What down payment assistance programs are available in North Carolina?

North Carolina offers the NC Home Advantage Mortgage (up to 3% DPA, forgiven after 15 years), NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment ($15,000 for first-time buyers and veterans), Community Partners Loan Pool (up to $50,000), and city-specific programs in Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, and Wake County offering up to $80,000 in combined assistance.

How much down payment assistance can I get in North Carolina?

State programs provide $15,000 to $50,000. When city programs are stacked with NCHFA programs, combined assistance has reached $80,000 in counties like Durham. The right combination depends on your location, income, and buyer status.

North Carolina Down Payment Assistance & Grants 2026

Name: Travis Goltz - Granite Bank Mortgage
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North Carolina Down Payment Assistance Programs — 2026

These are the primary programs available to North Carolina homebuyers in 2026. NCHFA programs can be stacked with city grants — in counties like Durham, combined assistance has reached $80,000.

First-Time & Move-Up Buyers

NC Home Advantage Mortgage

Up to 3% of Loan Amount

North Carolina's cornerstone program. A fixed-rate mortgage (conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA) with up to 3% of the loan amount in down payment assistance as a 0% deferred second mortgage. Forgiven 20% per year at years 11–15 — completely forgiven after 15 years if you stay in the home. Available to first-time and move-up buyers.

Key Requirements640+ credit score · Income limits apply by county · Primary residence in NC · Must use NCHFA-approved lender · Homebuyer education course

First-Time Buyers & Veterans

NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment

$15,000

A flat $15,000 in down payment assistance as a 0% deferred second mortgage — often a better deal than the 3% option for lower-priced homes. Forgiven 20% per year at years 11–15. Available exclusively to first-time buyers and military veterans who qualify for the NC Home Advantage Mortgage.

Key Requirements640+ credit score · First-time buyer or military veteran · Income and purchase price limits apply · Must pair with NC Home Advantage Mortgage · Homebuyer education course

Low-Income Buyers

Community Partners Loan Pool

Up to $50,000

Managed by NCHFA with local nonprofits and government agencies. Provides up to 25% of the home's sales price (max $50,000) as a 0% deferred second mortgage for buyers with income below 80% of area median income. Can be combined with an NC Home Advantage Mortgage or USDA loan.

Key RequirementsIncome below 80% AMI · Primary residence in NC · Must pair with eligible first mortgage · Homebuyer education may be required · Repaid at end of 30-year term or on sale

Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh

City-Specific Programs

Up to $80,000

NC cities offer their own programs on top of state assistance. Durham offers up to $80,000. Charlotte's HouseCharlotte program provides up to 5% of the loan amount. Wake County offers up to $50,000. Raleigh has a dedicated Homebuyer Assistance Program. These can often be stacked with NCHFA programs.

Key RequirementsMust purchase within city/county limits · Income limits apply · First-time buyer typically required · Homebuyer education course · Availability varies by funding cycle

Zero Down

USDA & VA Zero Down

0% Down Payment

USDA Rural Development covers eligible properties outside major NC metros — many areas near Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville still qualify. VA loans offer zero down for eligible veterans statewide. Both can be paired with NCHFA assistance for additional help with closing costs.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · USDA: eligible rural area · VA: military service eligibility · Income limits apply · Primary residence only

Tax Credit

NC Home Advantage Tax Credit (MCC)

Up to $2,000/Year

A Mortgage Credit Certificate that allows eligible first-time buyers and veterans to claim up to 30% of their mortgage interest (max $2,000) as a federal tax credit each year — not just a deduction. Can be combined with the NC Home Advantage Mortgage for ongoing savings beyond closing.

Key Requirements640+ credit score · First-time buyer or veteran · Income and purchase price limits · Must use NCHFA-approved lender · Homebuyer education course

Not sure which programs apply to you? That's exactly what a free 15-minute call is for.

Check My Eligibility — Free

Do You Qualify?

Most buyers are surprised to find they meet the requirements. Here's what lenders look at.

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Credit Score

Most MHFA programs require a 620 minimum. If your score needs work, there are still paths forward.

620+ for most programs

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Household Income

Income limits vary by program, household size, and county. Moderate and above-average incomes often still qualify.

Varies by program

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First-Time Buyer Status

Defined as not having owned a home in the past 3 years. Programs like Step Up don't require this.

