First-Time Home Buyer Programs in South Carolina

South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) Programs:

SC Homeownership Program:

Eligibility: Targets first-time homebuyers (no homeownership in the past three years) or buyers in targeted areas.
Offerings: Provides a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional) with competitive rates; can be paired with down payment assistance.
Requirements:

• Income must not exceed county-specific limits (e.g., $99,440 for a 1-2 person household in Charleston County as of 2025).
• Minimum credit score of 620 (varies by loan type).
• Debt-to-income ratio capped at 45% (50% with compensating factors).
• Homebuyer education course required.
• Purchase price limit of $349,525 (non-targeted areas) or $427,198 (targeted areas).

SC Housing Down Payment Assistance:

Benefits: Offers up to $10,000 as a forgivable second loan (forgiven after 10 years if home remains owner-occupied) for down payment and closing costs; available with SC Homeownership Program.
Eligibility: Must use an SC Housing first mortgage; income and purchase price limits apply (same as SC Homeownership Program).

Palmetto Heroes:

Description: Provides a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with up to $12,000 in forgivable down payment assistance (forgiven after 10 years) for teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, veterans, and active military.
Requirements: Must meet SC Homeownership Program criteria; proof of eligible occupation or military service required; credit score of 620; limited annual funding.

Local Programs:

Charleston

Charleston Down Payment Assistance: Offers up to $15,000 as a deferred loan (0% interest, due upon sale or refinance) for down payment and closing costs; income must be at or below 80% AMI (e.g., $66,750 for a family of four).

Columbia

Columbia First-Time Homebuyer Program: Provides up to $12,000 as a forgivable loan (forgiven after 10 years) for down payment and closing costs; income capped at 80% AMI; targets revitalization areas.

Greenville

Greenville Homebuyer Assistance: Offers up to $10,000 as a 0% interest deferred loan (repayable upon sale) for down payment and closing costs; income must be below 80% AMI.

Additional Information:

• Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): Provides a federal tax credit of up to 50% of annual mortgage interest (max $2,000 yearly) for first-time buyers; fee applies; combinable with SC Housing loans.
• FHA Loans: Minimum 3.5% down payment, suitable for credit scores as low as 580 (10% if below 580).
• USDA Loans: Zero-down payment for rural South Carolina areas; income limits apply.
• VA Loans: Zero-down payment for eligible veterans or active military.