Population
118000
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in North Charleston, SC (2026)
North Charleston is Charleston County's largest city by population, with roughly 118,000 residents and a median home price around $295,000, making it one of the more affordable entry points into the Charleston metro. First-time buyers here have access to SC Housing's Homebuyer Program offering up to $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance, plus the Palmetto Home Advantage program which is available regardless of whether you have owned before. Combining state programs could put $20,000 or more toward your down payment and closing costs in North Charleston.
Median Home Price
295000
Estimated Closing Costs
$7,400 - $11,200
Charleston County Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | Min Credit Score | First-Time Buyer Required? |
|---|
South Carolina State Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | Min Credit Score | First-Time Buyer Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC Housing Homebuyer Program | Forgivable Loan | $10,000 | 620 | Yes |
| Palmetto Home Advantage | Forgivable Loan | Up to 5% of loan amount (3%, 4%, or 5% options) | 640 | No |
| Palmetto Heroes Program | Forgivable Loan | $10,000 | 640 | Yes |
| SC Housing Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) | Tax Credit | Up to $2,000 federal tax credit per year | 640 | Yes |
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | Min Credit Score | First-Time Buyer Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loan Program | Government-Insured Mortgage | $0 down payment assistance (3.5% minimum down payment required) | 580 | No |
| VA Home Loan Program | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | $0 down payment required | None stated | No |
| USDA Rural Development Loan | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | $0 down payment required | None stated | No |
| Good Neighbor Next Door Program | Deferred Loan | $0 down payment (50% discount on HUD-owned homes) | None stated | No |
Nonprofit Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | Min Credit Score | First-Time Buyer Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | No-interest mortgage on affordable home | None stated | No |
| Charleston Trident Urban League Housing Counseling | Grant | Free housing counseling and first-time buyer education | None stated | No |
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Confirm your credit score is at least 640 for SC Housing programs. Verify your household income falls within Charleston County limits ($110,900 for 1-2 persons, $127,535 for 3 or more persons). Step 2: Complete a homebuyer education course. A HUD-approved course is required for SC Housing programs. Contact the Charleston Trident Urban League at (843) 965-4037, which offers HUD-approved housing counseling and first-time buyer workshops. Step 3: Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor. Reach the Charleston Trident Urban League at (843) 965-4037 or visit ctul.org to schedule a counseling session before applying for assistance. Step 4: Get pre-approved with an SC Housing-approved lender. Pre-approval through a participating lender is required before you can access SC Housing programs. Ask your lender about combining Palmetto Home Advantage with the SC Housing Homebuyer Program. Step 5: Find a home within program purchase price limits. The SC Housing Homebuyer Program has a purchase price limit of $450,000 in Charleston County. North Charleston's median price of $295,000 means most homes qualify comfortably. Step 6: Submit your application through your SC Housing-approved lender. Allow 30 to 45 days for processing. Palmetto Heroes-eligible buyers (teachers, nurses, law enforcement, military) should specifically ask their lender about that program.
FAQ
How much down payment assistance can I get in North Charleston?
North Charleston buyers can access up to $10,000 through the SC Housing Homebuyer Program and up to 4% of the loan amount through Palmetto Home Advantage. Palmetto Heroes-eligible buyers (teachers, nurses, law enforcement, military) can receive an additional $10,000 in forgivable assistance on top of other programs.
What credit score do I need for down payment assistance in North Charleston?
SC Housing programs require a minimum credit score of 640 for conventional loans and 620 for FHA-backed loans. Most participating lenders in North Charleston work with scores starting at 620 when pairing FHA financing with down payment assistance programs.
Can I combine North Charleston programs with SC state programs?
Yes. The primary programs available in North Charleston are state-level SC Housing programs, which can be combined with each other. For example, you can use the SC Housing Homebuyer Program for the first mortgage and layer Palmetto Home Advantage DPA on top. Your SC Housing-approved lender can structure this combination.
What is the maximum home price I can pay using North Charleston programs?
The SC Housing Homebuyer Program has a purchase price limit of $450,000 in Charleston County. With North Charleston's median home price around $295,000, the vast majority of homes in the area fall well within the program limit.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify for assistance in North Charleston?
The SC Housing Homebuyer Program requires you to not have owned a primary home in the past three years. However, the Palmetto Home Advantage program has no first-time buyer requirement, making it available to both first-time and repeat buyers anywhere in South Carolina including North Charleston.
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