Updated 1/26/2026

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

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.

Connect with a DPA team

How Down Payment Assistance Works

I need to give a quick overview of how down payment assistance works. After that, the programs are listed.

With down payment assistance, you'll run into two different types:

  • A grant

  • A loan

A Grant

If we meet the qualifications up front, then it's money that does not need to be repaid.

A Loan

If the down payment assistance comes in the form of a loan, then pay attention to the three different types:

  • Repayable

  • Deferred

  • Forgivable

Repayable is just as most imagine. It charges interest over a certain amount of time, with monthly payments until it's paid off.

Deferred loans usually don't require a monthly payment, and typically don't charge interest. It's due in full when you refinance, sell the home, or when it ceases to be your primary residence.

Forgivable loans will disappear if you meet the criteria, which usually comes down to keeping the home as your primary residence for a specific amount of time.

Okay with that, here are the programs!

North Carolina 

NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment Program

  • Assistance: Provides $15,000 in down payment assistance.

  • Terms: 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. Repayment is deferred for 15 years; it is forgiven at 20% per year during years 11 through 15.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers (or military veterans) purchasing a primary residence in NC. Minimum credit score of 640.

  • More Information: NC 1st Home Advantage

NC Home Advantage Mortgage Program

  • Assistance: Provides $15,000 in down payment assistance.

  • Terms: 0% interest, deferred second mortgage. Repayment is deferred for 15 years; it is forgiven at 20% per year during years 11 through 15.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers (or military veterans) purchasing a primary residence in NC. Minimum credit score of 640.

  • More Information: NC Home Advantage Mortgage

Community Partner Loan Pool (CPLP)

Charlotte HouseCharlotte Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $30,000 (plus potential matching funds up to $50,000 total for lower-income buyers) for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Deferred loan; generally forgiven after 15 or 30 years (depending on the loan amount and tier) if the owner remains in the home.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within Charlotte city limits; household income caps apply (tiered for <80% AMI and 80-110% AMI).

  • More Information: https://dreamkeypartners.org/house-charlotte-program/

Raleigh Homebuyer Assistance Program

  • Standard: Up to $45,000 in assistance.

  • Enhanced: Up to $60,000 for homes in geographically targeted areas.

  • Terms: 0% interest, deferred loans. Repayment is often deferred for 20 years, with forgiveness options available if you remain in the home for 30 years.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers earning no more than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI); property must be within Raleigh city limits.

  • More Information: Raleigh Homebuyer Assistance

Durham Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Offers up to $80,000 for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: 0% interest, forgivable loan. The loan term is typically 15 years, with forgiveness built in if you remain in the home.

  • Eligibility: Applicants must earn 80% or below of the AMI, be first-time homebuyers, and plan to use the home as their primary residence in Durham.

  • More Information: Durham DPA Program

Greensboro Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program

High Point City-Wide Homebuyer Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $7,500 to reduce out-of-pocket costs for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: 5-year loan at 0% interest; forgiven at 20% per year.

  • Eligibility: First-time buyers with income at or below 80% AMI; property must be within High Point city limits.

  • More Information: High Point Homebuyer Assistance

Jacksonville Homeownership Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Offers up to $25,000 (sometimes higher for specific rehabilitation needs) for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: 0% interest deferred payment loan. Due in full upon sale, refinance, or if the home is no longer the primary residence.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers falling below 80% of the AMI; property must be within Jacksonville city limits.

  • More Information: Jacksonville DPA Program

Rocky Mount Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $40,000 (plus a $10,000 bonus for targeted neighborhoods) for a total of up to $50,000.

  • Terms: Deferred payment loan. Forgiveness varies by amount (e.g., loans over $40k are forgiven over 15 years).

  • Eligibility: First-time buyers with income at or below 80% AMI; property must be within Rocky Mount city limits.

  • More Information: https://www.rockymountnc.gov/352/Down-Payment-Assistance-Program

Updated 1/26/2026

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

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.