What Down Payment Assistance Is Available in New Hampshire in 2026?
New Hampshire homebuyers may have access to several down payment and closing cost assistance programs in 2026.
NH Housing currently offers fixed Cash Assistance amounts of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 when paired with an eligible NH Housing mortgage. First-generation homebuyers may also qualify for an additional $10,000 through 1stGenHomeNH. Under NH Housing’s FY2026 program plan, its current Cash Assistance is structured as a non-forgivable second mortgage, with repayment generally required when the borrower sells the home, refinances the first mortgage, or reaches the end of the 30-year loan term.
Other 2026 options available through participating banks, credit unions, or specialized lenders can provide substantially more assistance. FHLBank Boston 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. Eligibility and remaining funding vary by program and participating institution.
The right program depends on whether you are a first-time buyer, a first-generation buyer, your household income, the property you are buying, and the mortgage program you qualify for.
New Hampshire Down Payment Assistance Programs: 2026 Comparison
Current Program | Assistance Type | Who May Qualify | Repayment Structure | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
NH Housing Cash Assistance | Fixed $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 for down payment, closing costs and eligible prepaid expenses | Buyers who qualify for an eligible NH Housing first mortgage; requirements vary by mortgage program | Non-forgivable second mortgage. Current FY2026 guidance states repayment is required upon sale, refinance or at the end of the 30-year loan term | New Hampshire Housing |
1stGenHomeNH | Additional $10,000 in Cash Assistance | First-generation buyers: generally a borrower/co-borrower who has never owned a home and whose parents or legal guardians also never owned a home | Current FY2026 guidance categorizes this as Cash Assistance. Confirm the exact repayment and lien terms applicable to your transaction before closing | New Hampshire Housing |
Equity Builder Program — EBP | Grant of up to $32,099 | First-time buyers with household income at or below 80% of AMI, using an approved participating institution | 5-year retention period. A prorated repayment may apply if the home is sold or refinanced during the retention period | FHLBank Boston |
Housing Our Workforce — HOW | Grant of up to $25,000 | Buyers earning more than 80% and up to 120% of AMI; being a first-time buyer is not required | 5-year retention mortgage and note; repayment rules can apply if the property is sold, transferred or refinanced during the retention period | FHLBank Boston |
Lift Up Homeownership — LUH | Grant of up to $40,000 | First-time, first-generation buyers earning up to 120% of AMI | 5-year retention period with potential prorated repayment if a qualifying event such as sale or refinance happens early | FHLBank Boston |
Your Turn Homebuyer Assistance | Up to $35,000 toward down payment and closing costs for qualifying manufactured-home purchases | Income-qualified buyers purchasing an eligible manufactured home in New Hampshire through the Community Loan Fund program | Repayment is deferred until the regular mortgage is paid off or the buyer sells, refinances or moves out | NH Community Loan Fund |
Important availability note: FHLBank Boston’s 2026 member application period has closed. Approved participating banks and credit unions may still have allocated program funds, but assistance is limited and generally distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. A homebuyer does not apply directly to FHLBank Boston.
Which New Hampshire Down Payment Assistance Program Might Fit Me?
There is no single down payment assistance program that is best for every New Hampshire buyer. A useful starting point is to match your situation to the programs designed for it.
I need help with my down payment but do not qualify as a first-generation buyer
Start by checking NH Housing Cash Assistance.
Qualified buyers may be able to add $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 in assistance to an eligible NH Housing mortgage. NH Housing offers mortgage programs backed by or associated with FHA, VA, Rural Development and conventional financing.
Your eligibility depends on the specific mortgage program, income, credit, occupancy, property and underwriting requirements.
I am a first-generation homebuyer
Check 1stGenHomeNH in addition to the standard NH Housing options.
NH Housing’s FY2026 plan provides an additional $10,000 in Cash Assistance for qualifying first-generation buyers. It defines a first-generation buyer as a borrower and/or co-borrower who has never owned a home and whose parents or legal guardian have also never owned a home.
You should also ask whether a participating lender has funding available through Lift Up Homeownership. For 2026, Lift Up offers grants of up to $40,000 to qualifying first-time, first-generation buyers with household income up to 120% of area median income.
