Down Payment Assistance in New Hampshire

What is down payment assistance in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire’s home prices have climbed steadily in recent years, pushed higher in part by buyers crossing the border from pricier Massachusetts. Even so, no state income or sales tax gives buyers an edge here, and the right down payment assistance can help close the gap.

Homebuyers may be able to use down payment assistance (DPA) programs to help them purchase a property. Down payment assistance is made up of national, state, local, and employer-sponsored programs designed to support homebuyers who can afford a monthly mortgage payment but need help coming up with the upfront cash needed for a down payment and closing costs.

Offered by government agencies, nonprofits, and some private organizations, DPA provides financial support to help homebuyers cover the down payment, closing costs, or both. It helps to bridge the gap between what buyers have saved and the funding they need to buy.

It may also provide homebuyers with a financial cushion, so they don’t have to drain all of their savings to afford homeownership.

From the granite peaks of the White Mountains to the sandy stretch of Seacoast along the Atlantic, New Hampshire homebuyers can tap into statewide, local, and community-based programs that help cover the upfront costs of purchasing a home.

Assistance typically comes in one of three forms: a grant (money you don’t repay), a forgivable loan (which is gradually forgiven the longer you stay in the home), or a low-interest loan. The right option depends on the program and your individual situation.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer in New Hampshire or returning to homeownership after years away, there may be money available to help make up the difference between how much you’ve saved and the amount you need to close on a home.  

How does down payment assistance work?

Every down payment assistance program has its own rules, but most follow a similar path from homebuyers researching their options to funding.

Research. The DPA landscape is larger than most people realize. In fact, there were more than 2,700 DPA programs as of July 2026, according to Down Payment Resource, a company that connects homebuyers to the programs. Assistance may be available at the state, county, city, or employer level, and different programs have different eligibility requirements. If one program doesn’t fit your situation, keep looking. There may be others that will.

Determine your eligibility. Common requirements include income limits, minimum credit scores, and property location restrictions. Understanding your financial profile, where you want to buy, and how long you plan to live in the home will help you identify which programs are worth pursuing.

Apply. Once you find a down payment program that fits your criteria and eligibility, you’ll submit an application and supporting documents. Expect to provide proof of income, personal identification, credit information, and details about the property you intend to purchase.

Get approved and receive funding. If your application is approved and your information verified, you’ll receive the assistance at closing. It’s typically applied directly toward your down payment, closing costs, or both, depending on the program’s terms.

It is important to note that most DPA programs have their own conditions, which may include having to repay the loan in part or full if you move early, sell, or refinance the home. Make sure to always review and understand the terms and conditions of any loan you use.

Additionally, some programs may run out of funding. That’s why it’s important to check availability and stay on top of deadlines.

Who qualifies for down payment assistance?

Many people don’t realize they may be able to qualify for down payment assistance. DPA isn’t just a tool for first-time and first-generation homebuyers or those with lower incomes.

The assistance is available for a wide variety of people in a range of financial situations. Nearly two-thirds, 62%, of current DPA programs serve homebuyers earning more than $100,000 a year and 11% have no income limits, according to Down Payment Resource.

Additionally, more than a third, 38%, of DPA programs don’t have a first-time homebuyer requirement.

There are DPA programs for: First-generation homebuyers, Native American homebuyers, veterans, educators, law enforcement, first responders, municipal employees, those who earn less than a certain threshold, and more. Some programs also exist for buyers who purchase properties in certain communities.

Some organizations also offer homeownership assistance programs for their employees, so make sure you check with your employer as well.

Types of down payment assistance

The majority of DPA programs fall into two categories: Second mortgages and grants.

Second mortgages are by far the most common form of down payment assistance, making up 56% of all programs, according to Down Payment Resource. This is a separate loan running alongside your primary mortgage, with its own monthly payment.

Second mortgages are often set up to be a deferred or forgivable loan to reduce the upfront cost. If you have a deferred loan, it means that it doesn’t have to be repaid until you sell, refinance, or move out. A forgivable loan is gradually forgiven if you live in the home for a set amount of time.

Grants make up 9% of DPA programs and are the most straightforward form of assistance. They’re a gift, with no repayment required under any circumstances. As always, read the terms carefully to make sure you understand any conditions attached.

