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

Down payment and closing cost help

From the SC Housing.

• Palmetto Home Advantage

  0%, 3% or 4% of the loan

  Forgivable second mortgage over 10 years, for first-time and move-up buyers.

• Palmetto Heroes Military and heroes

  $10,000

  Forgivable over 15 years, for teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, veterans, active military and National Guard.

  The 2026 round closed in April; SC Housing plans a 2027 round in the spring.

Who qualifies: Income and price limits apply, through an SC 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 auditor or assessor. South Carolina’s official exemptions information.

For homeowners who live in the home

• Legal residence (4%) assessment

  Your home is taxed at a 4% ratio instead of 6%

  Your primary legal residence is assessed at a lower ratio than other property, which lowers the bill a lot. You must apply for it.

  How to apply: With your county assessor. (S.C. Code §12-43-220(c))

For homeowners 65 and older

• Homestead exemption (65+, disabled or blind)

  The first $50,000 of fair market value is exempt

  For homeowners who are 65 or older, totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind by December 31 before the tax year, and who have lived in South Carolina a full calendar year. Covers county, city, school and special assessment property taxes.

  How to apply: With your county auditor. (S.C. Code §12-37-250)

For veterans

• Disabled veteran exemption

  Full exemption on your home (and up to 5 acres)

  For veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability who live in the home and have the 4% legal residence assessment. It can carry over to a surviving spouse.

  How to apply: With your county auditor. (S.C. Code §12-37-220(B)(1))

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

Your next steps

1. Work out a monthly cost you’re comfortable with in the home cost calculator. It also lists South 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