New Hampshire Down Payment Assistance Programs (2026)

New Hampshire homebuyers may have access to several down payment and closing cost assistance programs in 2026.

NH Housing currently offers $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 in Cash Assistance when paired with an eligible NH Housing first mortgage. Qualifying first-generation homebuyers may also be eligible for up to an additional $10,000 through 1stGenHomeNH.

Other programs available through participating banks, credit unions or specialized lenders can offer larger amounts. FHLBank Boston's 2026 programs include grants of up to $32,099 through the Equity Builder Program, $25,000 through Housing Our Workforce and $40,000 through Lift Up Homeownership.

New Hampshire manufactured-home buyers may also have specialized options, while qualifying buyers purchasing within Nashua may be able to use the City's local First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program.

The best program is not necessarily the one advertising the largest dollar amount. Your household income, first-time or first-generation status, property type, first mortgage, participating lender and repayment terms all affect which assistance may actually work for your purchase.

Quick Answer: New Hampshire Down Payment Assistance in 2026

Important: Program funding and eligibility can change. FHLBank Boston assistance is accessed through participating member institutions rather than by applying directly to FHLBank Boston. Availability should be confirmed before including any assistance amount in your home-purchase budget.

Important 2026 Update: NH Housing Cash Assistance Is Not Forgivable

One of the most important things New Hampshire buyers should know is that current NH Housing Cash Assistance is not a forgivable grant.

NH Housing currently describes its down payment assistance as a zero-interest, zero-APR second mortgage with no monthly payment and a 30-year term. The balance generally becomes due if you:

• Sell the property

• Refinance the mortgage

• File for bankruptcy

• Stop occupying the property as your primary residence

• Reach the end of the 30-year term

Current NH Housing guidance confirms these repayment conditions.

This matters because older articles and mortgage resources may still describe NH Housing assistance as being forgiven after several years. Those descriptions can reflect earlier versions of the program rather than the current structure.

Before closing, always verify the repayment terms shown in your specific loan documents.

New Hampshire Down Payment Assistance Programs: 2026 Comparison

NH Housing Cash Assistance

NH Housing is one of the primary sources of down payment assistance for homebuyers across New Hampshire.

Current eligible mortgage options can provide fixed Cash Assistance amounts of:

• $5,000

• $10,000

• $15,000

The assistance can generally be used toward eligible down payment, closing cost and prepaid expenses.

To receive the assistance, your first mortgage must also be an eligible NH Housing mortgage. Current NH Housing financing includes conventional and government-backed options, depending on borrower and property eligibility.

The assistance is not a separate personal loan you obtain after arranging your mortgage. It is part of the overall mortgage structure.

What Can NH Housing Cash Assistance Pay For?

Depending on the applicable program and transaction, assistance may help cover:

• Down payment

• Closing costs

• Eligible prepaid expenses

The amount that makes sense for your purchase should be evaluated together with the interest rate and total first-mortgage cost.

Choosing a larger assistance amount is not automatically better if it results in a less favorable overall financing structure.

What Is 1stGenHomeNH?

1stGenHomeNH is an NH Housing program designed for qualifying first-generation homebuyers.

Eligible buyers may qualify for up to $10,000 in additional down payment assistance.

NH Housing currently defines first-generation eligibility more specifically than simply being a first-time buyer. Generally, the borrower and co-borrower, if applicable:

• Must not currently own and must not previously have owned a home

• Must have parents or legal guardians who did not own a home during the buyer's lifetime

• Must also satisfy applicable rules involving a non-borrowing spouse

NH Housing also states that certain buyers who were in foster care or who legally reside in the United States with refugee or asylum status may meet its first-generation definition.

Because first-generation eligibility can materially change your available assistance, mention it early in the pre-approval process rather than after you have already selected a mortgage structure.

Explore First-Time Homebuyer Options

First-Time Homebuyer vs. First-Generation Homebuyer

These terms do not mean the same thing.

A first-time homebuyer generally qualifies based primarily on their own previous homeownership history. The exact definition varies by program.

A first-generation homebuyer must satisfy additional requirements involving family homeownership history or another qualifying condition established by the program.