Finding down payment assistance

Down Payment Resource offers an interactive search feature that allows you to search available DPA programs by location as well as by things like your occupation, military status, or disability status.

New American Funding (NAF) also offers a down payment assistance program called Pathway to Homeownership. Specifically available to first-time homebuyers, eligible borrowers may receive up to $6,000* in financial assistance. This money can be used to help with your down payment, closing costs, or other costs. It can also be combined with other DPA programs.

National down payment assistance programs

While there is not national database of nation-wide DPA programs available, there are several main ones that are notable. They include:

The Chenoa Fund

The Chenoa Fund is administered by CBC Mortgage Agency (a federally chartered tribal housing finance authority). It is one of the most accessible national DPA programs available because it drops two of the most common barriers to qualification. It has no income limits and no first-time homebuyer requirement.

The program covers the required 3.5% down payment on Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans. The aid is structured either as a forgivable second mortgage or a repayable second mortgage, depending on the option selected.

Borrowers need a minimum 600 credit score to qualify. The program is available in all states except New York.

Since it works through a network of participating lenders nationwide, buyers can access it through their mortgage lender rather than applying directly.

The National Homebuyers Fund

The National Homebuyers Fund (NHF) is a nonprofit organization that provides down payment and closing cost assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount. It’s administered as a grant, meaning no repayment is required.

It has no first-time homebuyer requirement, making it available to repeat buyers who may not qualify for programs with that restriction. It works with FHA, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Conventional loans.

The credit score and debt-to-income requirements are flexible.

The NHF is available in most states and is accessed through a network of participating lenders rather than through a direct application to the fund itself.

Many of the national DPA programs are offered by various lenders and private non-profit organizations like the Homeownership Council of America.

Down payment assistance programs in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Housing (NHH) is the state’s housing finance agency and the central source for statewide DPA programs. NHH doesn’t lend directly to buyers. Homebuyers apply through an NHH-approved participating lender, which will combine the assistance with the mortgage.

NHH Down Payment Assistance Program

NHH offers eligible buyers down payment assistance of up to $15,000 that can be added to certain NHH first mortgage programs. The assistance is provided as a 0% interest second loan with no periodic payments and a 30-year term. The assistance is due in full if the home is sold, refinanced, the owner no longer occupies the property as a primary residence, or the owner files for bankruptcy.

Program details and requirements include the following:

• Funds can be used toward down payment assistance or closing costs
• Must meet income and purchase price limits for the First Government Plus, First Conventional Under 80% AMI Plus, or First Conventional Over 80% AMI Plus mortgages
• Maximum household income of $184,500 for the Flex Plus (Ginnie Mae MBS – VA, FHA, USDA RD)
• Maximum household income of up to 80% AMI as determined by Fannie Mae for Preferred Under 80% AMI Plus
• Conventional financing for incomes exceeding 80% of the AMI, up to $184,500
• Buyer must complete homebuyer education course

New Hampshire Community Loan Fund Down Payment Assistance Program

The Your Turn Down Payment Assistance Program is offered by the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, a nonprofit community-development financial institution. With support from NHH and Mascoma Bank, the program provides up to $35,000 to eligible lower-income buyers of manufactured homes as a repayable loan. The assistance can cover the down payment and closing costs.

Program details and requirements include the following:

• The loan must be repaid when the Welcome Home first mortgage is paid off, or the home is sold, the mortgage is refinanced, or the borrower no longer lives in the home
• Program limited to new manufactured homes that meet Energy Star requirements
• The home must be located in the state of New Hampshire, and used as the primary residence
• Household income must meet eligibility for county and household size
• Funding for the Your Turn program is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis

Beyond NHH’s statewide program, several New Hampshire cities and counties have established their own DPA programs. Many of these can be stacked with NHH assistance. That means some eligible buyers may be able to combine multiple programs and significantly increase their total help.

This can help them to cover their down payment, closing costs, or simply have a little left over as a financial cushion.

Nashua down payment assistance program

Nashua sits along the Massachusetts border in southern New Hampshire, offering easy commuting access to Boston without the higher taxes buyers face across the state line. A revitalized downtown along the Nashua River, paired with New Hampshire’s lack of state income and sales taxes, makes it a practical draw for buyers priced out of the greater Boston market. (Metros are the main city and surrounding towns, suburbs, and smaller urban areas.)

