First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Durham, NC (2026)
Durham, North Carolina has a median home price of $399,000 and a population of over 301,000, making down payment assistance essential for first-time homebuyers in the Research Triangle. The City of Durham Down Payment Assistance Program provides up to $80,000 in forgivable assistance for qualifying buyers purchasing within city limits. First-time homebuyers in Durham can stack this with the NC Home Advantage Mortgage for up to 3% additional down payment help, significantly reducing out of pocket costs.
Top Homebuyer Programs in Durham
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durham Down Payment Assistance Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to $80,000 | Yes | View → |
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| NC Home Advantage Mortgage | Deferred Loan | Up to 5% of the loan amount | No | View → |
| NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment | Forgivable Loan | $15,000 | Yes | View → |
| Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP) | Deferred Loan | Up to 25% of the sales price, maximum $50,000 | No | View → |
| Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP) | Zero-Interest Loan | Up to $50,000 (max $35,000 if home is within one of 24 CDBG Entitlement Cities in NC) | No | View → |
Durham Down Payment Assistance Program
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $80,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
FHA Loans
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
VA Loans
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
USDA Rural Development Loans
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD)
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae)
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac)
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
HUD $100 Down Program
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
NC Home Advantage Mortgage
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of the loan amount
- First-time only:
- No
NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- $15,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP)
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 25% of the sales price, maximum $50,000
- First-time only:
- No
Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP)
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $50,000 (max $35,000 if home is within one of 24 CDBG Entitlement Cities in NC)
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
- Step 1: Explore the programs available in Durham. This page lists the city's down payment assistance program plus statewide options you may qualify for. Review the assistance amounts, income limits, and first-time buyer requirements to find the best fit for your situation.
- Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. The City of Durham requires homebuyer education for DPA applicants. DHIC offers an 8-hour workshop called Bringing Home the Dream that covers budgeting, financing, and the homebuying process. The Durham Housing Authority also offers homeownership counseling. Contact DHIC at (919) 832-4345.
- Step 3: Meet with a HUD-approved housing counselor. A counselor can help you understand which programs you qualify for and guide you through the process. DHIC and the Durham Housing Authority both provide free counseling services in the Durham area.
- Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Contact a City of Durham approved participating DPA lender. Not all lenders participate in the city's program, so you must work with one of the approved lenders listed on the city's website. NCHFA also maintains a list of approved lenders for state programs at nchfa.com.
- Step 5: Find a home that meets program requirements. The home must be located within Durham city limits and used as your primary residence. Your real estate agent and lender can help you confirm whether a property qualifies under the program.
- Step 6: Apply for assistance through your approved lender. Once you have a home under contract, your lender will submit your DPA application through the Neighborly platform on your behalf. The lender handles the application as part of the mortgage process. Start pre-approval early to avoid delays at closing.