NC First-Time Home Buyer Programs

Buying your first home in North Carolina may be more affordable than you think. In addition to conventional, FHA, VA and USDA mortgages, eligible first-time home buyers may qualify for down payment assistance through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) and local programs.

Here are some of the main NC first-time home buyer programs available in 2026.

NC Home Advantage Mortgage

The NC Home Advantage Mortgage is one of the primary statewide programs offered by NCHFA. It is available to eligible first-time and repeat home buyers and can provide down payment assistance of up to 3% of the mortgage amount.

The program can be used with conventional, FHA, VA or USDA financing. Current eligibility includes a minimum credit score of 640 and household income of up to $158,000. The home must be located in North Carolina and used as your primary residence.

NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment

First-time home buyers and eligible military veterans may qualify for $15,000 in down payment assistance through the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program.

The assistance is provided as a 0% deferred second mortgage. It can be forgiven over years 11 through 15 if the borrower meets the program requirements. If you sell, refinance or transfer the property before the required period, repayment may be required.

For NCHFA purposes, a first-time home buyer generally means someone who hasn't owned and occupied a home as their principal residence during the previous three years.

Community Home Buyer Programs

Some lower-income buyers may qualify for additional assistance through NCHFA's Community Partners Loan Pool and other community programs. Depending on eligibility, the Community Partners Loan Pool can provide up to 25% of the sales price with a maximum loan of $50,000.

These programs have additional income, credit, property and homebuyer education requirements.

Raleigh First-Time Home Buyer Assistance

If you're buying a home within Raleigh city limits, the City of Raleigh has its own homebuyer assistance programs.

The traditional Homebuyer Assistance Program can provide up to $45,000 for eligible first-time buyers. The Enhanced Homebuyer Assistance Program can provide up to $60,000 for qualifying properties in targeted areas.

Both programs are designed for first-time buyers earning no more than 80% of the applicable area median income. The assistance is provided through deferred zero-interest loans and additional requirements apply.

Durham Down Payment Assistance

The City of Durham also offers a down payment assistance program for eligible first-time home buyers purchasing a primary residence within Durham city limits.

The program can provide up to $80,000 in assistance. Applicants generally must have household income at or below 80% of the applicable area median income and must not have owned a home within the previous three years. Funding is limited and applications are processed through participating lenders.

Which NC First-Time Home Buyer Program Is Right for You?

There isn't one program that works for every buyer. Your income, credit score, available cash, purchase price, location and mortgage type can affect which programs you qualify for.

You may also be able to combine certain state and local programs depending on the rules of each program.

If you're planning to buy your first home in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Durham, Chapel Hill or another part of the Triangle, it's worth checking your eligibility before you start looking at homes. A participating lender can determine which programs you may qualify for and explain the costs and repayment requirements.

Program requirements, income limits and available funding can change. Always verify current requirements with NCHFA, the applicable local government and your participating lender before relying on a specific assistance program.