See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 5, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Dover, NH (2026)
Dover is a vibrant city in Strafford County on New Hampshire's seacoast, known for its historic downtown, strong school system, and proximity to both the coast and the White Mountains. With a median home price around $550,000, Dover is one of NH's higher-cost markets, but the city stands out with one of the most generous local down payment assistance programs in the state, offering up to $20,000 through its CDBG-funded Homeownership Down Payment Assistance Program. On top of that, New Hampshire Housing provides up to $15,000 in forgivable cash assistance through the Home Flex Plus and Home Preferred Plus programs, and the First and First Plus bond program offers rate-advantaged mortgages with up to $15,000 in deferred assistance. First-generation homebuyers may qualify for an additional $10,000 through the 1st Gen Home NH pilot program. The Home Start Homebuyer Tax Credit adds up to $2,000 per year in federal tax savings. Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity also serves the Dover area with affordable homeownership opportunities. By stacking the Dover city program with state assistance, eligible buyers could access over $35,000 in combined help.
City Programs in Dover
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Dover Homeownership Down Payment Assistance Program | Deferred Loan | Up to $20,000 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $20,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
State Programs in New Hampshire
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen Home NH | Deferred Loan | $10,000 | Yes | View → |
| NH Housing Community Heroes Initiative | Grant | $3,000 closing cost credit | Yes | View → |
| NH Housing First and First Plus | Deferred Loan | Up to $15,000 ($5,000, $10,000, or $15,000) | Yes | View → |
| NH Housing Home Flex Plus with Cash Assistance | Forgivable Loan | Up to $15,000 ($5,000, $10,000, or $15,000) | No | View → |
| NH Housing Home Preferred Plus with Cash Assistance | Forgivable Loan | Up to $15,000 ($5,000, $10,000, or $15,000) | No | View → |
| NH Housing Home Start Homebuyer Tax Credit (MCC) | Grant | Up to $2,000 per year in federal tax credits | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- $10,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- $3,000 closing cost credit
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000 ($5,000, $10,000, or $15,000)
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000 ($5,000, $10,000, or $15,000)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000 ($5,000, $10,000, or $15,000)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $2,000 per year in federal tax credits
- First-time only:
- Yes
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
Nonprofit Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable home purchase with 0% interest mortgage (homes built for $130,000-$175,000) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable home purchase with 0% interest mortgage (homes built for $130,000-$175,000)
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. The City of Dover program typically requires income at or below 80% of area median income (AMI). NH Housing programs allow incomes up to $176,200. Contact the Dover Community Development Office for current income and purchase price limits.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. A homebuyer education course is required for both the Dover city program and NH Housing cash assistance. Courses are available through HOMEteam (866-701-9097), a collaborative program between NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire, CATCH Neighborhood Housing, and Lakes Region Community Developers.
Step 3: Apply for the Dover city program. Contact the City of Dover Community Development Office to apply for up to $20,000 in 0% interest down payment and settlement assistance. This is structured as a second mortgage forgivable after 10 years of owner-occupancy.
Step 4: Contact an NH Housing Approved Lender. They will help determine which NH Housing mortgage product fits best: Home Flex Plus (FHA/VA/USDA), Home Preferred Plus (conventional), or First and First Plus (bond-financed), and pair it with up to $15,000 in cash assistance.
Step 5: Ask about the 1st Gen Home NH program. If neither you nor your parents have ever owned a home, you may qualify for an additional $10,000 in assistance through this pilot program.
Step 6: Explore the Home Start tax credit. Your lender can help you reserve the Home Start Homebuyer Tax Credit (MCC) for up to $2,000 per year in federal tax savings.
Step 7: Find a home in Dover and close. The property must be within Dover city limits and serve as your primary residence. Your lender will coordinate all NH Housing benefits, and the Dover city assistance will be applied at closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Dover, NH?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to get assistance in Dover?+−
What are the forgiveness terms for the Dover city program?+−
What homebuyer education is required in Dover?+−
What are estimated closing costs in Dover, NH?+−
Can I combine the Dover city program with NH Housing programs?+−
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