Down payment assistance, grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits available to New Hampshire buyers. Each program below is verified, with eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and a direct link to the official agency.
Last reviewed September 2026·3 programs·6 federal programs
$10,000 toward down payment, closing costs and prepaid escrows for first-generation homebuyers (borrower, co-borrower and non-borrowing spouse have never owned a home and their parents/guardians have never owned a home in the buyer's lifetime; former foster youth, refugees and asylees also qualify). Secured by a second mortgage at 0% with no periodic payments and a 30-year term; not forgiven - due in full on sale, refinance, prepayment of the first mortgage, bankruptcy or move-out. Can be stacked with NH Housing's $5,000/$10,000/$15,000 cash assistance. Requires a 6-hour face-to-face homebuyer class (AHEAD, HOMEteam or The Housing Partnership) and a NH Housing first mortgage through an approved lender.
Income limit
Must meet the income and purchase price limits of the NH Housing first mortgage program used (maximum program income $184,500). Limited pilot funding, first-come first-served; NH Housing may suspend or terminate at any time.
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Must be a first-generation homebuyer (or foster-care alumni/refugee/asylee). Requires a New Hampshire Housing first mortgage and face-to-face homebuyer education. Pilot program, first-come first-served, limited funding.
Home First / Home First Plus: bond-financed, rate-advantaged 30-year fixed FHA/VA/USDA (Government) or conventional first mortgage with optional cash assistance of a fixed $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 secured by a second mortgage at 0% with no periodic payments and a 30-year term, due in full on sale, refinance, prepayment, bankruptcy or move-out. 620 minimum FICO.
Income limit
Home First (mortgage revenue bond) income and purchase price limits vary by town and household size; program-wide qualifying income cap $184,500. First-time buyer required unless buying in a Targeted Community or a qualified veteran.
Minimum credit score620
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Must complete homebuyer education course. Home must be primary residence.
View official program page
Apply through a participating lender. Complete homebuyer education at NHHFA-approved provider.Verified September 2026
Home Preferred Plus
Administered by New Hampshire Housing
Up to $15,000
Conventional (Fannie Mae HomeReady variance) 30-year fixed first mortgage with up to 97% LTV and reduced MI for borrowers at or below 80% AMI, plus optional cash assistance of a fixed $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 secured by a 0% second mortgage with no periodic payments and a 30-year term, due in full on sale, refinance, prepayment, bankruptcy or move-out. 620 minimum FICO.
Income limit
Home Preferred Plus under 80% AMI uses the Fannie Mae 80% AMI lookup (discounted MI); Home Preferred Plus over 80% AMI allows qualifying income up to $184,500 (effective July 6, 2026). Not limited to first-time homebuyers.
Minimum credit score620
First-time buyer requiredNo
Special requirements: Must be first-time buyer or not owned home in 3 years. Homebuyer education required.
3% minimum down payment with no minimum borrower contribution; income at or below 80% AMI (2026 AMIs effective June 13, 2026); reduced, cancellable mortgage insurance; $2,500 credit for very low-income first-time buyers on loans purchased through February 28, 2027.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?
Most New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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.
