South Carolina Down Payment Assistance Eligibility (2026)
South Carolina's requirements are a 640 credit score, income under SC Housing's limit for your county, and a primary residence. Here is what qualifies you, and how the programs differ on first-time status.
Who qualifies for South Carolina down payment assistance
The core gates are a 640 credit score, income under SC Housing’s limit for your county, and a home you will live in as your primary residence, not a vacation or investment property. SC Housing sets income and sales-price limits county by county, with a targeted / non-targeted map that can raise limits in certain areas, and they change, so we confirm your figures before you shop. Homebuyer education is required. The assistance pairs with an FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgage.
First-time vs. repeat buyers
This is where the two programs differ. The SC Housing Homebuyer Program is generally for first-time buyers, though the first-time rule is waived in targeted counties. Palmetto Home Advantage is more flexible and can serve repeat buyers, and it often allows higher income limits. So if you have owned a home before, you are not shut out, you use Palmetto Home Advantage. First-generation buyers may add the First-Generation help on top.
SC Housing income limits by county (2026)
SC Housing sets its income limit by county and household size, not as one statewide figure. The table below is the SC Housing Homebuyer (Bond) Program and MCC limit, taken from the SC Housing lender chart effective for reservations on and after June 1, 2026. Targeted counties carry higher caps, and any county not named uses the $114,960 / $134,120 baseline. The home price limit is $450,000 in every county.
| County (Homebuyer / MCC Program) | 1–2 persons | 3+ persons |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $117,500 | $135,125 |
| York | $117,400 | $135,010 |
| Lancaster | $113,900 | $130,985 |
| Greenville, Pickens | $106,400 | $122,360 |
| Aiken, Anderson, Greenwood, Lexington, Oconee, Richland, Spartanburg | $95,800 | $110,170 |
| Targeted: Berkeley, Dorchester | $141,000 | $164,500 |
| Targeted: Beaufort | $135,600 | $158,200 |
| Targeted: Calhoun, Fairfield, Saluda | $114,960 | $134,120 |
| All other SC counties (baseline) | $114,960 | $134,120 |
Source: SC Housing, 2026/2027 Income and Home Price Limits (effective for reservations on and after 06.01.2026). Palmetto Home Advantage, the repeat-buyer program, uses a single $140,000 statewide income limit. Figures can change when HUD releases new limits, so verify your county's current number with us before you lock. See the program overview for the full picture.
Common questions
What credit score do I need for South Carolina down payment assistance?
SC Housing requires a 640 minimum credit score. You also need income under the limit for your county and a home that will be your primary residence.
What are the 2026 SC Housing income limits?
SC Housing sets income limits by county and household size, effective for reservations on and after June 1, 2026. On the Homebuyer (Bond) Program, most non-targeted counties cap income at $95,800 for 1-2 people and $110,170 for 3 or more. Charleston runs to $117,500 / $135,125, and targeted Berkeley and Dorchester reach $141,000 / $164,500. Any county not listed uses $114,960 / $134,120. Palmetto Home Advantage allows $140,000 statewide, and the home price cap is $450,000 in every county.
Can repeat buyers qualify for SC Housing?
Yes, through Palmetto Home Advantage, which serves repeat buyers as well as first-time buyers. The SC Housing Homebuyer Program is generally first-time (waived in targeted counties).
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