Population
57000
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Summerville, SC (2026)
Summerville spans parts of Dorchester, Berkeley, and Charleston counties, with a population of roughly 57,000 and a median home price around $330,000, making it one of the most popular and affordable growing suburbs in the Charleston metro. First-time buyers in Summerville can access SC Housing's Homebuyer Program with Dorchester County income limits, plus the Palmetto Home Advantage program available statewide with a $137,500 income limit. Teachers, nurses, firefighters, and military members also qualify for $10,000 in additional forgivable assistance through Palmetto Heroes.
Median Home Price
330000
Estimated Closing Costs
$8,300 - $12,400
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. Summerville spans multiple counties, so confirm which county your target home is in (Dorchester, Berkeley, or Charleston) as income and purchase price limits vary by county. For Palmetto Home Advantage, income must be at or below $137,500 statewide. Step 2: Complete a homebuyer education course. HUD-approved education is required for SC Housing programs. Contact the Charleston Trident Urban League at (843) 965-4037 or a HUD-approved counselor serving the Summerville area. Step 3: Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor. Reach the Charleston Trident Urban League at (843) 965-4037 or visit ctul.org. Ask specifically about Dorchester County programs given Summerville's multi-county location. Step 4: Get pre-approved with an SC Housing-approved lender. Pre-approval is required before accessing any SC Housing program. Tell your lender which county your home will be in so they can match you with the right income and price limits. Step 5: Find a home within program limits. The SC Housing Homebuyer Program purchase price limit varies by county. Summerville's $330,000 median price falls well within most program caps. Step 6: Submit your application through your SC Housing-approved lender. Allow 30 to 45 days for processing. Confirm with your lender whether you are eligible to combine the SC Housing Homebuyer Program with Palmetto Home Advantage DPA.
FAQ
How much down payment assistance can I get in Summerville?
Summerville 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. On a $330,000 loan that equals up to $13,200 in DPA. Palmetto Heroes-eligible buyers add another $10,000, for a potential total of over $23,000.
What credit score do I need for down payment assistance in Summerville?
SC Housing programs require a minimum credit score of 640 for conventional loans. FHA-backed SC Housing loans require 620. Summerville's lower price point compared to coastal Charleston makes FHA financing with a 620 score a practical option for many buyers.
Can I combine Summerville programs with SC state programs?
Yes. SC Housing Homebuyer Program first mortgage financing can be layered with Palmetto Home Advantage down payment assistance. Palmetto Heroes-eligible buyers can add another $10,000 on top. Your SC Housing-approved lender can structure all three together for maximum benefit.
What is the maximum home price I can pay using Summerville programs?
The SC Housing Homebuyer Program purchase price limit varies by county within Summerville. Palmetto Home Advantage has no purchase price cap. With Summerville's median home price around $330,000, most homes in the area qualify under standard program limits. Confirm the exact cap for your target county with your lender.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify for assistance in Summerville?
The SC Housing Homebuyer Program requires that you have not owned a primary residence in the past three years. Palmetto Home Advantage has no first-time buyer requirement and is open to repeat buyers. Given Summerville's popularity with families relocating from outside the Lowcountry, Palmetto Home Advantage is often the right fit.
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