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First-time home buyer programs in Wilmington, DE

Quick answer

First-time buyers in Wilmington, DE can use 3%-down conventional loans (up to the $832,750 New Castle County conforming limit), 3.5%-down FHA, or VA and USDA where eligible, plus 2 verified city, county or statewide assistance programs. On the $224,500 median home, 3% down is about $6,735 and the estimated payment is $1,765/month at 7.18%.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsData last updated

Median household income: $55,269; value-to-income ratio 4.06. Wilmington ranks 11 by home value and 1 by population among 13 places in our DE dataset.

What does a first-time buyer loan cost on a typical Wilmington home?

ItemWilmington
Median home value (Census ACS)$224,500
Delaware median home value$326,800
Down payment (3%)$6,735
Loan amount$217,765
Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI)$1,765
Income needed (28% / 36%)$76,000 / $59,000
New Castle County 2026 conforming limit (1 unit)$832,750
Max purchase price at the limit$858,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Payment includes Delaware's 0.53% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $1,196/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and an estimated 0.5% PMI.

What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in Wilmington?

Wilmington is in New Castle County. Conventional 3%-down loans go up to the $832,750 conforming limit (price ≈ $858,000); FHA loans go up to $630,200.

The Wilmington median home value of $224,500 is 31% below the Delaware median, and within what the county limit supports.

Which down payment assistance programs can Wilmington buyers use?

First-time buyer loans in nearby cities

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First-time buyer loan FAQs for Wilmington

On the $224,500 median: 3% conventional ≈ $6,735, 3.5% FHA ≈ $7,858, and 0% for eligible VA or USDA buyers. Conventional loans above $832,750 in New Castle County become jumbo loans.

At the $224,500 median value (below the Delaware median of $326,800), the estimated payment of $1,765/month at 7.18% needs about $76,000 a year under the 28% housing guideline, or $59,000 if your total debts stay under 36%.

0 city-level, 0 county-level and 2 statewide programs are verified for this city (2 total). Check each official administrator's eligibility rules and available funds.

Sources

Data last updated October 23, 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.