SC Housing Homebuyer Program
Forgivable down payment assistance.
South Carolina Down Payment Assistance: Forgivable Help
SC Housing gives South Carolina buyers forgivable down payment assistance, a flexible option for repeat buyers, and extra help for first-generation buyers. Here is how to use it.
How South Carolina down payment assistance works
Buying in South Carolina does not have to mean saving your whole down payment first. SC Housing, the state agency, pairs a first mortgage with down payment help. The SC Housing Homebuyer Program offers forgivable assistance, a second you do not repay as long as you stay. Palmetto Home Advantage is a more flexible, percentage-based option that reaches repeat buyers and higher incomes. And a First-Generation Homebuyer Program adds help for buyers whose parents never owned. A 640 credit score qualifies, and we confirm the current amounts and county limits with SC Housing before you shop.
The South Carolina options at a glance
First-Generation Program
Extra help if your parents didn't own.
Palmetto Home Advantage
Repeat buyers and higher incomes.
Homebuyer vs. Palmetto
Which program fits your situation.
DPA + VA loan
Assistance covers closing costs on a zero-down VA loan.
Eligibility & limits
640 credit, income limits by county.
Why work with us
A participating lender, not a referral site.
Cornerstone First Mortgage originates your SC Housing loans directly, we are an approved participating lender, not a lead broker that sells your information. Mike Certo has closed these loans across Charleston, Columbia, and the Upstate, and he will tell you straight which program fits, forgivable, Palmetto, or the First-Generation help, before you apply. No obligation, no pressure.
Ready to see what you qualify for?
Tell us your county, credit range, and whether you have owned before or served, and we will map your SC Housing options in a no-pressure call. Start with the quiz above, or reach Mike at (480) 296-6513.
Local guides
Down payment assistance by county
Explore your metro and compare your options.
Charleston
Lowcountry — Joint Base Charleston, forgivable help.
Columbia
Midlands — Fort Jackson, affordable capital.
Greenville
Upstate — first-generation & first-time buyers.
Myrtle Beach / Horry
Grand Strand — for the year-round workforce.
Rock Hill / York
Charlotte-metro alternative at SC prices.
Eligibility & limits
640 credit · income limits by county.
Compare your options
First-Generation Program
Extra help if your parents didn't own.
Palmetto Home Advantage
Repeat buyers and higher incomes.
Homebuyer vs. Palmetto
Which program fits your situation.
DPA + FHA loan
Cover FHA's 3.5% down with SC Housing.
DPA + VA loan
Assistance covers closing costs on a zero-down VA loan.
South Carolina DPA blog
Guides and updates as programs change.
FAQ
Common questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in South Carolina?
SC Housing offers forgivable down payment assistance through the SC Housing Homebuyer Program, a percentage-based option through Palmetto Home Advantage, and extra help through the First-Generation Homebuyer Program. The exact amounts are set by SC Housing; a 640 credit score qualifies.
Is South Carolina down payment assistance forgivable?
The SC Housing Homebuyer Program's assistance is forgivable, a second you do not repay as long as you stay in the home. Palmetto Home Advantage terms vary. Confirm the current amounts and forgiveness rules with SC Housing.
Can repeat buyers get South Carolina down payment assistance?
Yes, through Palmetto Home Advantage, which has more flexible eligibility than the first-time SC Housing Homebuyer Program, including repeat buyers and often higher income limits. A 640 credit score is required.
What credit score do I need for South Carolina down payment assistance?
SC Housing requires a 640 minimum credit score. First mortgages are FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional, and income and price limits are set by county.
See your South Carolina options
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.