Down payment assistance, grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits available to South Carolina buyers. Each program below is verified, with eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and a direct link to the official agency.
Last reviewed July 2026·2 programs·6 federal programs
Administered by SC State Housing Finance and Development Authority
$10,000
$10,000 down payment assistance as a 15-year forgivable 0% no-payment second for public servants. Annually funded, first-come first-served: the 2026 round opened March 16 and exhausted its funds April 13, 2026; the next round is expected in spring 2027.
Special requirements: Qualifying occupations include educators (incl. librarians, counselors, professors), law enforcement and corrections, firefighters (incl. volunteer), EMTs/paramedics, active military/Guard/veterans, and licensed medical professionals (incl. CNAs, LPNs, RNs, techs, therapists, social workers). Annual funding window - confirm availability.
View official program page
Apply through SC Housing-approved lender when a funding round is open.Verified July 2026
SC Housing Homebuyer Program
Administered by SC State Housing Finance and Development Authority
Competitive rate + $10,000 DPA
Below-market mortgage rate with $10,000 down payment assistance as a 0% no-payment second over a 15-year term, forgiven only if you stay the full 15 years (due in full if you sell, refinance, or move out earlier).
Income limit
Income limits vary by county (raised May 2026)
Minimum credit score640
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Must be first-time buyer. Homebuyer education required. (Repeat buyers: see Palmetto Home Advantage, up to 4% DPA, income limit $137,500.)
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 South 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 South 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.