I am a first-time buyer with income at or below 80% of AMI
Look into the Equity Builder Program.
For 2026, EBP provides grants of up to $32,099 per household for eligible first-time buyers. Funds may be used for down payment, closing costs, an eligible interest-rate buydown, certain rehabilitation costs associated with the purchase, and limited homebuyer counseling expenses.
EBP requires buyers to work through an approved FHLBank Boston member bank or credit union.
My income is above 80% but no more than 120% of AMI
Housing Our Workforce may be worth checking.
HOW was designed specifically for moderate-income households earning more than 80% and up to 120% of area median income. First-time homebuyer status is not required. The maximum 2026 grant is $25,000.
That makes HOW especially relevant to buyers who earn too much for programs capped at 80% of AMI but still struggle to accumulate enough cash for a down payment and closing costs.
I am buying a manufactured home in New Hampshire
There may be more than one path.
NH Housing mortgage programs can support eligible manufactured housing depending on the underlying loan program. Buyers should also investigate the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund’s Welcome Home Loan and Your Turn assistance.
Your Turn can provide up to $35,000 toward down payment and closing costs for qualifying buyers purchasing eligible manufactured homes. The home must meet the program’s requirements and generally be located in a New Hampshire resident-owned community or on land the buyer owns or is purchasing.
Learn more about manufactured home financing in New Hampshire.
How NH Housing Down Payment Assistance Works in 2026
NH Housing is one of the main sources of down payment assistance for New Hampshire homebuyers.
Its current mortgage programs can provide a fixed:
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
in Cash Assistance toward eligible home-purchase costs.
The assistance is tied to an NH Housing first mortgage rather than being a standalone personal loan that a buyer applies for separately.
What can NH Housing Cash Assistance pay for?
NH Housing states that Cash Assistance can support:
Down payment
Closing costs
Eligible prepaid expenses
The exact amount available and mortgage product that fits your situation depend on your qualification profile and the NH Housing program being used.
Is NH Housing down payment assistance forgivable in 2026?
Current NH Housing guidance says no.
This is an important change from older versions of the program.
NH Housing’s FY2026 Program Plan states that Cash Assistance connected with its mortgage programs is now structured as a non-forgivable second mortgage. Repayment is required if the borrower:
Sells the property
Refinances the mortgage
Reaches the end of the 30-year loan term
NH Housing specifically notes that its previous forgivable structure was changed as part of its effort to maintain program sustainability.
This distinction matters because older articles, lender pages and program documents may still describe four- or five-year forgiveness rules that applied to earlier versions of NH Housing assistance.
Always confirm the terms attached to your specific loan reservation and closing documents rather than relying on an older description of the program.
What Is 1stGenHomeNH?
1stGenHomeNH is designed to help New Hampshire residents who are not only first-time buyers but also the first generation of their family to become homeowners.
In NH Housing’s FY2026 plan, qualifying first-generation homebuyers may access an additional $10,000 in Cash Assistance.
For NH Housing purposes, the definition generally requires that the borrower or co-borrower:
Has never owned a home, and
Has parents or a legal guardian who have also never owned a home
This can make 1stGenHomeNH especially valuable for buyers who do not have access to family equity, proceeds from a previous home or substantial family assistance for closing.
If you think you might meet the first-generation definition, mention it before selecting your final mortgage structure so your loan officer can determine which assistance options can be used together.
First-Time Homebuyer vs. First-Generation Homebuyer: What's the Difference?
These terms are not interchangeable.
A first-time homebuyer generally means someone who meets the applicable program's definition of not owning a primary residence during a specified period or otherwise qualifies under that program's first-time-buyer rules.
A first-generation homebuyer has additional requirements involving the buyer's previous ownership and the homeownership history of their parents or legal guardians.
That distinction matters because programs such as EBP target first-time buyers, while 1stGenHomeNH and Lift Up Homeownership specifically provide additional assistance for qualifying first-generation buyers.
If you are unsure which definition applies to you, don't disqualify yourself before speaking with a lender.
See NextGen's First-Time Homebuyer Options
Can Down Payment Assistance Be Used With an FHA Loan?
Potentially, yes.
