South Carolina First-Generation Homebuyer Program
If you would be the first in your family to own a home, South Carolina has extra help for you. The First-Generation Homebuyer Program adds down payment assistance on top of SC Housing's standard programs. Here is how it works.
What the First-Generation program is
The First-Generation Homebuyer Program addresses a real barrier: buyers whose parents never owned a home often cannot turn to family for a down payment gift the way others can. South Carolina’s program provides additional down payment assistance specifically to first-generation buyers, on top of the standard SC Housing help. It is a distinctive, targeted program, and it can be the difference for a buyer starting from scratch. The exact amount and eligibility are set by SC Housing; confirm the current details on the SC Housing site.
Who counts as a first-generation buyer
Broadly, a first-generation homebuyer is someone whose parents did not own a home, so the buyer would be the first generation in the family to own. Program definitions can include additional criteria, and SC Housing sets the exact eligibility, so this is one to confirm rather than assume. If you grew up in a renting household and are buying your first home, it is very much worth asking about, we check your eligibility against SC Housing’s current rules up front.
How it stacks with the rest
The power of the First-Generation program is that it adds to, rather than replaces, the standard help. A first-generation buyer can use the forgivable SC Housing Homebuyer Program (or Palmetto Home Advantage) and then layer the First-Generation assistance on top, stretching the total further toward the down payment and closing costs. For a buyer with no family wealth to lean on, that combination can make ownership genuinely reachable. See the SC Housing program page.
Common questions
What is the South Carolina First-Generation Homebuyer Program?
It is an SC Housing program that provides additional down payment assistance to first-generation homebuyers, buyers whose parents did not own a home. It layers on top of SC Housing's standard forgivable assistance. Confirm the current amount and eligibility at SC Housing.
Who qualifies as a first-generation homebuyer in South Carolina?
Broadly, a buyer whose parents did not own a home, so you would be the first generation in your family to own. SC Housing sets the exact eligibility criteria, so confirm the current rules rather than assume.
Can I combine the First-Generation help with other SC Housing assistance?
Yes. The First-Generation Homebuyer Program adds to the standard SC Housing help (the forgivable Homebuyer Program or Palmetto Home Advantage), stretching the total assistance further. A 640 credit score is required.
First in your family to buy? See if you qualify
Tell us your county, credit range, and price target, and we’ll map your South Carolina path in a no-pressure 20-minute call. No obligation.