A Guide to South Carolina's Local Down Payment Assistance Programs
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.
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!
South Carolina
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
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
Richland County Homeownership Assistance Program
- Assistance: Provides up to $10,000 for down payment and closing costs.
- Terms: Forgivable loan. Forgiven fully after 5 years of owner-occupancy.
- Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing in unincorporated Richland County (outside city limits of Columbia/Forest Acres). Income caps apply (80% AMI).
- More Information: https://www.richlandcountysc.gov/Property-Business/Homes-and-Communities/Grants/Homeownership-Assistance
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
City of Spartanburg Homebuyer Assistance Program
- Assistance: Provides up to $20,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
- Terms: Forgivable deferred loan.
- Forgiven after 5 or 10 years (depending on the amount) if you remain in the home.
- Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within Spartanburg city limits. Income must be at or below 80% AMI.
- More Information: City of Spartanburg Housing
City of Columbia City Lender Loans
- Assistance: The City acts as a lender to fill the gap.
- City Lender I: Low interest rate first mortgage with $500 down payment.
- Closing Cost Assistance: Up to $3,500 as a forgivable loan.
- Eligibility: Income-eligible buyers purchasing within Columbia city limits.
- More Information: City of Columbia Community Development
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.