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First-time home buyer programs in South Charleston, WV

Quick answer

First-time buyers in South Charleston, WV can use 3%-down conventional loans (up to the $832,750 Kanawha County conforming limit), 3.5%-down FHA, or VA and USDA where eligible. On the $144,800 median home, 3% down is about $4,344 and the estimated payment is $1,173/month at 7.18%.

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

Median household income: $59,616; value-to-income ratio 2.43. South Charleston ranks 9 by home value and 12 by population among 16 places in our WV dataset.

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

ItemSouth Charleston
Median home value (Census ACS)$144,800
West Virginia median home value$155,600
Down payment (3%)$4,344
Loan amount$140,456
Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI)$1,173
Income needed (28% / 36%)$51,000 / $40,000
Kanawha 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 West Virginia's 0.54% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $1,179/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and an estimated 0.5% PMI.

What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in South Charleston?

South Charleston is in Kanawha County. Conventional 3%-down loans go up to the $832,750 conforming limit (price ≈ $858,000); FHA loans go up to $541,287.

The South Charleston median home value of $144,800 is 7% below the West Virginia median, and within what the county limit supports.

Which down payment assistance programs can South Charleston buyers use?

No applicable programs have been verified for this city yet. Check the state housing finance agency for current assistance.

First-time buyer loans in nearby cities

CharlestonSt. AlbansCross LanesTeays ValleyHuntingtonBeckley

First-time buyer loan FAQs for South Charleston

On the $144,800 median: 3% conventional ≈ $4,344, 3.5% FHA ≈ $5,068, and 0% for eligible VA or USDA buyers. Conventional loans above $832,750 in Kanawha County become jumbo loans.

At the $144,800 median value (below the West Virginia median of $155,600), the estimated payment of $1,173/month at 7.18% needs about $51,000 a year under the 28% housing guideline, or $40,000 if your total debts stay under 36%.

0 city-level, 0 county-level and 0 statewide programs are verified for this city (0 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.