Eligibility: Targets first-time homebuyers (no homeownership in the past three years), veterans, or buyers in targeted areas (e.g., qualified census tracts); eligible properties include single-family homes, condos, manufactured homes on owned land, or multi-family homes (2-4 units, owner-occupied). Learn more about VHFA Advantage
Benefits: Offers up to $25,000 as a 0% interest, no-monthly-payment second mortgage (repayable upon sale, refinance, or after 30 years) for down payment, closing costs, or prepaid expenses; available with VHFA mortgages. Learn more about ASSIST Down Payment Program
Description: Provides a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with rates up to 0.25% below VHFA Advantage or up to 5% of the loan amount as a 0% interest, no-monthly-payment second mortgage for down payment/closing costs; no first-time buyer requirement in targeted areas or for veterans.
Description: Combines MOVE mortgage with a Mortgage Credit Certificate, offering lower rates and a federal tax credit of up to 50% of annual mortgage interest (max $2,000 yearly); ideal for low- to moderate-income buyers. Learn more about MOVE MCC Combo
Description: Offers a $5,000 non-repayable grant for first-time buyers; income at or below 120% AMI (e.g., $117,250 in Chittenden County); funds limited and available until depleted. Learn more about Vermont Homebuyer Grant
Champlain Housing Trust Homeownership Program: Offers up to $40,000 as a 0% interest, deferred loan (repayable upon sale or refinance) for first-time buyers; income at or below 100% AMI (e.g., $97,700 for a family of four in Chittenden County); requires $1,000 contribution and homebuyer education.
Learn more about Burlington Homeownership Program
Montpelier Down Payment Assistance: Offers up to $35,000 as a forgivable loan (forgiven after 5 years) for first-time buyers or those who haven’t owned in 5 years; income at Hawkins capped at 100% AMI (e.g., $80,200 for a family of four in Washington County); requires $1,000 contribution and homebuyer education.
Learn more about Montpelier Housing Programs
NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center: Offers up to $25,000 as a 0% interest, deferred loan (repayable upon sale or refinance) for first-time buyers; income at or below 80% AMI (e.g., $64,150 for a family of four in Rutland County); requires $1,000 contribution and homebuyer education.
Learn more about Rutland Homeownership ProgramsVermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Programs:
VHFA Advantage:
Offerings: Provides a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional) with competitive rates; can be paired with ASSIST down payment assistance or Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC).
Requirements:
ASSIST Down Payment Program:
Eligibility: Must use a VHFA first mortgage (Advantage, MOVE, or MOVE MCC); same income and purchase price limits apply; homebuyer education required.
MOVE Program:
Requirements: Income capped at 80% AMI (e.g., $78,150 for a family of four in Chittenden County, $64,150 in Washington County); minimum credit score of 620; homebuyer education required; must pair with a VHFA mortgage.
MOVE MCC Combo:
Requirements: Same as MOVE; MCC fee of $800 ($400 with ASSIST); homebuyer education required; recapture tax may apply if sold within 9 years.
Vermont Homebuyer Grant:
Requirements: Requires purchase contract and homebuyer education; no specific lender or loan program required.
Local Programs:
Burlington
Montpelier
Rutland
Additional Information:
View First-Time Home Buyer Programs for: Virginia