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Home buyer help · West Virginia

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

Down payment assistance, property tax exemptions and veteran benefits in West Virginia, 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 West Virginia Housing Development Fund.

  • Low Down Home Loan

    Up to $12,000

    Repaid at 2% over 15 years, with the Fund's Homeownership or Movin' Up program. Movin' Up has no first-time buyer rule (income up to $171,120, price up to $350,000).

Who qualifies: Newer double-wide manufactured homes now qualify. Through a 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. West Virginia’s official exemptions information.

No exemption for every homeownerWest Virginia 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

  • Homestead exemption (65+ or disabled)

    The first $20,000 of assessed value

    For homeowners 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled. West Virginia has no general homestead exemption.

    How to apply: With your county assessor, July 1 to December 1. (West Virginia Tax Division)

For veterans

  • Disabled veteran real property tax credit

    A credit on your home's property tax

    For veterans with a combined VA rating of 90 to 100%; it replaces the $20,000 exemption for them.

    How to apply: With your county assessor, before October 1. (West Virginia Tax Division)

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 West Virginia may qualify for Disabled veteran real property tax credit. 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 West Virginia’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 West Virginia have down payment help for home buyers?

Yes. Programs from the West Virginia Housing Development Fund include Low Down Home Loan. Newer double-wide manufactured homes now qualify. Through a participating lender. Funding and rules change often, so check with the agency or a participating lender.

Does West Virginia have a homestead or property tax exemption for homeowners?

West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

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

Sources: West Virginia Housing Development Fund and West Virginia’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.