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Homebuyer Assistance 2026

Hamilton County Down Payment Assistance Program

Get help with your down payment and closing costs in Hamilton County. Eligible buyers may receive up to $20,000 through a 0% deferred loan, forgiven after ten years when program requirements are met.

Eligibility, an approved purchase, and program funding are required.

Up to $20k Maximum Purchase Assistance
0% Interest Deferred Assistance Loan
10 Years Assistance Loan Term

Program Guidelines & Assistance Levels

Hamilton County purchase assistance supports eligible homebuyers through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program, including purchases with minor repairs.

Available Assistance

  • Very-Low & Low Income

    Up to $20,000 toward eligible purchase costs.

  • Moderate & Workforce Income

    Up to $12,000 for eligible households through 140% of area median income.

  • Existing Home Repairs

    Existing purchases include a $2,000 escrow for minor repairs before move-in. Repairs are part of the purchase requirements.

Core Requirements

  • Meet household income limits, with eligible categories through 140% of area median income.
  • Provide written mortgage preapproval from a SHIP-verified lender.
  • Purchase an eligible home in Hamilton County and occupy it as your primary residence.
  • Meet the program's purchase-price, property-condition, and financing requirements.

Path to Homeownership: 4 Key Steps

Get your financing, household documents, and home purchase ready for Hamilton County purchase assistance.

1

Mortgage Preapproval

Get written preapproval from a SHIP-verified lender before the county begins its review.

2

Check Household Income

Gather income and household documents so your eligible assistance category can be determined.

3

Submit Your Application

Work with the county's program administrator on your application, home, and financing review.

4

Prepare for Closing

Complete required property repairs and secure approval of the assistance before closing.

Why Utilize Down Payment Assistance?

Down payment and closing costs are part of the cost of buying a home. Hamilton County purchase assistance can help cover eligible costs while you establish your primary residence.

  • Reduce Cash to Close

    Apply an approved assistance award toward eligible down payment and closing costs.

  • No Monthly Assistance Payment

    The assistance loan has deferred payments. Your primary mortgage still requires its regular payments.

  • Understand Your Loan Terms

    The assistance is a 0% deferred loan with a ten-year term. The balance is forgiven at the end of the term if all requirements are met. A sale, move, or other default before forgiveness can make the outstanding balance due.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Hamilton County purchase assistance.

What is the Hamilton County Down Payment Assistance Program?

Hamilton County purchase assistance supports eligible homebuyers through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program, including purchases with minor repairs. Eligible buyers may receive up to $20,000 toward approved purchase costs.

Who qualifies for Hamilton County purchase assistance?

Meet household income limits, with eligible categories through 140% of area median income. Provide written mortgage preapproval from a SHIP-verified lender. Purchase an eligible home in Hamilton County and occupy it as your primary residence. Meet the program's purchase-price, property-condition, and financing requirements.

What are the 2026 income limits in Hamilton County?

Income eligibility is based on household size. For four people in 2026, the limits are $39,150 at 50% of area median income, $62,600 at 80%, $93,960 at 120%, and $109,620 at 140%. Your income category determines the maximum award.

How much assistance can I receive?

Very-Low & Low Income: Up to $20,000 toward eligible purchase costs. Moderate & Workforce Income: Up to $12,000 for eligible households through 140% of area median income. Existing Home Repairs: Existing purchases include a $2,000 escrow for minor repairs before move-in. Repairs are part of the purchase requirements. The final award depends on your eligibility, eligible costs, and program funding.

Do I have to repay the assistance?

The assistance is a 0% deferred loan with a ten-year term. The balance is forgiven at the end of the term if all requirements are met. A sale, move, or other default before forgiveness can make the outstanding balance due.

What homes are eligible?

New and existing homes in Hamilton County may qualify. A manufactured home must be treated as real property and be no more than 15 years old at application. Existing-home purchases require a $2,000 minor-repair escrow, with work completed before move-in.

How do I apply for purchase assistance?

Obtain written preapproval from a SHIP-verified lender before the county begins verification. Submit the required income and purchase documents to the program administrator. Selection is first-qualified, and a waiting list may apply.

Can assistance help with new construction?

Yes. Eligible new-construction purchases can receive assistance. Lot-acquisition assistance requires construction financing to be in place first; the county reviews the full financing and affordability of the purchase.

What determines my assistance award?

Applications are reviewed on a first-qualified basis, and a waiting list may apply. Assistance depends on an approved purchase and available funding.

Does checking eligibility submit my county application?

No. This is a private mortgage inquiry with Next Wave Mortgage, LLC, not a county assistance application. A mortgage professional can help you review financing options; the county or its administrator makes the assistance decision.

Your Next Step Toward Homeownership

Applications are reviewed on a first-qualified basis, and a waiting list may apply. Assistance depends on an approved purchase and available funding.

Start Your Check Now