See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated March 31, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Martinsburg, WV (2026)
Martinsburg is the county seat of Berkeley County in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle, situated just 90 minutes from Washington, D.C. With a median home price around $260,000, the area offers affordable homeownership opportunities compared to neighboring metro areas. First-time buyers in Martinsburg can access up to $24,500 through the City of Martinsburg Homebuyer Assistance Program, a forgivable loan covering down payment and closing costs. The WVHDF Homeownership Program adds up to $10,000 in additional assistance, while the First Peoples Community FCU First Time Home Buyer Program offers 103% financing with no PMI on loans up to $200,000. Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Panhandle also provides zero-interest mortgages for qualifying low-income families. By stacking city, state, and federal programs, Martinsburg buyers can significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs.
City Programs in Martinsburg
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Martinsburg Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP) | Forgivable Loan | Up to $24,500 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $24,500
- First-time only:
- Yes
State Programs in West Virginia
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WVHDF Homeownership Program | Repayable Loan | Up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance via the Low Down Home Loan; 30-year fixed-rate mortgage financing up to 100% of purchase price | Yes | View → |
| WVHDF Movin' Up Program | Repayable Loan | No down payment assistance (Low Down Home Loan removed 9/30/2026); 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage at 7.750% (Movin' Up Special 7.625%) for homes up to $350,000 | No | View → |
- Type:
- Repayable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance via the Low Down Home Loan; 30-year fixed-rate mortgage financing up to 100% of purchase price
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Repayable Loan
- Amount:
- No down payment assistance (Low Down Home Loan removed 9/30/2026); 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage at 7.750% (Movin' Up Special 7.625%) for homes up to $350,000
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Peoples Community FCU First Time Home Buyer Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Up to 103% financing (up to $200,000 loan amount); no PMI required | Yes | View → |
| Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Panhandle Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Zero-interest mortgage amortized over 20 years for affordable homes | No | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 103% financing (up to $200,000 loan amount); no PMI required
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Zero-interest mortgage amortized over 20 years for affordable homes
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Most programs in Martinsburg require first-time buyer status, meaning you have not owned a home in the past three years. Income limits vary by program and household size based on HUD guidelines for Berkeley County.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Telamon Corporation in Martinsburg offers free HUD-approved homebuyer education courses at 67 Aikens Center, Martinsburg, WV 25404. Call 304-263-0916 to register. A certificate of completion is required by most programs and lenders.
Step 3: Contact the City of Martinsburg Community Development office. Reach Cory Roman at 304-264-2131 Ext. 276 to discuss the Homebuyer Assistance Program and determine how much assistance you may qualify for, up to $24,500.
Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Contact a WVHDF participating lender at 800-933-8511 to explore the Homeownership Program with up to $10,000 in down payment assistance via the Low Down Home Loan. First Peoples Community Federal Credit Union at 301-784-3000 also offers 103% financing for first-time buyers.
Step 5: Find a home within program guidelines. Work with a local real estate agent to find a property in Martinsburg or Berkeley County that meets program requirements. You must invest a minimum of $500 of your own funds toward the purchase.
Step 6: Submit your applications. Your lender and housing counselor will help you apply for all eligible programs simultaneously. The City of Martinsburg HAP loan is processed through the Eastern Panhandle HOME Consortium. Allow several weeks for processing and approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Martinsburg?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What is the maximum home price I can buy with these programs?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Is the City of Martinsburg HAP loan really forgiven?+−
Can I use these programs if I work in the D.C. metro area but want to buy in Martinsburg?+−
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