Down payment assistance, grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits available to North Carolina 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
Administered by North Carolina Housing Finance Agency
Up to 25% of the sales price, not to exceed $50,000 (up to 10% with a USDA Section 502 loan)
0% interest deferred second mortgage with a term matching the first mortgage; no monthly payments; repaid when the home is sold or at loan maturity. Paired with an NC Home Advantage Mortgage or USDA 502 loan.
Income limit
Household income at or below 80% of the county's Area Median Income
Minimum credit score640
First-time buyer requiredNo
Special requirements: Must apply through a CPLP member nonprofit or local government; approved homebuyer education plus at least 2 hours of one-on-one in-person pre-purchase counseling; housing ratio 28-32%, DTI up to 45%; homeownership readiness plan before signing a sales contract; process typically takes 60+ days
View official program page
Contact a local CPLP member organization (only members may submit applications on a buyer's behalf)Verified September 2026
NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment
Administered by NC Housing Finance Agency
$15,000
Down payment help for first-time buyers and military veterans as a 0% deferred second, forgiven 20% per year in years 11-15.
Income limit
Income up to $158,000; sales price cap around $495,000
Minimum credit score640
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Must be first-time buyer or military veteran. Homebuyer education required. Min credit 660 for manufactured homes.
Low-rate mortgage with optional down payment assistance up to 3% of the loan amount as a 0% deferred second, forgiven 20% per year in years 11-15 (repaid only if you sell, refinance, or transfer before year 15).
Income limit
Income up to $158,000
Minimum credit score640
First-time buyer requiredNo
Special requirements: Available to first-time and repeat buyers. 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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.
