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Home buyer help · Vermont

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

Down payment assistance, property tax exemptions and veteran benefits in Vermont, 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 12, 2026Sources state agencies

Down payment and closing cost help

From the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA).

  • ASSIST

    Up to $10,000

    A 0% second mortgage with no monthly payments, repaid when you sell, refinance or pay off the home. With a VHFA MOVE loan, for buyers who have never owned a home.

  • First Generation Homebuyer Grant

    $15,000

    For qualifying first-generation buyers; can be combined with ASSIST.

    Funding depends on state tax credits; ask VHFA.

Who qualifies: Income and price limits, homebuyer education, through a VHFA 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 listers. Vermont’s official exemptions information.

For homeowners who live in the home

  • Homestead declaration

    Your home is taxed at the lower homestead school rate

    Every Vermont homeowner who lives in the home as their primary residence must file this each year, or the home is taxed at the higher non-homestead rate.

    How to apply: Form HS-122, by April 15 each year. (Vermont Department of Taxes)

  • Property tax credit

    Up to $8,000 (2026), based on income

    For Vermont homeowners with 2025 household income up to $115,400.

    How to apply: Form HS-144 with your Homestead Declaration, by April 15. (Vermont Department of Taxes)

For veterans

  • Veterans exemption

    $10,000 off value (towns may allow up to $40,000)

    For veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or more, and some surviving spouses and children.

    How to apply: With your town listers by May 1. (32 V.S.A. ยง3802(11))

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 Vermont may qualify for Veterans 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 Vermont’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 Vermont have down payment help for home buyers?

Yes. Programs from the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) include ASSIST, First Generation Homebuyer Grant. Income and price limits, homebuyer education, through a VHFA participating lender. Funding and rules change often, so check with the agency or a participating lender.

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

Yes. Homeowners who live in the home may qualify for: Homestead declaration, Property tax credit. Apply with your town listers; most exemptions aren't automatic.

Is there help for veterans buying a home in Vermont?

VA home loans are available in every state, often with no down payment. Veterans may also qualify for property tax benefits such as Veterans exemption.

Sources: Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) and Vermont’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.