This difference matters because:

• EBP requires first-time buyer status

• HOW does not require a buyer to be a first-time homebuyer

• 1stGenHomeNH specifically targets qualifying first-generation buyers

• Lift Up Homeownership requires first-time and first-generation status

If you are unsure which category applies to you, do not assume you are ineligible before having the program requirements reviewed.

Equity Builder Program: Up to $32,099

FHLBank Boston's Equity Builder Program, or EBP, provides grants of up to $32,099 per household in 2026.

The program is designed for qualifying first-time buyers with household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income.

Eligible uses can include:

• Down payment

• Closing costs

• Interest-rate buydown of up to two points

• Certain rehabilitation expenses connected with the purchase

• Limited homebuyer education or counseling costs

FHLBank Boston confirms that EBP requires first-time homebuyer status and a minimum $500 contribution from the homebuyer's own funds.

Buyers do not apply directly to FHLBank Boston. They must work through an approved participating member institution.

Housing Our Workforce: Up to $25,000

Housing Our Workforce, or HOW, is particularly relevant to moderate-income buyers who earn too much for programs limited to 80% AMI.

For 2026, HOW provides grants of up to $25,000 per household to qualifying buyers earning:

More than 80% and up to 120% of Area Median Income.

First-time homebuyer status is not required.

The funds may generally be used for:

• Down payment

• Closing costs

• Eligible interest-rate buydown

FHLBank Boston requires a minimum $2,000 homebuyer contribution from the buyer's own funds for HOW.

For borrowers who fall just above traditional low-income assistance limits, HOW is an important program to investigate.

Lift Up Homeownership: Up to $40,000

FHLBank Boston's Lift Up Homeownership program offers one of the largest advertised assistance amounts covered in this guide.

Qualifying buyers may receive a grant of up to $40,000.

The 2026 program is designed for qualifying:

• First-time homebuyers

• First-generation homebuyers

• Households earning up to 120% of AMI

The buyer must contribute at least $1,000 of their own funds.

Like EBP and HOW, the program requires a participating FHLBank Boston member institution.

Lift Up is subject to a five-year affordability period. If the property is sold, transferred or refinanced before that period ends, repayment rules may apply. FHLBank Boston states that the grant cannot be combined with EBP, HOW or its Affordable Housing Program, although qualifying buyers may potentially layer it with eligible assistance from outside FHLBank Boston.

What Does 80% or 120% of AMI Mean?

AMI means Area Median Income.

It is a benchmark used by housing programs to determine whether a household falls within a specific income range.

For example:

• EBP targets qualifying households at or below 80% AMI

• HOW targets households earning more than 80% but no more than 120% AMI

• Lift Up Homeownership allows qualifying households up to 120% AMI

Your actual dollar limit can depend on factors such as household size and geographic area.

This means a household should not simply compare its income with a statewide number and assume it does or does not qualify.

Program-specific income calculations should be completed before relying on assistance.

Local Down Payment Assistance in Nashua, NH

Statewide programs are not the only possible source of assistance.

City of Nashua First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program

The City of Nashua currently offers a Homebuyer Assistance Program for qualifying low- to moderate-income first-time buyers purchasing property within Nashua city limits.

The City says it generally provides up to $10,000 in assistance per home purchase.

Eligible funds may be used toward:

• Down payment

• Closing costs

• Interest-rate buydown

• Eligible purchase-price assistance

Household income generally may not exceed 80% of the applicable Nashua Area Median Income, adjusted for household size.

Applicants must also complete a HUD-certified homebuyer counseling workshop before receiving assistance.

The program uses a conditional grant agreement and affordable-housing restriction, and applicable property-price and other program requirements must also be met.

Funding is limited, so Nashua buyers should verify availability before assuming this assistance will be part of their cash-to-close calculation.

Down Payment Assistance for Manufactured Homes in New Hampshire

Manufactured-home buyers may have several financing paths.

Eligible manufactured homes may qualify for certain NH Housing mortgage options depending on the loan program and property.

Another important resource is the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, which offers Welcome Home financing and specialized assistance.

Your Turn Homebuyer Assistance

For qualifying buyers purchasing a new Energy Star manufactured home, the Community Loan Fund's Your Turn program can provide an additional $35,000 loan toward down payment and closing costs.

