Assistance program · New Hampshire
Limited funds remain, per the source
1stGenHomeNH
New Hampshire state agency help of $10,000 for the down payment, closing costs and the escrow account, as a second mortgage with no interest or payments, repaid when you sell, refinance or leave the home; for first-generation buyers, people who were in foster care, or refugees or asylees
At a glance
- Most it gives, per the source
- $10,000
- What its page says; your amount depends on the price and the loan.
- Kind of help
- Deferred
- Second loan with no payments until you sell or refinance
- First-time buyer?
- Yes
- First-time buyers only
- Checked
- November 5, 2026
- Against the program's official page.
Type of help
What it is
- Second loan with no payments until you sell or refinance
What it gives
$10,000
Source text
For 1st Generation Homebuyers, The Path To Homeownership Just Got $10,000 Easier! … The cash assistance is secured by a second mortgage, with zero % interest and APR, no periodic payments and a 30-year term. The cash assistance is due in full if you: 1) sell; 2) refinance; 3) file for bankruptcy; 4) no longer occupy the property as your primary residence; or 5) in 30 years. A summary of what the program publishes; not a loan offer or advice. Amounts, limits and funding change without notice.
At a glance
Who qualifies
Each answer comes from the program's page. "Not stated — ask" means its page doesn't make it clear: ask before you apply.
Source text
A borrower and co-borrower (if applicable) that do not currently, nor have previously, owned a home; The borrower’s and co-borrower’s (if applicable) parent(s)/legal guardian(s) do not currently, nor have they previously, owned a home in the homebuyer’s lifetime; … The borrower or co-borrower (if applicable) was in foster care or legally resides in the United States as a refugee or under asylum status granted by USCIS. … Financing through one of our mortgage programs and using one of our Approved Lenders. … Complete face-to-face homebuyer education through either AHEAD, HOMEteam or the Housing Partnership. … There is limited funding for this pilot program initiative. New Hampshire Housing reserves the right to suspend or terminate the initiative at any time. - First-time buyers only Yes
- Homebuyer course required Yes
- Minimum credit score Not stated — ask
- Income limit Per the program table (by county and household size)
- Price limit Per the program table
- Mortgages it works with Not stated — ask
- Immigration requirement Not stated — ask
- Accepts ITIN? Not stated — ask
- Spanish materials Not stated — ask
- Program status Limited funds remain, per the source
- Where it applies All of New Hampshire
What its page says about being open
There is limited funding for this pilot program initiative. New Hampshire Housing reserves the right to suspend or terminate the initiative at any time. Read on the official page on November 5, 2026. nhhousing.org
Your area in numbers
What buying costs in New Hampshire
The program covers all of New Hampshire. The first column is New Hampshire's figure; the second runs from the lowest to the highest among its counties. Limits change by county: check yours.
The typical home value ($402,500) fits within New Hampshire's FHA limit ($541,287).
The program sets its income limit in its own table. For reference, HUD's low-income limit for 4 people in New Hampshire is $94,100.
| Figure | New Hampshire | Lowest to highest | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home value | $402,500 | $188,900 (Coos County) to $497,500 (Rockingham County) | U.S. Census Bureau |
| FHA limit (one-unit home) | $541,287 | $541,287 (Belknap County) to $962,550 (Strafford County) | HUD |
| Conforming limit (one-unit home) | $832,750 | $832,750 (Belknap County) to $962,550 (Strafford County) | FHFA |
| HUD low income (80%), household of 4 | $94,100 | $94,100 (Belknap County) to $106,800 (Strafford County) | HUD |
Sources: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (Average 2020–2024) · FHA mortgage limits (HUD) (2026 data) · Conforming loan limits (FHFA) (2026 data) · Income Limits (HUD) (Fiscal year 2026)
Step by step
How to use it, step by step
Each step comes from what the program's page says. What its page leaves out is further down, in the questions.
Find a participating lender-
Ask how much is left
Its page says limited funds remain. Ask whether it still takes applications and how long an answer takes.
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Confirm you count as a first-time buyer
The program requires it. Read on its page how it defines "first-time buyer" and whether there are exceptions.
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Find your county in the income table
The limit changes with the county and the number of people in your household. Count the income of everyone the program asks you to add.
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Take the homebuyer course
The program requires it. HUD-approved housing counseling agencies teach courses. New Hampshire has 5 agencies on HUD's list, and 1 serve people in Spanish.
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Find a participating lender: state programs do not take applications directly; the lender reserves the assistance while processing your mortgage.
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Compare the total cost before you sign
Ask about the total cost. The mortgage with assistance may carry a higher rate than without it, and some programs charge for the course or a fee.
Before you call
What to ask
Its page leaves 6 points unclear. Write them down for when you talk to New Hampshire Housing.
What its page does not say
- Is there a maximum price for the home?
- What minimum credit score do you require?
- Which mortgage types does it work with: FHA, VA, USDA or conventional?
- Which immigration status or residency documents do you ask for?
- Do you accept an ITIN?
- Do you have materials or staff in Spanish?
Worth asking for this kind of help
- When is the second loan repaid: when I sell, refinance or pay off the mortgage?
Against the others
How it compares with New Hampshire's other programs
The 2 programs we checked in New Hampshire, with the same fields from their official pages. "Doesn't say" means its page does not make it clear.
It is the only one of New Hampshire's 2 programs that requires being a first-time buyer. It is one of 2 out of 2 that publish an amount with the figure in their own wording. It is the only program in New Hampshire on our list with "deferred" help. It is the only one that requires a homebuyer course.
Swipe the table to see every column.
| Program | Kind of help | Published amount | First-time buyers only | Course required | Accepts ITIN | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1stGenHomeNHthis programLimited funds remain, per the source | Deferred | $10,000 | Yes | Yes | Doesn't say | Statewide |
| New Hampshire Housing Cash Downpayment Assistance | Type not stated | Up to $15,000 | No | Doesn't say | Doesn't say | Statewide |
Sources
How we checked this program
We read the program's official pages on November 5, 2026 and copied their text as it appears on them. We add no amounts or requirements those pages do not state, and a program is listed as open or closed only when its page says so.
We check every program again. If more than 180 days pass without a check, the page says so.
Get free help applying
A HUD-approved housing counselor explains the program's requirements, goes over your numbers and tells you what to ask the lender. They do not sell loans.
Find a counselor (HUD)Read before you apply
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Help and programs
Down payment assistance: how it works
What down payment assistance is, the types that exist (grant, forgivable or deferred second loan, tax credit), who qualifies and where to find it.
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Help and programs
Homebuyer education courses: when you need one
What a homebuyer education course is, when Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and assistance programs require one, and where to take it for free or in Spanish.
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Help and programs
HUD housing counselors: what they do and what they cost
What a HUD-approved housing counselor does, what they help with (buying, renting, missed payments, credit), what they may charge and how to find one.
Your county
Price and income limits depend on the county. Your county page has the typical value, the FHA limit and the counseling agencies that can walk you through the application.