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Purchase Mortgage Loan

North Carolina down payment assistance programs

Quick answer

North Carolina buyers can get down payment help from City of Durham Community Development Department. We verified 7 statewide programs, including City of Durham Down Payment Assistance Program (Up to $80,000). Most programs require using the agency's first mortgage, meeting income limits and completing homebuyer education. Details below come from the official agency site.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsPrograms last verified

What down payment assistance does North Carolina offer?

ProgramAmountTypeMin. creditFirst-time only?
City of Durham Down Payment Assistance ProgramUp to $80,000Deferred-payment loanNot statedYes
Enhanced Homebuyer Assistance ProgramMaximum assistance: $60,000Deferred-payment loanNot statedYes
Forsyth County Affordable Home Ownership Program (AHOP)$40,000 per buyerDeferred-payment loanNot statedSee program
Homebuyer Assistance ProgramMaximum assistance: $45,000Deferred-payment loanNot statedYes
HouseCharlotte Down Payment Assistance ProgramUp to $80,000Forgivable loanNot statedYes
Housing Connect GSO Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Programnot statedDeferred-payment loanNot statedYes
NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment$15,000Forgivable loan640No

How do I apply for North Carolina down payment assistance?

  1. Find a participating lender approved by City of Durham Community Development Department.
  2. Get pre-approved for the agency's first mortgage and confirm you meet income and price limits.
  3. Complete the required homebuyer education course.
  4. Your lender reserves the assistance when you go under contract.

Cities in North Carolina

Other states with verified programs

Frequently asked questions

City of Durham Down Payment Assistance Program: Up to $80,000; Enhanced Homebuyer Assistance Program: Maximum assistance: $60,000; Forsyth County Affordable Home Ownership Program (AHOP): $40,000 per buyer; Homebuyer Assistance Program: Maximum assistance: $45,000; HouseCharlotte Down Payment Assistance Program: Up to $80,000; Housing Connect GSO Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program: not stated; NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment: $15,000.

Not always — NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment is open to repeat buyers too.

Published minimums range from 640 to 640 among the programs we verified.

Sources

Data last updated October 25, 2026.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.