Must participate in county Affordable Housing Counseling and Education Program
Notes
First-time homebuyers required. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence SOURCE URL DEAD: lexingtonsc.gov domain fails DNS resolution as of April 2026. Program may still exist through City of Lexington. recommend manual verification before next update.
Lexington County HOME DPA Program
Lexington County Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family
- Max Price
- $233,000 existing / $295,000 new construction
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Deferred forgivable loan; pro-rated repayment required if property sold or vacated within 5 years of closing; fixed-rate mortgage required
Additional Requirements
Must participate in Lexington County Affordable Housing Counseling and Education Program. Fixed-rate mortgage required. Manufactured and mobile homes are ineligible. Property must be built after 1977. Contact: 803-785-8121; by appointment.
Notes
First-time homebuyers required. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence
City of Rock Hill First-Time Homebuyer Program
Housing Development Corporation of Rock Hill
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
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Forgiven in increments annually over a 5-20 year period
Additional Requirements
Active enrollment form present on official cityofrockhill.com page
Notes
First-time homebuyers required. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence
Chenoa Fund DPA (South Carolina)
CBC Mortgage Agency (national nonprofit)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- No income limit
- Min Credit Score
- 600+
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, townhome, manufactured, multi-family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Income Limits
Varies by product; some products have no income limit
Check AMI limits for your county →Repayment Terms
Forgivable after 36 months (income-qualified borrowers) or repayable second mortgage (rate-driven)
Additional Requirements
Must use FHA-approved lender participating in Chenoa Fund program. No income limits. 3- and 4-unit properties not eligible. Homeownership counseling may be required for borrowers below a certain credit score threshold. FHA loan limits apply by county.
Notes
First-time and repeat buyers eligible depending on loan type. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence
Deferred Payment Loans (20)
Deferred loans require no monthly payments while you live in the home. You repay when you sell, refinance, or move out.
North Pointe Subdivision Down-payment Assistance
City of Florence
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
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Town of Bluffton Homebuyer Assistance Program
Community Works
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
CDBG Target Area Down-payment Assistance
City of Florence
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
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
City of Spartanburg Homebuyer Assistance Program
Community Works
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- $251,000
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
Northside Development Group Spartanburg Home Buyer Assistance
Community Works
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
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Beaufort Memorial Employer Assisted Housing Program
Community Works
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
City Of Beaufort Employer Assisted Housing Program
Community Works
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
City Of Goose Creek Employer Assisted Homebuyer Program
Community Works
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
Greenville County Homebuyer Assistance Program
Community Works
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- $250,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD, HUD +2
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Richland County Home Ownership Assistance
Richland County
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family
- Max Price
- $251,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
County First Initiative
South Carolina Housing
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium
- Max Price
- $450,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA, VA, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Repayment Terms
Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Homebuyer Assistance Program
City of Spartanburg
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- $251,000
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
Prisma Health Employer Assisted Housing Program
Community Works
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
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Employee Homebuyer Assistance Program
Community Works
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, VA, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
City of Columbia City Lender Loans
City of Columbia Department of Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- 80-120% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family
- Max Price
- $205,000 (≤80% AMI) / $318,000 (80-120% AMI)
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Income Limits
≤80% AMI (City Lender 1) or 80-120% AMI (City Lender 2)
Check AMI limits for your county →Interest Rate
4%
Repayment Terms
City Lender 1 (≤80% AMI, max purchase $205,000): 4% gap financing second mortgage + up to $3,500 forgivable closing cost loan. City Lender 2 (80-120% AMI, max purchase $318,000): 4% gap financing second mortgage only.
Additional Requirements
Contact: (803) 545-3373. Contact: Community.Development@columbiasc.gov
Notes
Requirements not confirmed. Occupancy requirement: Primary residence (assumed)
Neighborhood Redevelopment Down-payment Assistance
City of Florence
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
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Palmetto Home Advantage
South Carolina Housing
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium, 2 units, Manufactured
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +4, USDA-RD +3, Fannie Mae +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- No
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
SC Housing Homebuyer Program
South Carolina Housing
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium
- Max Price
- $450,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +4, USDA-RD, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Repayment Terms
Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
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.
How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance in South 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 South Carolina?
Up to $50,000 through available programs in South 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. 13 programs in South 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 600 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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