The home must be located in New Hampshire in either:

• A resident-owned community, or ROC

• On land the buyer owns or is purchasing

The Your Turn loan generally does not need to be repaid until the regular Welcome Home mortgage is paid off or the buyer sells, refinances or stops living in the home.

Funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Buyers purchasing certain pre-owned manufactured homes may also have down payment assistance options through the Community Loan Fund depending on income and property eligibility.

Learn more about manufactured home financing in New Hampshire.

Can Down Payment Assistance Be Used With an FHA Loan in New Hampshire?

Yes, down payment assistance may be used with an FHA loan in New Hampshire when both the assistance program and FHA financing requirements are satisfied.

NH Housing offers mortgage options involving government-backed financing, including FHA loans, and eligible assistance may be attached to qualifying transactions.

Because FHA financing already allows a relatively low minimum down payment, assistance can be particularly useful for buyers whose biggest obstacle is cash needed at closing.

However, down payment assistance does not automatically mean zero cash out of pocket.

Depending on the transaction, you may still need funds for items such as:

• Earnest money

• Inspections

• Appraisal-related expenses

• Required reserves

• Costs that cannot be covered by the assistance

• Minimum buyer-contribution requirements

Learn more about FHA loans.

Can I Combine Multiple New Hampshire Down Payment Assistance Programs?

Sometimes, but assistance programs cannot automatically be added together.

For example, qualifying first-generation buyers may have opportunities to combine eligible NH Housing assistance with 1stGenHomeNH when program rules permit.

FHLBank Boston has separate restrictions.

EBP, HOW and Lift Up Homeownership generally cannot be combined with one another. EBP rules, for example, prohibit using the grant with FHLBank Boston's other voluntary homeownership assistance programs.

Lift Up Homeownership may potentially be layered with eligible local, state, federal or other outside assistance programs, subject to all applicable mortgage and assistance rules.

Whether two programs can be combined can depend on:

• First mortgage requirements

• Program administrator

• Investor or insurer rules

• Property type

• Household income

• Lien position

• Minimum borrower contribution

• Maximum assistance limits

• Available funding

Never calculate your purchasing power by simply adding two advertised assistance amounts together.

Are New Hampshire Down Payment Assistance Programs Only for Low-Income Buyers?

No.

Different programs serve different income ranges.

For example:

• EBP: up to 80% AMI

• HOW: above 80% and up to 120% AMI

• Lift Up Homeownership: up to 120% AMI for qualifying buyers

• NH Housing: income limits depend on the mortgage program being used

• Nashua Homebuyer Assistance: generally limited to households at or below 80% of applicable AMI

NH Housing also offers certain conventional programs with substantially higher published income limits than 80% AMI. Current NH Housing materials show a maximum income limit of $176,200 for its Home Preferred program, although program rules and limits can change.

The practical takeaway is simple:

Do not assume your income is too high for assistance until you check the actual program limits.

Are Down Payment Assistance Programs Really Grants?

Some are. Some are not.

This distinction matters because two programs offering the same dollar amount can create very different long-term obligations.

NH Housing Cash Assistance

Current NH Housing assistance is a non-forgivable second mortgage, not a free grant.

It carries 0% interest and no monthly payment, but repayment can be triggered by specified events.

EBP, HOW and Lift Up Homeownership

FHLBank Boston describes these programs as grants, but each requires a five-year retention mortgage and note.

That means buyers should understand what happens if they sell, transfer or refinance before the retention period ends.

Your Turn

Your Turn is an additional loan rather than a grant. Repayment is deferred until certain events occur.

When comparing assistance, ask:

Is this a grant, forgivable assistance, a deferred loan or a non-forgivable second mortgage?

Then ask:

What happens if I sell or refinance?

Those two questions can be more important than the advertised assistance amount.

How Much Down Payment Assistance Could I Qualify For?

The maximum advertised amount is not necessarily the amount you will receive.

Your assistance can depend on:

• Household income

• Area Median Income

• First-time buyer status

• First-generation buyer status

• Credit and underwriting

• Mortgage type

• Property type

• Owner-occupancy requirements

• Purchase price

• Participating lender

• Available program funding

• Required buyer contribution

• Other assistance being used

For example, FHLBank Boston's current minimum buyer contributions are:

• EBP: $500

• HOW: $2,000

• Lift Up: $1,000

Those requirements are separate from the maximum grant amounts.

