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 July 2026·3 programs·6 federal programs
Down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers, available with a New Hampshire Housing "Home First" bond-funded first mortgage (the DPA-paired variant is marketed as Home First Plus). Note: this is a separate program from Home Flex Plus, which still exists.
Income limit
Income limits vary by county and household size - typically up to 80% AMI
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 July 2026
Home Preferred Plus
Administered by New Hampshire Housing
Up to $15,000
Down payment assistance plus reduced mortgage insurance, available with a Home Preferred conventional first mortgage. Income limits up to 80% AMI.
Income limit
Income limits up to 80% AMI, varies by county
Minimum credit score620
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Must be first-time buyer or not owned home in 3 years. Homebuyer education required.
$10,000 in cash assistance for first-generation homebuyers, structured as a 4-year forgivable second mortgage. Also open to foster-care alumni and refugees/asylees.
Income limit
Program income limits apply - see NH Housing
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.
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 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.
