NH Housing Down Payment Assistance: A Quick Buyer’s Guide
New Hampshire Housing (the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority) offers several programs that can put up to $15,000 toward a down payment and closing costs for buyers across the Lakes Region and Central NH. Here’s how they work, who qualifies, and the limits to keep in mind.
The Basics.
- Up to $15,000 toward your down payment and closing costs
- 30-year fixed rates with low or no down payment options
- Reduced mortgage insurance for income-eligible buyers
- Open to many repeat buyers, not just first timers
First-Time Buyer? Not Required.
Only one program, Home First, is limited to first-time buyers (no homeownership in the past three years), and even that is waived for qualified veterans or in targeted communities like Laconia and Concord. The two main programs, Home Flex and Home Preferred, are open to repeat buyers.
The Programs at a Glance
| Program | Best fit for | Help available |
|---|---|---|
| Home Flex / Flex Plus | FHA, VA & USDA buyers | Up to $15,000 |
| Home Preferred / Preferred Plus | Conventional, as little as 3% down | Up to $15,000 |
| Home First | First-time & targeted-area buyers | $5,000 / $10,000 / $15,000 |
| 1stGenHomeNH | First-generation buyers (limited funds) | Extra $10,000 |
| Purchase Rehab | Fixer-uppers | Up to $75,000 for repairs |
How the Assistance Works
It usually comes as a second mortgage with 0% interest and no monthly payment. Depending on the program, it’s forgiven over time or repaid when you sell, refinance, or move out. A lender confirms which structure applies to you.
Limits & Restrictions
- Income — Income limits generally reach up to $176,200, but vary by program, town, and household size, and update yearly.
- Price — Purchase-price caps apply to some programs (like Home First) and vary by town and county.
- Education — A homebuyer education course is required — online or in person.
- Occupancy — The home must be your primary residence.
- Lender — You must use an NH Housing approved lender.
- Funding — Special programs (like 1stGenHomeNH) have limited funding that can pause.
Next Step.
These loans run through NH Housing approved lenders. If you’d like an introduction to a local lender who specializes in them, reach out and we’ll connect you.
Program details, amounts, and income and purchase-price limits are set by New Hampshire Housing and change periodically based on funding and eligibility. Figures current as of June 2026 — confirm the latest with NH Housing and a licensed lender. White Water Realty Group is a real estate brokerage, not a mortgage lender; this guide is general information, not lending or financial advice.