A useful pre-approval should therefore answer two different questions:

How much mortgage can I qualify for?

and

Which assistance programs can actually be attached to that mortgage?

Which New Hampshire Down Payment Assistance Program Might Fit Me?

Here are a few simplified examples.

First-time buyer at or below 80% AMI

Programs worth investigating may include:

• NH Housing Cash Assistance

• Equity Builder Program

• 1stGenHomeNH if first-generation requirements are also satisfied

• Local assistance if available where the property is located

Buyer above 80% but no more than 120% AMI

Possible programs may include:

• Housing Our Workforce

• Certain NH Housing mortgage and assistance programs

• Lift Up Homeownership if first-time and first-generation requirements are met

First-generation homebuyer

Programs to investigate may include:

• 1stGenHomeNH

• NH Housing Cash Assistance

• Lift Up Homeownership through a participating institution

Buyer purchasing in Nashua

Possible options may include:

• Statewide NH Housing programs

• Eligible FHLBank Boston assistance through participating institutions

• City of Nashua First-Time Homebuyer Assistance

Manufactured-home buyer

Possible options may include:

• Eligible NH Housing financing

• Welcome Home Loan financing

• Your Turn assistance for qualifying new Energy Star homes

• Other Community Loan Fund assistance depending on property and income

These examples are illustrative only. They are not eligibility determinations, and not every listed program can necessarily be combined.

How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance in New Hampshire

1. Start With Mortgage Pre-Approval

Down payment assistance usually needs to work with your first mortgage.

Before shopping based on a grant amount you found online, determine which mortgage programs you can actually qualify for.

Get Pre-Approved

2. Identify Your First-Time and First-Generation Status

Tell your loan officer whether:

• You have previously owned a home

• Your spouse or co-borrower has owned a home

• Your parents or legal guardians have owned a home

• You currently own another property

• You may qualify under another first-generation category

These details can change which assistance programs should be evaluated.

3. Calculate Household Income Correctly

Mortgage underwriting income and assistance-program income are not always calculated exactly the same way.

You could qualify for a first mortgage but exceed the household-income limit for a particular assistance program.

The reverse can also occur.

4. Calculate the Full Cash-to-Close Structure

Ask your lender to estimate:

• Required down payment

• Closing costs

• Prepaid expenses

• Seller credits

• Assistance

• Required buyer contribution

• Reserves

• Estimated total cash to close

This gives you a much better picture than looking only at a headline grant amount.

5. Complete Required Homebuyer Education

Several assistance programs require approved homebuyer education or counseling.

Complete these requirements early rather than waiting until shortly before closing.

6. Verify Funding Availability

Some assistance programs use limited annual funding.

FHLBank Boston's programs, for example, are offered through participating institutions with approved allocations. Homebuyers do not apply directly to FHLBank Boston.

The existence of a program does not guarantee that funds remain available through the lender you are using.

7. Review Repayment and Retention Terms

Before closing, ask:

What happens to this assistance if I sell or refinance?

Also confirm:

• Whether the assistance creates a second lien

• Whether it is forgivable

• How long any retention period lasts

• What happens if you refinance

• Whether repayment is prorated

• Whether primary occupancy must be maintained

You should know those answers before signing your closing documents.

How NextGen Mortgage Loans Can Help

Down payment assistance is not simply about finding the program with the biggest advertised number.

Your first mortgage, household income, assistance program, property, buyer contribution and long-term repayment structure all need to work together.

NextGen Mortgage Loans can help New Hampshire homebuyers evaluate mortgage and down payment assistance options, understand estimated cash needed at closing and identify programs that may fit their individual purchase scenario.

Whether you're considering conventional financing, an FHA loan, manufactured home financing or buying your first home in New Hampshire, checking your financing options early can help you shop with a more realistic budget.

Buying your first home?

Explore First-Time Homebuyer Options

Ready to see which mortgage and assistance options may fit your numbers?

Get Pre-Approved

Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Down Payment Assistance

What down payment assistance is available in New Hampshire in 2026?

