Homebuyer Programs in Apex, NC (2026)
Apex is one of the fastest-growing towns in the Triangle region of Wake County, with a median home price around $560,000 that reflects its top-rated schools and quality of life. Despite the higher price point, buyers in Apex have access to strong assistance through the Wake County Affordable Homeownership Program, which provides up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time buyers earning below 80% of the area median income. At the state level, the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment offers $15,000 in forgivable assistance, and the Community Partners Loan Pool can provide up to $50,000. The NACA Homebuyer Program offers no-down-payment, no-closing-cost mortgages at below-market rates. By stacking county, state, and federal programs, Apex homebuyers can combine substantial assistance toward their purchase.
Top Homebuyer Programs in Apex
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake County Affordable Homeownership Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to $50,000 | Yes | View → |
| 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 → |
| FHLBA Community Partners Product | Forgivable Loan | Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| FHLBA First Time Homebuyer Product | Forgivable Loan | Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | Yes | View → |
| FHLBA Workforce Housing Plus+ | Forgivable Loan | Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | 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 → |
| Habitat for Humanity of Wake County Homeownership | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable below-market mortgage (Habitat builds/rehabilitates homes and sells at affordable prices) | Yes | View → |
| NACA Homebuyer Program | Zero-Interest Loan | No down payment, no closing costs, no fees, plus below-market interest rate mortgage | No | View → |
| Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP) | Deferred Loan | Up to 25% of the sales price, maximum $50,000 | No | View → |
| NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment | Forgivable Loan | $15,000 | Yes | View → |
| NC Home Advantage Mortgage | Deferred Loan | Up to 5% of the loan amount | No | View → |
| ReBuild NC Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) | Forgivable Loan | Up to $30,000 in down payment assistance plus up to 5% of sales price for closing costs | Yes | View → |
| Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP) | Zero-Interest Loan | Up to $50,000 (max $35,000 if home is within one of 24 CDBG Entitlement Cities in NC) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $50,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- 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:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- 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
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable below-market mortgage (Habitat builds/rehabilitates homes and sells at affordable prices)
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- No down payment, no closing costs, no fees, plus below-market interest rate mortgage
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 25% of the sales price, maximum $50,000
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- $15,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of the loan amount
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $30,000 in down payment assistance plus up to 5% of sales price for closing costs
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $50,000 (max $35,000 if home is within one of 24 CDBG Entitlement Cities in NC)
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
- Step 1:
Check your eligibility. The Wake County Affordable Homeownership Program requires household income at or below 80% of the area median income, a minimum credit score of 640, and first-time homebuyer status. Properties in Apex are eligible for this program.
- Step 2:
Complete homebuyer education. DHIC is the housing counseling partner for the Wake County program and offers homebuyer education courses and counseling sessions. Contact DHIC at 919-615-3720 or visit dhic.org to register.
- Step 3:
Apply for the Wake County Affordable Homeownership Program. This program provides up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Contact DHIC at 919-615-3720 to start the application process.
- Step 4:
Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Connect with an NCHFA-approved lender to access the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment ($15,000 forgivable) and NC Home Advantage Mortgage (up to 5% of loan amount). Visit NCHomeAdvantage.com to find a participating lender.
- Step 5:
Explore additional assistance. The Community Partners Loan Pool can provide up to $50,000 in additional support. The NACA Homebuyer Program offers no-down-payment, no-closing-cost mortgages at below-market interest rates — contact NACA at 704-909-5129 or visit naca.com.
- Step 6:
Find a home in Apex and submit your applications. The Wake County program has no maximum sales price, which is especially helpful given Apex's higher home values. Work with your real estate agent to find a property that fits your budget.