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Home buyer help · Oregon

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

Down payment assistance, property tax exemptions and veteran benefits in Oregon, 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 Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS).

  • Flex Lending down payment assistance

    4% or 5% of the loan

    Can cover up to all of your cash needed to close, with an OHCS first mortgage.

  • Down payment help for veterans Military and heroes

    Up to $60,000

    For veterans and their families at or under 100% of the area median income; a quarter of these funds are reserved for Oregon veterans. Veterans are generally exempt from the first-time buyer rule.

    Down payment help for veterans details

Who qualifies: Income limits apply, through an OHCS-approved 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. Oregon’s official exemptions information.

No exemption for every homeownerOregon 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

  • Senior and disabled property tax deferral

    The state pays your taxes now; repaid later

    For homeowners 62 or older or on Social Security disability, with household income up to $70,000 (2026) and net worth under $500,000. Repaid with 6% interest when the deferral ends. Oregon has no general homestead exemption.

    How to apply: With your county assessor. (Oregon Department of Revenue)

For veterans

  • Disabled veteran or surviving spouse exemption

    $27,092 or $32,512 of assessed value (rising 3% a year)

    For veterans with a disability rating of 40% or more (the higher amount is for service-connected disabilities), and surviving spouses. Not automatic, and it doesn't move with you to another home.

    How to apply: With your county assessor. (Oregon 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.
  • Down payment help for veterans: Up to $60,000. For veterans and their families at or under 100% of the area median income; a quarter of these funds are reserved for Oregon veterans. Veterans are generally exempt from the first-time buyer rule.
  • Property tax: veterans in Oregon may qualify for Disabled veteran or surviving spouse exemption. 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 Oregon’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 Oregon have down payment help for home buyers?

Yes. Programs from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) include Flex Lending down payment assistance, Down payment help for veterans. Income limits apply, through an OHCS-approved lender. Funding and rules change often, so check with the agency or a participating lender.

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

Oregon 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 Oregon?

VA home loans are available in every state, often with no down payment. Oregon also has a program with benefits for military, veterans or other public servants: Down payment help for veterans. Veterans may also qualify for property tax benefits such as Disabled veteran or surviving spouse exemption.

Sources: Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and Oregon’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.