New Hampshire homebuyers may have access to NH Housing Cash Assistance of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, up to $10,000 in additional assistance for qualifying first-generation buyers, FHLBank Boston programs offering up to $40,000 and specialized local or manufactured-home assistance programs.

The exact program available depends on the buyer, mortgage, income, property and participating institution.

What is the maximum NH Housing down payment assistance in 2026?

NH Housing currently offers standard Cash Assistance in fixed amounts of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 with eligible NH Housing mortgages.

Qualifying first-generation buyers may also be eligible for up to $10,000 through 1stGenHomeNH.

Is NH Housing Cash Assistance forgivable?

No. Current NH Housing Cash Assistance is structured as a non-forgivable second mortgage.

It currently carries 0% interest and no monthly payments, but the balance can become due after events including sale, refinance, bankruptcy, loss of primary-residence occupancy or the end of the 30-year term.

Older NH Housing loans may have different terms.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer to receive down payment assistance in New Hampshire?

Not always.

Eligibility depends on the program.

EBP requires first-time homebuyer status, while Housing Our Workforce does not. Individual NH Housing mortgage programs also have different borrower requirements.

What is the difference between a first-time and first-generation homebuyer?

A first-time homebuyer is generally classified according to the buyer's own homeownership history.

A first-generation homebuyer must meet additional requirements involving family homeownership history or another qualifying category defined by the program.

Programs such as 1stGenHomeNH specifically target qualifying first-generation buyers.

Can I get a $40,000 first-time homebuyer grant in New Hampshire?

Potentially.

FHLBank Boston's Lift Up Homeownership program offers grants of up to $40,000 in 2026 to qualifying first-time, first-generation homebuyers with household income up to 120% AMI.

The buyer must work with a participating member financial institution, and funding availability must be confirmed.

Can I use down payment assistance with an FHA loan in New Hampshire?

Yes, certain down payment assistance may be combined with FHA financing when the borrower, property, first mortgage and assistance program satisfy all applicable requirements.

NH Housing offers government-backed mortgage options that can include assistance.

Does Nashua offer first-time homebuyer assistance?

Yes.

The City of Nashua says its Homebuyer Assistance Program generally provides up to $10,000 for qualifying first-time buyers purchasing eligible homes within Nashua.

Household income generally cannot exceed 80% of the applicable AMI, and HUD-certified homebuyer counseling is required.

Does New Hampshire offer down payment assistance for manufactured homes?

Yes.

Certain NH Housing mortgage programs may finance eligible manufactured homes, while the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund offers specialized financing and assistance.

Its Your Turn program can provide up to $35,000 toward down payment and closing costs for qualifying buyers purchasing eligible new Energy Star manufactured homes.

Can I combine EBP, HOW and Lift Up Homeownership?

No. FHLBank Boston generally does not allow its EBP, HOW and Lift Up Homeownership grants to be layered with one another.

Some of these programs can potentially be combined with qualifying outside local, state or federal assistance, subject to program rules.

Are New Hampshire down payment assistance funds available all year?

Not necessarily.

Some programs operate with limited annual allocations or lender-specific funding.

A program may still exist while a particular participating institution has exhausted its available allocation.

Always verify funding before relying on assistance in your purchase budget.

The Bottom Line

New Hampshire buyers have several potential sources of down payment and closing cost assistance in 2026.

NH Housing currently offers qualifying borrowers $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 in standard Cash Assistance, while qualifying first-generation buyers may also have access to additional help through 1stGenHomeNH.

Depending on your household income, buyer status, participating lender and property, other programs can offer assistance of $25,000, $32,099, $35,000 or as much as $40,000.

The most important comparison is not simply:

How much assistance can I get?

It is:

How much can I receive, what mortgage does it require, what will the financing cost, and when could the assistance need to be repaid?

Explore First-Time Homebuyer Options

Get Pre-Approved

Program information reviewed October 7, 2026. Down payment assistance amounts, funding, interest rates, income limits, purchase-price limits, participating lenders, eligibility requirements and repayment terms can change. Always verify current terms and availability before relying on assistance for a home purchase. This content is for educational purposes and is not financial, legal or tax advice.