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Home buyer help · North Carolina

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

Down payment assistance, property tax exemptions and veteran benefits in North Carolina, 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.

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Last checked November 11, 2026Sources state agencies

Down payment and closing cost help

From the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency.

  • NC Home Advantage Mortgage

    Up to 3% of the loan

    Down payment help for first-time and move-up buyers.

  • NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment Military and heroes

    $15,000

    For first-time buyers (no home owned as your main residence in three years). Veterans may be eligible for other products.

  • Community Partners Loan Pool

    Up to 25% of the price, up to $50,000

    Through local partners, for buyers under 80% of the county's median income.

Who qualifies: Credit and income limits apply; work with an NC 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 county assessor. North Carolina’s official exemptions information.

No exemption for every homeownerNorth Carolina 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 assessor.

For homeowners 65 and older

  • Elderly or disabled exclusion

    The greater of $25,000 or 50% of your home's value

    For homeowners 65 or older, or totally and permanently disabled, with income at or under the yearly limit ($38,800 for 2026). Can't be combined with the circuit breaker below.

    How to apply: Form AV-9 with your county assessor, by June 1. (N.C.G.S. §105-277.1)

  • Circuit breaker tax deferment

    Taxes limited to 4% or 5% of your income

    For 2026, taxes are limited to 4% of income at $38,800 or less, and 5% up to $58,200. Deferred taxes can become due later, for example when the home is sold.

    How to apply: Form AV-9 with your county assessor, by June 1. (N.C.G.S. §105-277.1B)

For veterans

  • Disabled veteran exclusion

    The first $45,000 of your home's value

    For qualifying disabled veterans and unmarried surviving spouses. No age or income limit.

    How to apply: Form AV-9 with your county assessor, by June 1. (N.C.G.S. §105-277.1C)

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.
  • NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment: $15,000. For first-time buyers (no home owned as your main residence in three years). Veterans may be eligible for other products.
  • Property tax: veterans in North Carolina may qualify for Disabled veteran exclusion. 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 North Carolina’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 North Carolina have down payment help for home buyers?

Yes. Programs from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency include NC Home Advantage Mortgage, NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment, Community Partners Loan Pool. Credit and income limits apply; work with an NC Housing participating lender. Funding and rules change often, so check with the agency or a participating lender.

Does North Carolina have a homestead or property tax exemption for homeowners?

North Carolina 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 assessor about local programs.

Is there help for veterans buying a home in North Carolina?

VA home loans are available in every state, often with no down payment. North Carolina also has a program with benefits for military, veterans or other public servants: NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment. Veterans may also qualify for property tax benefits such as Disabled veteran exclusion.

Sources: North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and North Carolina’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.