See programs you qualify for

Get Matched Free →

Homebuyer Programs in Essex Junction, VT (2026)

Last updated April 5, 2026 | Population: 10,887 | Median home price: $465,000 | Est. closing costs: $9,500 - $14,000

Skyline of Essex Junction, VT

Essex Junction is a small city in the heart of Chittenden County, Vermont, located just 6 miles east of Burlington. It became Vermont's 10th city in 2022 and offers a walkable downtown, Amtrak rail service, and strong community amenities. With a median home price around $465,000, Essex Junction sits in one of Vermont's most competitive markets. Homebuyers can access the VHFA ASSIST program for up to $10,000 in down payment assistance, the VHFA First Generation Homebuyer Grant for up to $15,000, and the NeighborWorks of Western Vermont DPA Loan for up to $50,000. The Champlain Housing Trust Homeownership Equity Program provides up to $25,000 in 0% interest loans for shared equity buyers, and Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity partners with CHT to build new affordable homes in Essex Junction. By combining state and local programs, eligible buyers can significantly reduce their upfront costs.

Top Homebuyer Programs in Essex Junction

FHA Loans
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
FHLBA Community Partners Product
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
First-time only:
No
FHLBA First Time Homebuyer Product
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
First-time only:
Yes
FHLBA Workforce Housing Plus+
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
First-time only:
No
Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD)
Type:
Government Property Sale Program
Amount:
50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
First-time only:
Yes
Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac)
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
HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae)
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
HUD $100 Down Program
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
USDA Rural Development Loans
Type:
Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
Amount:
100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
First-time only:
No
VA Loans
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
Champlain Housing Trust Homeownership Equity Program (HEP)
Type:
Deferred Loan
Amount:
Up to $25,000
First-time only:
Yes
Champlain Housing Trust Shared Equity Homeownership
Type:
Deferred Loan
Amount:
Below-market purchase price through shared equity model, plus down payment assistance
First-time only:
Yes
Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program
Type:
Zero-Interest Loan
Amount:
Affordable home purchase with zero-interest mortgage
First-time only:
No
NorthCountry Federal Credit Union Equity Builder Program
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance
First-time only:
Yes
Vermont Federal Credit Union Seed Money Program
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Up to $7,500 (3% of purchase price)
First-time only:
Yes
NeighborWorks of Western Vermont Down Payment Assistance Loan
Type:
Repayable Loan
Amount:
Up to $50,000 or 20% of purchase price, whichever is lower
First-time only:
No
VHFA ASSIST Down Payment Assistance
Type:
Deferred Loan
Amount:
Up to $10,000
First-time only:
Yes
VHFA First Generation Homebuyer Grant
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Up to $15,000
First-time only:
Yes
VHFA MOVE MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate)
Type:
Tax Credit
Amount:
Federal tax credit based on mortgage interest paid annually
First-time only:
Yes
VHFA MOVE Mortgage Program
Type:
Government-Insured Mortgage
Amount:
Below-market interest rate mortgage with down payment as low as 0-5%
First-time only:
Yes

How to Apply

  1. Step 1:

    Check your eligibility. Most programs require income at or below 80-120% of Area Median Income for Chittenden County. The VHFA MOVE program requires that you have not owned a home in the past 3 years if purchasing in Chittenden County.

  2. Step 2:

    Complete homebuyer education. Champlain Housing Trust offers a HUD-approved HomeBuyer Education Certificate Program in the Burlington area. Contact them at (802) 862-6244 or info@getahome.org to register.

  3. Step 3:

    Contact a housing counselor. Champlain Housing Trust provides free homeownership counseling for buyers in Chittenden County including Essex Junction. They can help assess your program eligibility, review finances, and create a plan.

  4. Step 4:

    Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Work with a VHFA-participating lender such as Vermont Federal Credit Union or NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to explore MOVE mortgage options with as little as 0-5% down.

  5. Step 5:

    Apply for down payment assistance. Submit applications for the VHFA ASSIST program (up to $10,000), the VHFA First Generation Homebuyer Grant (up to $15,000 for first-generation buyers), the NorthCountry FCU Equity Builder Program (up to $25,000), or the Champlain Housing Trust HEP (up to $25,000 for shared equity buyers).

  6. Step 6:

    Find a home and close. Work with your lender and housing counselor to find a home within program limits, then complete your purchase with assistance funds applied at closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Cities

Related Articles