See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated October 18, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Wake Forest, NC (2026)
Wake Forest is a rapidly growing town in northeastern Wake County, known for its historic downtown, strong schools, and family-friendly neighborhoods, with a median home price around $475,000. While the Town of Wake Forest does not operate its own down payment assistance program, buyers here are specifically eligible for the Wake County Affordable Homeownership Program, which provides up to $50,000 in forgivable 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, Wake Forest homebuyers can combine significant assistance toward their purchase.
County Programs in Wake County
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake County Affordable Homeownership Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to $50,000 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $50,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
State Programs in North Carolina
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP) | Deferred Loan | Up to 25% of the sales price, maximum $50,000 | 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+ | Grant | Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment | Forgivable Loan | $15,000 | Yes | View → |
| NC Home Advantage Mortgage | Deferred Loan | Up to 3% 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:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 25% of the sales price, maximum $50,000
- 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:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- $15,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 3% 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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Repayable Loan | No down payment, no closing costs, no fees, plus below-market interest rate mortgage | No | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable below-market mortgage (Habitat builds/rehabilitates homes and sells at affordable prices)
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Repayable Loan
- Amount:
- No down payment, no closing costs, no fees, plus below-market interest rate mortgage
- 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 (for a family of four, that is approximately $90,650), a minimum credit score of 640, and first-time homebuyer status. Wake Forest is specifically listed as an eligible town.
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 919-832-4345 ext. 2 or visit dhic.org to register. The Town of Wake Forest also connects residents with housing counseling services through its Planning Department.
Step 3: Apply for the Wake County Affordable Homeownership Program. This program provides up to $50,000 in forgivable down payment and closing cost assistance at 0% interest. 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 3% 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 Wake Forest and submit your applications. The Wake County program has no maximum sales price, which is helpful given Wake Forest's higher home values. Work with your real estate agent to find a property that fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Wake Forest?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
Is Wake Forest eligible for the Wake County DPA program?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Does the Wake County program have a maximum home price?+−
Are there options for lower-income buyers in Wake Forest?+−
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