Down payment assistance, grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits available to Nevada buyers. Each program below is verified, with eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and a direct link to the official agency.
Last reviewed July 2026·4 programs·6 federal programs
Down payment assistance as a 0% interest, no-payment, 30-year deferred second mortgage that is never forgiven - due in full at sale, transfer, refinance, payoff, non-occupancy, or 30 years. A first-time-buyer track (2-4%) offers lower rates.
Income limit
$165,000 (1-2 person) / $165,000 (3+)
Minimum credit score640
Max home price$832,750
First-time buyer requiredNo
Special requirements: Available to first-time and repeat buyers. Min credit 640 (660 manufactured homes). Homebuyer education required.
Launched December 2025 (AB540): $20,000 in down payment assistance as a 30-year non-forgivable deferred second for essential workers. $18M fund, first-come first-served.
Income limit
Income up to 150% AMI; purchase price up to $806,500
Special requirements: Must be employed in a qualifying essential-worker occupation. No first-time buyer requirement. Limited funding - confirm availability.
Flat $7,500 in down payment assistance for Nevada K-12 public school classroom teachers at 0% interest, forgiven over 5 years (prorated monthly). Currently available through December 31, 2026.
Income limit
Program income limits apply
Minimum credit score640
First-time buyer requiredNo
Profession-specificteachers
Special requirements: Must be a licensed K-12 public school classroom teacher employed in Nevada. No first-time buyer requirement.
Below-market interest rate (no down payment assistance) for veterans, active duty, National Guard, and surviving spouses, on VA and USDA-RD loans only.
Income limit
$165,000 (1-2 person) / $165,000 (3+)
Minimum credit score640
Max home price$832,750
First-time buyer requiredNo
EligibilityVeterans only
Special requirements: Must be veteran, active duty, National Guard, or surviving spouse. VA or USDA-RD loan required. No first-time buyer requirement.
Low down payment mortgage with reduced mortgage insurance. Allows income from non-borrower household members. A $2,500 credit for very-low-income borrowers (50% AMI or less) is available through early 2027 when at least one borrower is a first-time buyer.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?
Most Nevada programs require first-time buyer status, but the definition is broader than most people think — the IRS considers you a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a primary residence in the last three years. Each program above lists its specific rules.
What credit score do I need?
Minimum credit scores vary by program. Most Nevada programs require 620 to 660, though some lower-tier products accept lower scores with manual underwriting. Check each program's eligibility section above.
How do I actually apply?
Most state programs aren't applied to directly — you go through a participating lender, who handles the program application as part of your mortgage. Each program above links to the official agency page with the current list of approved lenders.
Can I combine multiple programs?
Often yes — many states allow you to stack a state down-payment grant with a federal FHA or VA loan. Some programs explicitly forbid combining; check each program's "special requirements" above.
Do these programs cost anything?
The programs themselves are free to apply for. Some require completing a homebuyer education course (typically $50–$100, sometimes free). Forgivable second mortgages technically don't cost you unless you sell or refinance early — read the terms carefully.