NH Housing offers government-backed mortgage options, including FHA financing, and down payment assistance may be available when the borrower and transaction satisfy both NH Housing and FHA requirements.
An FHA mortgage can require a relatively low minimum down payment, making the combination relevant to buyers whose primary obstacle is the amount of cash required at closing.
However, down payment assistance does not automatically mean that you will purchase a home with zero cash out of pocket. Buyers may still have expenses such as inspections, deposits, reserves or other transaction costs depending on the loan and property.
Learn more about FHA loans.
Can I Combine Multiple New Hampshire Down Payment Assistance Programs?
Sometimes, but not automatically.
NH Housing has historically allowed qualifying first-generation assistance to be layered with other eligible assistance, and its current FY2026 plan describes 1stGenHomeNH as an additional $10,000 of Cash Assistance.
FHLBank Boston has separate restrictions. Its Equity Builder Program, Housing Our Workforce and Lift Up Homeownership cannot simply be stacked with one another. The 2026 program rules specifically limit combinations among these homeownership assistance programs.
There may also be restrictions based on the first mortgage, investor, insurer, property type and source of the assistance.
For that reason, calculate the entire financing structure before assuming that two advertised assistance amounts can be added together.
How Much Down Payment Assistance Could I Qualify For?
The advertised maximum is not necessarily the amount you will receive.
Your available assistance can depend on:
Household income
Area median income
First-time homebuyer status
First-generation homebuyer status
Credit and underwriting
Mortgage type
Property type
Owner-occupancy requirements
Available program funding
The participating lender
Your own required minimum investment
Whether another assistance program is being used
For example, the 2026 FHLBank Boston program rules require minimum buyer contributions of $500 for EBP, $2,000 for HOW and $1,000 for Lift Up Homeownership.
A pre-approval should therefore answer two separate questions:
How much mortgage can I qualify for?
and
Which down payment assistance programs can actually be attached to that mortgage?
Are New Hampshire Down Payment Assistance Programs Only for Low-Income Buyers?
No.
Different programs target different income levels.
For example:
EBP: up to 80% of area median income
HOW: above 80% and up to 120% of AMI
Lift Up Homeownership: up to 120% of AMI for qualifying first-generation buyers
NH Housing: income restrictions vary depending on the mortgage program
NH Housing's Home Preferred program, for example, currently publishes a maximum income limit of $176,200, although different eligibility rules may apply depending on the specific program and transaction.
This is why buyers should not assume they earn too much for assistance without checking.
Are Down Payment Assistance Programs Really Grants?
Some are. Some are not.
This is one of the most important distinctions to understand before accepting assistance.
NH Housing Cash Assistance: currently structured as a non-forgivable second mortgage.
EBP, HOW and Lift Up: described as grants, but they include five-year retention requirements. Selling or refinancing during that period may create a prorated repayment obligation.
Your Turn: assistance is repayable when specified events occur, including paying off the first mortgage, selling, refinancing or moving out.
When comparing programs, don't focus only on the dollar amount. Ask:
Is this a grant, a forgivable loan, a deferred second mortgage, or a non-forgivable second mortgage?
That answer can materially change the long-term cost of your financing.
How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance in New Hampshire
1. Start with mortgage pre-approval
Your assistance usually needs to work with your first mortgage, so determine which financing programs you qualify for before shopping based on an advertised assistance amount.
2. Review your first-time and first-generation status
Tell your loan officer whether:
You have owned a home before
Your spouse or co-borrower has owned a home
Your parents or legal guardians owned a home
You currently own another property
These details can materially change which programs are available.
3. Calculate household income correctly
Programs may use different income definitions.
A mortgage can qualify under normal underwriting while a household fails the income test for a particular assistance program—or vice versa.
4. Identify programs before making assumptions about cash to close
Ask your lender to calculate:
Required down payment
Closing costs
Seller credits
Assistance
Buyer contribution
Required reserves
Estimated total cash to close
5. Complete required homebuyer education
Several first-time homebuyer assistance programs require approved homebuyer education or counseling.
Don't leave this until the day before closing.
6. Confirm funding availability
Some programs operate with limited annual funding.
FHLBank Boston's EBP, HOW and Lift Up programs distribute funds through participating institutions, and allocations can be exhausted.
