Buying a home in Nebraska: the help you may qualify for.
Down payment assistance, property tax exemptions and veteran benefits in Nebraska, 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.
Down payment and closing cost help
From the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA).
Homebuyer Assistance (HBA)
Up to 5% of the price
A second loan at 1% over 10 years, with a NIFA First Home loan, for first-time buyers. Credit score 640+.
Military Home Program Military and heroes
A NIFA loan for service members and veterans
Qualified veterans and spouses don't need to be first-time buyers.
Who qualifies: Income and price limits, homebuyer education, through a NIFA 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 assessor. Nebraska’s official exemptions information.
For homeowners who live in the home
School district property tax credit
A refundable credit for school property taxes paid
Nebraska homeowners can claim part of their school district property taxes back on their state income tax return.
How to apply: On your Nebraska income tax return. (Nebraska Department of Revenue)
For homeowners 65 and older
Homestead exemption (seniors, disabled, veterans)
Up to 100% of your home's value, by income
For homeowners 65 or older, people with qualifying disabilities, and disabled veterans and surviving spouses. Most groups have income and home value limits; some veteran groups don't.
How to apply: Form 458 with your county assessor, February 2 to June 30. (Nebraska Department of Revenue)
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.
- Military Home Program: A NIFA loan for service members and veterans. Qualified veterans and spouses don't need to be first-time buyers.
Your next steps
- Work out a monthly cost you’re comfortable with in the home cost calculator. It also lists Nebraska’s programs with the loans you may qualify for.
- Talk with a free or low-cost HUD-approved housing counselor. Find one near you.
- Ask each lender which of these programs they work with, and compare Loan Estimates from at least three.
- Follow the step-by-step home buyer’s guide from budget to keys.
Common questions
Does Nebraska have down payment help for home buyers?
Yes. Programs from the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) include Homebuyer Assistance (HBA), Military Home Program. Income and price limits, homebuyer education, through a NIFA participating lender. Funding and rules change often, so check with the agency or a participating lender.
Does Nebraska have a homestead or property tax exemption for homeowners?
Yes. Homeowners who live in the home may qualify for: School district property tax credit. Apply with your county assessor; most exemptions aren't automatic.
Is there help for veterans buying a home in Nebraska?
VA home loans are available in every state, often with no down payment. Nebraska also has a program with benefits for military, veterans or other public servants: Military Home Program.
Sources: Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) and Nebraska’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.