Buying a home
Data from November 2026
Buying a home in Delaware
A typical home in Delaware is worth $352,000 (Average 2020–2024). The FHA limit for one unit is $541,287–$630,200 depending on the county. Here is the minimum down payment each loan type asks at that price, every county’s limit, and the state’s assistance programs.
Key numbers in Delaware
- Typical home
- $352,000
- median value, Average 2020–2024
- 6% more than the U.S.
- FHA limit
- $541,287–$630,200
- one unit, by county
- In 1 of the 3 counties, the limit is above the national floor ($541,287).
- Conforming limit
- $832,750
- one unit, 2026 data
- Above this amount, the loan is a “jumbo” loan.
- Minimum FHA down payment
- $12,320
- 3.5% of a $352,000 home
- VA and USDA ask for no down payment if you qualify.
Down payment
How much each loan asks up front
For a $352,000 home, the typical value in Delaware. The minimum down payment is each program’s rule. The monthly figure is an example of principal and interest over 30 years at the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026): no taxes, insurance or mortgage insurance.
Your price, rate and down payment will differ: run the calculator with your numbers. Closing costs are extra.
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FHA Program rule
Minimum down3.5%
In dollars$12,320
Per month$2,301
With a credit score of 580 or more. Carries mortgage insurance (MIP) up front and every month.
HUD Handbook 4000.1 (Update 18), II.A.2.a.iv — Minimum Required Investment · In effect since September 14, 2016
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Conventional Program rule
Minimum down3%
In dollars$10,560
Per month$2,313
3% is the lowest standard option. With less than 20% down you pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) until you have more equity.
Fannie Mae Selling Guide B5-6-01 — HomeReady Mortgage Loan and Borrower Eligibility · In effect since January 1, 2024
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VA Program rule
Minimum down0%
In dollars$0
Per month$2,385
For veterans, service members and some spouses. No down payment as long as the price is not above the appraisal; charges a one-time funding fee.
VA: Purchase loan — benefits · In effect since January 1, 2020
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USDA Program rule
Minimum down0%
In dollars$0
Per month$2,385
Only homes in eligible rural areas and households within USDA’s income limit. Finances the full price.
7 CFR §3555.103 — Maximum loan amount (Guaranteed Rural Housing Program) · In effect since December 9, 2013
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ITIN loans follow no federal rule: each lender sets its own down payment and rate, and usually asks for more. 15% is an example.
Loan limits
FHA and conforming limit in every county
FHA sets the limit by area: 1 of the 3 counties in Delaware are high-cost and sit above the national floor ($541,287). The conforming limit is the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy; above it, the loan is a “jumbo”.
| New Castle County | $630,200 | $832,750 | $352,200 | High-cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sussex County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $382,600 | National floor |
| Kent County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $316,600 | National floor |
- New Castle $630,200$832,750
- Sussex $541,287$832,750
- Kent $541,287$832,750
One unit. For 2- to 4-unit homes, each county page has the full table. Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) (external site)
Down payment help
Delaware programs for buyers
3 verified programs that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. With the source wording and the date we checked it.
Some help is a grant you never repay; other help is a second loan that is forgiven over the years or repaid when you sell. Each program’s tag says which kind it is.
See all programs-
Home Sweet Home
Verified November 5, 2026
Delaware state authority second loan of $12,000 at 0%, forgiven 10% for each year you live in the home (all of it after 10 years), for homes up to $285,000; the agency announced it as a temporary program
- Forgivable
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Keys4You Home Loan
Verified November 5, 2026
Delaware state authority 0% second mortgage equal to 4% of your mortgage, for the down payment and closing costs, with no monthly payments until you sell, refinance or stop living in the home; with the Welcome Home (first-time buyers) or Open Door (any buyer) mortgages
- Deferred
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Take5 Home Loan
Verified November 5, 2026
Delaware state authority 0% second mortgage equal to 5% of your mortgage, for the down payment and closing costs, with no monthly payments until you sell, refinance or stop living in the home; only with the Welcome Home mortgage for first-time buyers
- Deferred
What the state publishes
Delaware rules that change the math
Exemptions that lower property tax and taxes paid when the deed is recorded, summarized from the official page each one cites.
Property tax in DelawareExemptions and caps
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School property tax credit for owners 65 and older
If you are 65 or older and own your home, you can get a credit of 50 percent of the regular school property tax, up to $500. The credit applies only to the tax on your primary residence.
Delaware Department of Finance · Verified October 24, 2026
When the sale is recorded
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State realty transfer tax
The State charges a realty transfer tax of 3 percent of the property's value. If the municipality or county where the home is located has enacted its full 1.5 percent local tax, the State rate is 2.5 percent. The law splits the tax equally between seller and buyer. No tax is charged when the property's actual value is under $100.
30 Del. C. §5402(a)-(b) · Delaware General Assembly (Delaware Code, Title 30) · Verified October 24, 2026
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Transfer tax reduction for first-time home buyers
The transfer tax is typically shared equally by buyer and seller. If you are buying your first home, the rate you pay as the buyer drops by half a percent (0.5 percent); for most buyers it goes from 1.25 to 0.75 percent, claimed at closing. The reduction is capped at $2,000 and applies only to the first $400,000 of value. It is for people who have never held any direct legal interest in residential real estate and who intend to live in the home as their principal residence within 90 days after closing.
Delaware Division of Revenue · Verified October 24, 2026
Your next steps
Where to go next in Delaware
What you can do today, free and without giving personal information. Go in order: your numbers first, then the help.
- Run the numbers with your figures
The Delaware calculator already has the typical value, the average rate and the state’s property tax.
- Check whether you qualify for help
Each program says what it gives, who qualifies and when we checked it.
- Talk to a counselor for free
12 HUD-approved agencies help you prepare to buy; 6 say they serve in Spanish.
- Follow the steps to buy a home
From the budget to the keys, in order.
Frequently asked questions
How much down payment do I need for a typical home in Delaware?
For a $352,000 home (typical value, Average 2020–2024), the FHA minimum (3.5%) is $12,320 and the conventional minimum (3%) is $10,560. VA and USDA ask no down payment if you qualify. State programs can cover part of it.
Are there high-cost counties in Delaware?
Yes. In 2026 data, 1 of the 3 counties in Delaware have an FHA limit above the national floor ($541,287); the highest is New Castle County ($630,200).
What is the conforming loan limit in Delaware?
In 2026 data, the conforming limit for one unit is $832,750 in every county in Delaware: the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy. Above it, the loan is a “jumbo” and each lender sets its own terms.
What would the monthly payment be on a typical home in Delaware?
With $352,000, the FHA minimum down payment ($12,320) and the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026), principal and interest over 30 years comes to about $2,301 a month. Tax, insurance and mortgage insurance are missing: the calculator adds them.
What down payment help is there in Delaware?
We have verified 3 state programs in Delaware that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. Each shows the source wording, who qualifies and the date we checked it.