7. Review the repayment terms before closing
Ask specifically:
“What happens to this assistance if I sell or refinance?”
You should know whether an assistance program creates a second lien and whether repayment could be triggered before signing your closing documents.
How NextGen Mortgage Loans Can Help
Down payment assistance is not just about finding the program with the largest advertised number.
The mortgage, assistance program, income rules, property and long-term repayment structure all need to work together.
NextGen Mortgage Loans can help New Hampshire buyers evaluate available mortgage and assistance options, estimate cash needed at closing and determine which programs may fit their individual purchase scenario.
Whether you're considering conventional financing, an FHA loan, a manufactured home, or buying your first home in New Hampshire, the best first step is determining what you qualify for before you begin comparing homes.
Buying your first home?
Explore First-Time Homebuyer Options
Ready to see which mortgage and assistance options may fit your numbers?
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Down Payment Assistance
What down payment assistance is available in New Hampshire in 2026?
NH Housing currently offers fixed Cash Assistance amounts of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 with eligible NH Housing mortgages. Qualifying first-generation buyers may also access an additional $10,000 through 1stGenHomeNH. Other options include FHLBank Boston's EBP, HOW and Lift Up programs and specialized manufactured-home assistance.
What is the maximum NH Housing down payment assistance in 2026?
NH Housing states that its standard Cash Assistance options are currently offered in fixed amounts of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000. Qualifying first-generation homebuyers may have access to an additional $10,000 through 1stGenHomeNH.
Is NH Housing Cash Assistance forgivable?
Under NH Housing's FY2026 Program Plan, current Cash Assistance is non-forgivable. The plan states repayment is required when the buyer sells, refinances or reaches the end of the 30-year loan term. Buyers with older NH Housing loans may have different terms because the program structure has changed over time.
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 and Lift Up require 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 first-time and first-generation homebuyers?
First-time status generally relates to your own previous homeownership. First-generation programs add requirements involving your family's homeownership history. NH Housing's 1stGenHomeNH program, for example, targets buyers who have never owned a home and whose parents or legal guardians have also never owned a home.
Can I get a $40,000 first-time homebuyer grant in New Hampshire?
FHLBank Boston's Lift Up Homeownership program offers grants of up to $40,000 in 2026 to qualifying first-time, first-generation buyers earning no more than 120% of area median income. Buyers must work through an approved participating member institution, and funding availability is limited.
Can I use down payment assistance with an FHA loan in New Hampshire?
Potentially. NH Housing offers government-backed mortgage financing and assistance that may work with FHA financing when the borrower and transaction satisfy applicable NH Housing and FHA rules. Your lender should verify the exact combination before you make an offer.
Does New Hampshire offer down payment assistance for manufactured homes?
Yes, subject to program requirements. Certain NH Housing mortgage programs may finance eligible manufactured homes, and the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund offers specialized Welcome Home financing and Your Turn assistance, including up to $35,000 for qualifying new Energy Star manufactured-home purchases.
Are New Hampshire down payment assistance funds available all year?
Not necessarily. NH Housing programs and lender availability can change, while programs such as EBP, HOW and Lift Up operate with annual allocations distributed through approved financial institutions. Some 2026 funding may be exhausted even though the overall program exists. Always verify availability before relying on assistance in your purchase budget.
The Bottom Line
New Hampshire homebuyers have more down payment assistance options in 2026 than a single "$15,000 first-time buyer program."
NH Housing offers qualifying borrowers up to $15,000 in standard Cash Assistance and an additional $10,000 opportunity for eligible first-generation buyers. Depending on household income, first-time or first-generation status, lender participation and available funding, other programs can provide assistance ranging as high as $25,000, $32,099 or $40,000.
The important part is comparing not just how much assistance you can receive, but also how it is structured, whether it creates a second lien, whether repayment can be triggered, and which first mortgage it can accompany.
Explore First-Time Homebuyer Options
Program information reviewed September 18, 2026. Down payment assistance programs, funding, income limits, interest rates, participating lenders and eligibility requirements can change. Always confirm current terms and availability before relying on an assistance program for a home purchase. This content is for educational purposes and is not financial or tax advice.
