Buying a home in New Hampshire: the help you may qualify for.
Down payment assistance, property tax exemptions and veteran benefits in New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire Housing.
Home Flex Plus
$5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 of cash assistance
Down payment and closing cost help with a New Hampshire Housing loan. Ask a participating lender for current terms.
Who qualifies: Income limits apply, through a New Hampshire Housing 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 town or city assessor. New Hampshire’s official exemptions information.
No exemption for every homeownerNew Hampshire 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 town or city assessor.
For homeowners 65 and older
Elderly exemption (town option)
An amount your town sets
Most towns offer an exemption for homeowners 65 or older who have lived in New Hampshire for three years, with income and asset limits the town sets. New Hampshire has no general homestead exemption.
How to apply: With your town or city assessor, by April 15. (New Hampshire RSA 72:39-a)
For veterans
Veterans tax credits
Off your tax bill; towns set it (often $500 or more)
Veterans get a yearly credit off their tax bill, with the amount set by the town. A larger credit goes to veterans with a total service-connected disability, up to $4,000 where the town adopts it.
How to apply: With your town or city assessor, by April 15. (New Hampshire RSA 72:28 and 72:35)
For homeowners with disabilities
Disabled and blind exemptions (town option)
An amount your town sets
Towns can exempt part of the value of a home owned by someone who is blind or disabled.
How to apply: With your town or city assessor, by April 15. (New Hampshire RSA 72)
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 New Hampshire may qualify for Veterans tax credits. See the details above.
Your next steps
- Work out a monthly cost you’re comfortable with in the home cost calculator. It also lists New Hampshire’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 New Hampshire have down payment help for home buyers?
Yes. Programs from New Hampshire Housing include Home Flex Plus. Income limits apply, through a New Hampshire Housing participating lender. Funding and rules change often, so check with the agency or a participating lender.
Does New Hampshire have a homestead or property tax exemption for homeowners?
New Hampshire 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 town or city assessor about local programs.
Is there help for veterans buying a home in New Hampshire?
VA home loans are available in every state, often with no down payment. Veterans may also qualify for property tax benefits such as Veterans tax credits.
Sources: New Hampshire Housing and New Hampshire’s property tax office, linked above. Last checked November 12, 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.