Down payment assistance
Down payment assistance in the Charlotte metro
The down payment is the wall most buyers hit first — and there’s more help for it than most people realize. Below are the programs I see work for Charlotte-area buyers. Which one fits comes down to your income, your credit, and whether you’re buying for the first time. I’m Frank L Coxx, a licensed North Carolina broker with NorthGroup Real Estate, and I’ll help you figure out which is realistic before you start looking.
Up to $15,000
NC Home Advantage ($15,000)
The state’s NCHFA program — a flat $15,000 for first-time buyers and veterans, forgiven over 15 years. Higher income limit, works statewide.
Learn more →3.5%–5%, no income cap
Chenoa Fund
A national program with no income limit and no first-time requirement. Forgivable or repayable second, paired with an FHA or conventional loan.
Learn more →Up to $50,000
Community Partners Loan Pool
The largest assistance the state offers, for lower-income buyers (≤80% of area median income). Applied through a nonprofit community partner.
Learn more →$100 down
HUD $100 Down
On HUD-owned foreclosures, an owner-occupant using FHA financing puts down just $100 instead of 3.5%. Limited to HUD inventory, sold as-is.
Learn more →0% down, no MI
Truist CHIP
Truist’s own program — as little as 0% down with no mortgage insurance. Qualify by income or by census tract. Truist financing only, limited areas.
Learn more →0% down
USDA Loan (zero down)
Not assistance but a zero-down loan — finances 100% of the price in USDA-eligible areas, which covers much of the outer Charlotte metro. Income limits apply.
Learn more →
Also worth knowing: the VA loan
If you’re a veteran or active-duty servicemember, a VA loan needs nothing down, has no income cap, and no rural-area restriction — usually the strongest option when you’re eligible. It can sometimes be paired with the assistance programs above for closing costs.
Program details on the linked pages are current as of 2026 and change regularly. Nothing here is a loan offer, a rate quote, or a guarantee of eligibility — a participating lender confirms what you qualify for. I’m a broker, not a lender.