First-Time Home Buyer Programs in South Carolina

South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) Programs:

SC Housing offers 30-year fixed-rate mortgages at competitive rates and down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers (no primary residence in past 3 years, waived in targeted areas) through approved lenders. No statewide sales price limit; income limits vary by county (higher in targeted areas). Mandatory homebuyer education required. Verify current rates, income/purchase limits, and targeted areas at schousing.com/homeownership or contact an SC Housing-approved lender. Programs remain active with steady funding in 2026.

South Carolina First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Programs:

Eligibility: First-time homebuyers or those not owning in past 3 years (waived in targeted areas); low-to-moderate income.
Offerings: 30-year fixed-rate mortgages (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional) with competitive below-market rates and low down payment options.
Requirements:

• Income ≤ county-specific limits (varies by household size; e.g., ~$98,000–$140,000+ in high-cost areas like Charleston/Greenville; lower in rural counties—check SC Housing income chart).
• Minimum credit score: 620+ (varies by loan type).
• Debt-to-income ratio typically ≤45% (up to 50% with compensating factors).
• Mandatory homebuyer education (free via SC Housing-approved counselors or online courses).

Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Options:

SC Housing DPA Grant: Up to 5% of purchase price (max ~$10,000–$15,000 depending on loan/program) as a grant (no repayment) or deferred second mortgage (0% interest; repayable on sale/refinance).
Forgivable DPA: Portions forgiven after occupancy period (e.g., 5–10 years in some cases).
Eligibility: Must pair with SC Housing first mortgage; income-based; minimum buyer contribution often required.

South Carolina Heroes Program:

Description: Enhanced DPA and rate benefits for teachers, firefighters, law enforcement, healthcare workers, military/veterans, and other public servants.
Eligibility: Qualify for standard SC Housing mortgage + proof of eligible profession; income limits apply.

Local Programs (Examples):

County/city programs offer additional deferred/forgivable assistance—funding limited; verify local housing authorities or SC Housing partners.

Charleston / Charleston County

Charleston Homebuyer Assistance Program: Up to $15,000+ deferred/forgivable for down payment/closing in city limits; income-based; counseling required—check charleston-sc.gov/housing.

Columbia / Richland County

Columbia Homeownership Assistance: Assistance through regional partners (often up to $10,000–$20,000 deferred) for low/moderate-income buyers; education required—see columbiasc.gov/housing.

Greenville / Greenville County

Greenville Homebuyer Programs: Local grants/loans (up to $10,000–$15,000 deferred) for eligible first-time buyers—check local housing authority.

Additional Information:

• USDA Loans: 0% down in eligible rural South Carolina areas; income limits apply.
• VA Loans: 0% down for eligible veterans/active-duty military.
• FHA Loans: 3.5% minimum down (580+ credit; 10% if below 580).

South Carolina programs emphasize flexible DPA and targeted support—always confirm with an SC Housing-approved lender or schousing.com. Seeking Agents® connects you with South Carolina agents who understand these programs and compete to offer reduced commissions or added services—free for buyers/sellers!