See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 5, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Keene, NH (2026)
Keene is the largest city in southwestern New Hampshire and the seat of Cheshire County, home to Keene State College and a vibrant downtown, with a median home price around $350,000 that makes it one of the more affordable markets in the state. Unlike many NH communities, Keene offers its own city-funded Homebuyer Assistance Program providing zero-interest deferred loans to help first-time buyers with down payments and closing costs. Buyers can also access New Hampshire Housing programs including the First and First Plus program offering up to $15,000 in cash assistance, the Home Flex Plus forgivable loan of up to $15,000, and the 1st Gen Home NH program providing $10,000 for first-generation homebuyers. Monadnock Habitat for Humanity serves Keene with affordable homeownership opportunities for families earning below 60% of area median income. By combining city, state, and federal programs, eligible buyers in Keene can access significant assistance toward homeownership.
City Programs in Keene
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Keene Homebuyer Assistance Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Varies (zero-interest deferred loan for down payment and closing costs) | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Varies (zero-interest deferred loan for down payment and closing costs)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monadnock Habitat for Humanity | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable home purchase with 0% interest mortgage | No | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable home purchase with 0% interest mortgage
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. The City of Keene Homebuyer Assistance Program serves low-income first-time buyers purchasing within city limits. NH Housing programs have separate income limits that vary by county and household size. Contact the City of Keene Human Services Department or NH Housing at (603) 472-8623 to confirm your eligibility.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. A HUD-approved homebuyer education course is required for NH Housing assistance programs. Monadnock Habitat for Humanity in Keene offers homebuyer education and credit counseling at 39 Central Square. You can also contact NeighborWorks Southern NH HOMETeam at (866) 701-9097 for courses.
Step 3: Apply for the City of Keene program. Contact the City of Keene Human Services Department to learn about current availability and apply for their zero-interest deferred loan for down payment and closing costs.
Step 4: Connect with an NH Housing-approved lender. NH Housing programs are offered through participating lenders who can help you access the First and First Plus, Home Flex Plus, or Home Preferred Plus programs with up to $15,000 in assistance. Call NH Housing at (603) 472-8623 for a lender list.
Step 5: Explore additional programs. First-generation homebuyers may qualify for the 1st Gen Home NH program, which offers an additional $10,000 in assistance. Ask your lender about combining city and state programs for maximum benefit.
Step 6: Get pre-approved and find a home. Work with your lender to determine your purchase price range. Keene's median home price of $350,000 falls within most program limits, giving buyers here strong options.
Step 7: Submit your applications and close. Your lender will coordinate the NH Housing program paperwork alongside your mortgage application. Plan for a closing timeline of 30-45 days once your offer is accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Keene?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What are the income limits for Keene homebuyer programs?+−
What is the maximum home price I can pay using assistance programs?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Does Keene have any city-specific homebuyer programs?+−
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