Homebuyer Programs in Anderson, SC (2026)
Anderson is a vibrant Upstate South Carolina city nestled between Greenville and Clemson, with a median home price around $230,000 that makes it an attractive option for first-time buyers. While Anderson does not currently offer a city-funded down payment assistance program, buyers here benefit from strong state and federal options. The SC Housing Homebuyer Program provides forgivable down payment assistance at zero percent interest, and the Palmetto Heroes Program offers up to $10,000 for teachers, nurses, law enforcement, military members, and other public servants. Anderson County is also designated as a 'County First' area through SC Housing, which means buyers may qualify for a reduced interest rate. Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County offers zero-interest mortgages for qualifying families earning below 60% of area median income. By layering state programs with federal loan options like FHA, VA, and USDA, Anderson homebuyers can significantly lower their upfront costs.
Top Homebuyer Programs in Anderson
| 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 → |
| 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 Anderson County Homeownership | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable zero-interest mortgage (no traditional down payment required) | No | View → |
| Palmetto Heroes Program | Forgivable Loan | $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance | Yes | View → |
| Palmetto Home Advantage | Forgivable Loan | Up to 4% of the first mortgage loan amount | No | View → |
| SC Housing Homebuyer Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance | Yes | 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:
- 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 zero-interest mortgage (no traditional down payment required)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 4% of the first mortgage loan amount
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance
- First-time only:
- Yes
How to Apply
- Step 1:
Check your eligibility. Review income limits for SC Housing programs. Anderson County's income cap is $84,800 for certain SC Housing programs. Most state programs target first-time homebuyers.
- Step 2:
Complete homebuyer education. A HUD-approved homebuyer education course is required for most assistance programs. Call (800) 569-4287 to find a HUD-approved counselor in the Anderson area.
- Step 3:
Explore local nonprofit options. Contact Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County at (864) 375-1177 if your household income is below 60% AMI and you have a housing need. You can also reach the City of Anderson Community Development Department at (864) 231-2223 to ask about any available city programs.
- Step 4:
Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Connect with an SC Housing-approved lender to take advantage of state down payment assistance and the County First reduced interest rate available in Anderson County. You can also explore FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional financing.
- Step 5:
Find a home within program guidelines. SC Housing programs have county-specific purchase price limits. USDA loans may be available for properties in eligible rural areas around Anderson. Contact your lender for current limits.
- Step 6:
Submit your application. Apply through your SC Housing-approved lender for state DPA programs. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For Habitat, applications are accepted during specific periods posted on their website.
- Step 7:
Close on your home. State down payment assistance is structured as a forgivable second mortgage. Maintain the home as your primary residence for the full forgiveness period to have the loan fully forgiven.