Nashua down payment assistance program includes:

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program: This down payment assistance program provides up to $10,000 to low- to moderate-income households who are eligible first-time homebuyers. The assistance is provided as a conditional grant agreement and affordable housing restriction. The funds may be used toward the down payment, closing costs, an interest rate buydown, and/or the purchase price of the home.  

Program details and requirements include:

• Property must be located within the city of Nashua and used buyer’s primary residence
• Household income cannot exceed 80% of Nashua’s current AMI
• Maximum purchase price cannot exceed HUD’s Homeownership Value Limits (95% limit)
• Completion of a homeownership education course
• Repayment may be required if property is sold, transferred, or fails to satisfy the affordability requirements

Portsmouth down payment assistance program

Portsmouth sits along New Hampshire’s short stretch of Atlantic coastline, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and a compact downtown lined with independent shops and restaurants. Its Seacoast location draws buyers looking for a walkable, historic setting within reach of both Boston and Maine, though that demand has pushed home prices above much of the rest of the state.

Portsmouth down payment assistance program includes:

Portsmouth Home Town Program: The program offers up to $65,000 to income-eligible first-time homebuyers. The assistance is provided as a 0% interest rate second loan that does not need to be repaid for 10 years. Additional assistance is available as a “sleeper” third loan at 0% interest and does not have to be repaid until you sell or transfer the home.

Program details and requirements include:

• Amount of financial assistance is determined by household income:
  • 80% or less of median family income can receive up to $65,000 ($20,000 as deferred second loan; $45,000 as “sleeper” third loan)
  • Between 81% and 100% of median family income can receive up to $50,000 ($20,000 as deferred second loan; $30,000 as “sleeper” third loan)
  • Between 101% and 120% of median family income can receive up to $40,000 ($20,000 as deferred second loan; $20,000 as “sleeper” third loan)
• Applicant must currently live in Portsmouth and have lived there for at least two years
• Applicant can also have previously lived in Portsmouth for at least 10 years and currently live within 30 miles of the city
• Applicant can also have been a permanent, full-time employee of Portsmouth for at least a year and intending to establish residency
• Property must be located in Portsmouth and be used as the buyer’s primary residence
• Household must have less than $10,000 in liquid assets after closing
• Buyer must contribute at least 1% of the property’s sales price
• Applicant must obtain a 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgage through an eligible Citizens Bank mortgage program
• Purchase price cannot exceed applicable FHA maximum purchase price
• Completion of homebuyer education course
• Assistance is subject to funding availability

These are some of the down payment assistance programs available across New Hampshire. However, there may be more programs available to you based on your location in the state or your occupation.

For instance, some towns or cities may offer down payment assistance specifically for first responders or teachers. Make sure to do your own research to see if there is a program that may be right for you. And be aware that certain programs may only be available until all of the funding is used.

How to apply for New Hampshire down payment assistance

The application process for different DPA programs may change. However, some general application steps include:

1. Check your eligibility. Review income limits, credit requirements, and first-time buyer status at nhhousing.org. For local programs, contact the relevant city or county housing office.  
2. Find a participating lender. NHH programs are only available through approved lenders in their network.
3. Get pre-qualified. Your lender reviews your income, credit, and debts to determine which programs you may qualify for to receive funding.
4. Complete homebuyer education. Enroll in an approved homebuyer education course and keep your completion certificate for closing.
5. Find your home. Work with a licensed agent to locate a qualifying New Hampshire property. Your lender will confirm if it meets program requirements.
6. Close on your home. Your lender packages your first mortgage and DPA together. Assistance funds are applied at settlement.

New Hampshire down payment assistance FAQs

^{Program details reflect August 2026 information. Down payment assistance programs are subject to change and depend on current funding availability. Always confirm income limits, eligibility requirements, and program details with your lender or the applicable program administrator before applying.}

^{*Credit up to $6,000 maximum. Due to maximum seller concession rules applicable to purchase loan transactions, this credit could be less than $6,000 in some cases where other concessions have been made to the consumer.}