Down Payment Assistance
Down Payment Assistance in South Carolina (2026)
South Carolina homebuyers can access up to $10,000 in down payment assistance through the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing). On the state's $305,800 median home price, that covers roughly 16% of a standard 20% down payment. South Carolina has 2 state DPA programs total.
New to this? Quick definitions
- DPA —
- down payment assistance. Money — as a grant or loan — that helps cover the upfront cash you'd otherwise need to buy a home.
- Grant vs. loan —
- a grant is money you never repay. A loan (forgivable, deferred, or repayable) can come with strings attached, even at 0% interest.
- Forgivable loan —
- the balance is wiped out over time if you stay in the home — but it's still a real loan until then, and selling or refinancing early can trigger repayment.
- Deferred loan (silent second) —
- a second loan on your home with no monthly payments, often called a "silent second" because you won't notice it until you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage — that's when it comes due.
- AMI —
- Area Median Income. The midpoint household income for your county, used to set eligibility — programs list limits as a percentage of AMI (e.g. 80% of AMI).
- Income limit —
- the maximum household income you can earn and still qualify, based on where you live and how many people are in your household.
- Purchase price cap —
- the maximum home price a program will help you buy — homes priced above the cap don't qualify, even if your income does.
Do you likely qualify?
The SC Housing Palmetto Heroes / DPA requires household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income for your county — many buyers qualify without realizing it, since this is often higher than expected.
Primary Program: SC Housing Palmetto Heroes / DPA
maximum assistance
Forgiven after 10 years if you remain in the home as your primary residence (the home you actually live in, not a rental or second home). Sell, move out, or refinance before then, and you may owe the balance back.
- Administering Agency
- South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing)
- Income Limit
- 80% of Area Median Income
- Purchase Price Cap
- $481,176
- Forgiveness Term
- 10 years
Additional South Carolina DPA Programs
SC Homeownership and Employment Lending Program (HELP)
Forgivable Loan$15,000
Forgiven over time if you remain in the home as your primary residence (the home you actually live in, not a rental or second home).
Apply / Learn MoreHow Down Payment Assistance Works
Most state DPA programs are layered on top of a first mortgage — you apply through an approved lender who originates both the primary loan and the DPA second lien at the same closing. The DPA funds reduce the cash you need upfront.
Grants
Free money — no repayment ever. Typically the smallest amounts but highest value.
Forgivable Loans
Balance forgiven after a set period (usually 3–15 years) if you stay in the home. Selling early triggers repayment.
Deferred Loans
No monthly payments. Balance due when you sell, refinance, or pay off your mortgage.
Mistakes first-time buyers make
- Assuming you don't qualify without actually checking the income limit for your county and household size.
- Treating a "forgivable" loan as free money — it can still come due in full if you sell or refinance before the forgiveness term ends.
- Stacking programs incorrectly, or assuming state and local programs combine automatically without confirming with your lender.
- Skipping the required homebuyer education course, which can delay or disqualify your application at closing.
Pro tips
- Talk to a HUD-approved housing counselor first — it's free and they know every program you may qualify for, not just the state's.
- Apply for mortgage pre-approval alongside your DPA program application; most DPA funds are disbursed through an approved lender at the same closing.
- Check local city and county programs in addition to the state program above — many are stackable and cover different costs.
- Ask exactly what triggers repayment on any loan-based assistance before you sign, not after.
Down Payment Calculator
Down Payment Planner
South Carolina median pre-loaded
Your Savings Plan
Timeline
10.3 yrs
saving $500/mo
No PMI at 20% down
20% or more avoids private mortgage insurance entirely.
Estimate only — does not include investment returns on savings.
Full Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
What down payment assistance is available in South Carolina?
South Carolina's primary DPA program is the SC Housing Palmetto Heroes / DPA, administered by the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing). It provides up to $10,000 as a forgivable loan. Forgiven after 10 years if you remain in the home as your primary residence (the home you actually live in, not a rental or second home). Sell, move out, or refinance before then, and you may owe the balance back. Additional programs include SC Homeownership and Employment Lending Program (HELP).
How much down payment do I need in South Carolina after using DPA?
On a $305,800 home (South Carolina median), a 20% down payment is $61,160. With the SC Housing Palmetto Heroes / DPA covering $10,000, your remaining gap would be $51,160. Many buyers combine DPA with a 3–5% conventional or FHA loan to reduce their cash needed further.
Do I have to repay South Carolina down payment assistance?
Forgiven after 10 years if you remain in the home as your primary residence (the home you actually live in, not a rental or second home). Sell, move out, or refinance before then, and you may owe the balance back.
Can I combine South Carolina DPA with other assistance programs?
Yes — South Carolina's DPA programs can generally be combined ("stacked") with local city and county assistance programs, employer homebuyer benefits, and federal programs. Check with an approved lender or HUD-approved counselor to identify all programs you qualify for.
What are the income limits for South Carolina down payment assistance?
The SC Housing Palmetto Heroes / DPA requires income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your county. AMI limits vary by location and household size. Your lender or the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) can confirm the exact limit for your area.
Related Calculators
Home Affordability Calculator
See how much home you can afford in South Carolina
PMI Calculator
Estimate private mortgage insurance on lower down payments
South Carolina First-Time Buyer Programs
State mortgage programs with low rates and low down payments
Mortgage Payments by Price
See full PITI costs for 8 home prices in South Carolina, from $200K to $750K
What to do next
Down payment assistance is one piece of the puzzle. Here's where to go depending on where you are in the process.
Not sure if you qualify?
Check the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) income limits above before ruling yourself out — many buyers qualify without realizing it.
Want the full true cost picture?
DPA covers the down payment, not your ongoing costs. See the true cost of owning a home in South Carolina for the full monthly picture.
Ready to apply?
Most DPA funds are disbursed through an approved lender at closing — get pre-approved and ask specifically about SC Housing Palmetto Heroes / DPA when you apply.