Know Before You Own Free Guide Calculator
Home buyer help · Delaware

Buying a home in Delaware: the help you may qualify for.

Down payment assistance, property tax exemptions and veteran benefits in Delaware, gathered from official state sources and explained in plain English. Every program has its own rules, so check with the agency before you count on it.

See my monthly cost Check my exemptions
Last checked November 11, 2026Sources state agencies

Down payment and closing cost help

From the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA).

  • First State down payment assistance

    3% of the loan

    0% second mortgage with no monthly payment, repaid when you sell, refinance or move out.

  • Take5

    5% of the loan

    0% second mortgage for down payment and closing costs (renamed in April 2026).

Who qualifies: Income and price limits by county and household size, through a DSHA participating lender.

Property tax exemptions and credits

Exemptions lower your home’s taxable value or your bill. Most aren’t automatic: you apply with your county. Delaware’s official exemptions information.

No exemption for every homeownerDelaware doesn’t have a statewide property tax exemption for every homeowner. Its benefits are for the groups below. Some cities and counties add their own, so ask your county.

For homeowners 65 and older

  • Senior school property tax credit

    A credit on your school property taxes

    For homeowners 65 or older who meet Delaware's residency rules. Delaware has no general homestead exemption.

    How to apply: With your county. (Delaware Department of Finance)

For veterans

  • Disabled veterans school tax credit

    100% of your non-vocational school property tax

    For veterans with a 100% rating (or permanent and total unemployability) who have lived in Delaware for three years. You can't also get the senior credit.

    How to apply: With your county, by April 30 for the next tax year. (Delaware Department of Finance)

Want to see which ones fit you? Answer a few questions in the property tax exemptions checker.

If you serve or served

  • VA home loan: available in every state, often with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility. See VA home loans.
  • Property tax: veterans in Delaware may qualify for Disabled veterans school tax credit. See the details above.

Your next steps

  1. Work out a monthly cost you’re comfortable with in the home cost calculator. It also lists Delaware’s programs with the loans you may qualify for.
  2. Talk with a free or low-cost HUD-approved housing counselor. Find one near you.
  3. Ask each lender which of these programs they work with, and compare Loan Estimates from at least three.
  4. Follow the step-by-step home buyer’s guide from budget to keys.

Common questions

Does Delaware have down payment help for home buyers?

Yes. Programs from the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) include First State down payment assistance, Take5. Income and price limits by county and household size, through a DSHA participating lender. Funding and rules change often, so check with the agency or a participating lender.

Does Delaware have a homestead or property tax exemption for homeowners?

Delaware doesn't have a statewide exemption for every homeowner. Its property tax benefits are for groups such as seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. Ask your county about local programs.

Is there help for veterans buying a home in Delaware?

VA home loans are available in every state, often with no down payment. Veterans may also qualify for property tax benefits such as Disabled veterans school tax credit.

Sources: Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) and Delaware’s property tax office, linked above. Last checked November 11, 2026. Programs, amounts, income limits and funding change often, sometimes every year. Know Before You Own doesn’t recommend lenders or take referral fees. This page is general education, not legal, tax or lending advice. See other states.