These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

South Carolina 

Hey there! If you're thinking of buying a home for the first time, and haven't saved up for a down payment, you still might be able to get it done.

Before I jump into the programs, let me briefly explain how down payment assistance works.

How it works

Down payment assistance comes in two forms: a grant, or a loan

A grant doesn't require repayment.

A loan does require repayment, but there are 3 different ways:

Monthly repayment. This is where they charge you interest and a monthly payment until the loan is paid off

Silent second. This is where they don't charge you interest, they don't charge you monthly payments, they just require that you pay it back when you sell the home.

Forgivable. This is where they forgive the loan as long as you meet certain criteria. A common requirement is that you live in the home as your primary residence for a set number of years. Once you've completed the timeframe, they forgive your loan and you don't need to pay it.

Approved lenders only

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

Now that we have that out of the way, let's jump in! Below are the local programs available to help make homeownership more accessible.

SC Housing Homebuyer Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $8,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.

  • Terms: 0% interest second loan, forgivable after 10 years if the buyer remains in the home.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers and veterans using an SC Housing mortgage; income limits vary by county and household size.

  • More Information: SC Housing Homebuyer Program

Palmetto Home Advantage Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to 5% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Forgivable after 10 years.

  • Eligibility: First-time and repeat homebuyers who meet income and credit requirements; income limits based on Area Median Income (AMI).

  • More Information: Palmetto Home Advantage Program

City of Charleston – First-Time Homebuyer Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.

  • Terms: Forgivable after a set period.

  • Eligibility: Homebuyers purchasing within Charleston city limits; income limits based on HUD guidelines.

  • More Information: Charleston Homebuyer Assistance

Greenville County – Homebuyer Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Offers forgivable loans up to $10,000 for down payment and/or closing costs.

  • Terms: Forgivable under program guidelines.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers with household incomes at or below 80% of the AMI; must invest a minimum of $500 into the home purchase and complete a homebuyer education workshop.

  • More Information: CommunityWorks Carolina

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

City of Spartanburg – Homebuyer Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $20,000 in down payment and/or closing cost assistance.

  • Terms: Forgivable loan for eligible buyers.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within Spartanburg city limits; income at or below 80% of the AMI; homebuyer education required.

  • More Information: CommunityWorks Carolina

Richland County – Homeownership Assistance Program

Lexington County – Homeownership Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Offers up to $5,000 in down payment and/or closing cost assistance.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within Lexington County; income requirements apply; must participate in the county's Affordable Housing Counseling and Education Program.

  • More Information: Lexington County Housing Assistance

Additional Resources

CommunityWorks Carolina

  • Services: Offers various down payment assistance programs across South Carolina, including employer-assisted housing programs and partnerships with local governments. Provides financial support and education to help individuals and families achieve homeownership.

  • More Information: CommunityWorks Carolina

Program availability and terms can change, so it's essential to verify the most current information directly with the administering agencies.

 These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.