Required for some only

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Own Contribution

Some programs require as little as $1,000 from your own savings. Gift funds are often allowed.

As low as $1,000

The only way to know for certain is to review your specific situation.

Find Out What I Qualify For

See What North Carolina Programs You Qualify For

There are multiple assistance programs available in North Carolina and the right combination depends on your income, credit, and situation. Fill out the form and Travis will review your options personally.

                    Typical assistance in North Carolina: $15,000 – $80,000+
                    State programs + city programs can be stacked — ask Travis what combinations are available in your county
                

Free, no obligation — no commitment required to find out what's available
Programs can stack — NCHFA assistance stacked with an FHA loan can cover your entire down payment
Direct access to Travis — not a call center, a real mortgage professional reviews your file
Fannie Mae approved lender — direct access to conventional products that pair with state assistance

"I was on the verge of giving up, but I had no idea North Carolina had programs like this. Travis stacked the NC 1st Home Advantage with our FHA loan and we barely needed any cash at closing."

— Ceara, First-Time Homeowner in Minnesota

Check Your North Carolina Options

Free · No obligation · Takes 2 minutes

Travis Goltz — Minnesota Mortgage Lender, Branch Manager Granite Bank

Why Work With Travis for North Carolina Down Payment Assistance?

Not every lender is approved to offer NCHFA programs. Knowing which programs exist, how NC state assistance stacks with city-specific grants, and how to structure the loan correctly is the difference between leaving tens of thousands on the table and closing with minimal cash out of pocket.

Travis works with North Carolina buyers statewide — from Charlotte and Raleigh to Asheville and the coast — navigating both NCHFA programs and city-specific grants to maximize assistance for every client.

Fannie Mae Approved Seller: Direct access to conventional products that pair with MHFA assistance.
120-Year Bank Backing: The stability and flexibility of Granite Bank behind every loan.
Direct Access: You get Travis's number. Not a 1-800 call center.
No Surprises: Transparent on costs, timeline, and program requirements from day one.
Licensed in All 50 States: Serving North Carolina statewide — from Charlotte to Raleigh, Asheville to the coast.

Check My Eligibility Call (763) 360-4507

Travis Goltz · NMLS #351337 · Branch Manager, Granite Bank NMLS #405434 · Member FDIC · Equal Housing Lender

Common Questions About North Carolina Down Payment Assistance

Do I have to be a first-time buyer to qualify in North Carolina? +

Not for all programs. The NC Home Advantage Mortgage is available to both first-time and move-up buyers. The NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment ($15,000) is restricted to first-time buyers and military veterans. Community Partners Loan Pool programs also typically require first-time buyer status or income below 80% AMI.

Can I stack city programs with NCHFA state programs? +

Yes — this is one of North Carolina's biggest advantages. City programs in Durham, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Wake County can often be layered on top of NCHFA state programs. Durham buyers have received up to $80,000 in combined assistance. The key is finding a lender who knows both the state and local programs and can structure them together. That's exactly what Travis does.

Do I have to repay the NC Home Advantage assistance? +

Only if you sell, refinance, or move out before 15 years. The assistance is a 0% deferred second mortgage that is forgiven 20% per year at years 11–15. If you stay in the home for 15 years, the balance is completely forgiven. No monthly payments are required on the assistance portion.

What credit score do I need for North Carolina programs? +

Most NCHFA programs require a minimum 640 credit score (660 for new manufactured homes). This is slightly higher than some other states. If your score is below 640, Travis can help identify steps to improve it before applying so you don't miss out on the programs you're targeting.

What is the Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) and is it worth it? +

The NC Home Advantage Tax Credit allows eligible buyers to claim up to 30% of annual mortgage interest (max $2,000) as a direct federal tax credit — not just a deduction — every year you own the home. Over a 30-year mortgage, that can add up to $60,000 in tax savings. It can be combined with the NC Home Advantage Mortgage, making it one of the most overlooked benefits in the state.

How long does the process take in North Carolina? +

From application to closing typically takes 30–45 days. Getting pre-approved with NCHFA programs identified usually takes just a few business days. City-specific programs may have additional steps. Some funding pools are limited — starting sooner protects your options, especially for city grant programs that can close when funds run out.

North Carolina Down PaymentAssistance & Grants