South Carolina Down Payment Assistance Programs (2026)
South Carolina's help runs through SC Housing: forgivable assistance, a flexible option for more buyers, extra help for first-generation buyers, and a tax credit. Here is the full menu and who each fits.
The two main programs
SC Housing runs two main down payment paths. The SC Housing Homebuyer Program offers forgivable assistance, help you do not repay if you stay, generally to first-time buyers within tighter income limits. Palmetto Home Advantage is the flexible alternative: percentage-based assistance with broader eligibility, including repeat buyers and often higher incomes. Which one fits depends on your first-time status and income. Compare them on our Homebuyer vs. Palmetto page.
First-Generation Homebuyer Program
On top of the two main programs, South Carolina runs a First-Generation Homebuyer Program, extra down payment help for buyers whose parents did not own a home. It is a distinctive, targeted program that recognizes first-generation buyers often have no family wealth to draw on for a down payment, and it can layer with the standard assistance. See our First-Generation page.
The MCC and other help
SC Housing has also offered a mortgage credit certificate (MCC), a federal tax credit on part of your mortgage interest, on some paths, along with additional programs. MCC and program availability change, so confirm what is currently offered when you apply; we check the current status for you.
Verified August 2026 against SC Housing program materials. Exact DPA amounts, forgiveness terms, MCC status, and income/price limits are set by SC Housing and change, confirm at schousing.sc.gov. This is not a commitment to lend.
Common questions
What down payment assistance programs are there in South Carolina?
SC Housing runs the SC Housing Homebuyer Program (forgivable assistance, first-time buyers), Palmetto Home Advantage (percentage-based, repeat buyers OK), and the First-Generation Homebuyer Program (extra help if your parents didn't own). An MCC tax credit may also be available.
What is the difference between the SC Housing programs?
The Homebuyer Program offers forgivable assistance to first-time buyers within tighter income limits. Palmetto Home Advantage offers percentage-based assistance with more flexibility, repeat buyers and higher incomes. The First-Generation program adds extra help for first-generation buyers.
Does South Carolina offer a mortgage credit certificate?
SC Housing has offered an MCC, a federal tax credit on part of your mortgage interest, on some paths. Availability changes, so confirm whether it is currently offered when you apply.
See which SC Housing program fits you
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.