First Time Home Buyer Programs in Greenville, SC – What You Need to Know in 2026

🏡 Thinking About Buying Your First Home in the Upstate?

Buying your first home in the Upstate—whether in Greenville, Spartanburg, Greer, or Simpsonville—is exciting, but can also feel overwhelming.

The good news? There are several first-time home buyer programs in Greenville, SC that make buying more affordable and achievable.

From down-payment assistance to forgivable grants and $0 down loans, this guide breaks down the most popular options and answers the top questions first-time buyers ask.

⭐ What First Time Home Buyer Programs Are Available in Greenville, SC?

Here are the most common programs for Upstate buyers:

1. SC Housing Homebuyer Program

📍 Statewide program used often in Greenville & Spartanburg

• Down-payment assistance (DPA) up to $8,000

• Competitive 30-year fixed interest rates

• Income and credit limits apply

• Can be paired with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans

Learn more on the official SC Housing website.

2. VA Home Loans – Supporting Our Veterans

📍 An excellent option for qualified veterans, active-duty military, and surviving spouses.

• $0 down payment

• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

• Competitive fixed interest rates

• Flexible credit and debt-to-income requirements

• Can be used more than once if eligibility remains

3. USDA Rural Housing Loan

• $0 down payment

• Covers many areas just outside central Greenville

• Works well in Travelers Rest, Boiling Springs, Duncan

4. FHA Loans

• Low down payment (3.5%)

• Credit scores starting from 580

• A good choice for many first-time buyers

⭐ How Do I Know If I Qualify?

Here’s what most programs consider:

• ✅ Credit score: 580+ for FHA, 600 for Veteran loans and USDA, 640 for SC Housing DPA loans

• ✅ Income limits (based on household size)

• ✅ Debt-to-income ratio: Usually under 50%

• ✅ First-time buyer: No home ownership in last 3 years

• ✅ Property location: Must be in eligible ZIP code or rural area

💡 Pro Tip: A local lender who knows the Upstate market can quickly check what you qualify for — often in under 10 minutes. Need a recommendation? We got you covered!

⭐ Are There Local Programs For First Responders, Nurses, or Teachers?

Yes — and they can make a big difference when you're ready to buy your first home in Greenville, Spartanburg, or surrounding areas.

The most well-known option is the Palmetto Heroes Program, offered through SC Housing.

This program provides forgivable down-payment assistance and favorable loan terms for South Carolina residents in the following professions:

• Law enforcement officers

• Firefighters & EMS personnel

• Nurses & certified nursing aides

• Teachers

• Corrections officers

• Active-duty military & veterans

🎉 In 2025, the program experienced a record-breaking year, helping over 625 frontline professionals purchase homes in South Carolina before funds were fully claimed .

📍 While the program closed early in 2025 due to overwhelming demand, it often reopens in future years — so it’s smart to stay connected with a local lender or agent who tracks Palmetto Heroes funding cycles.

⭐ What’s the Market Like for First-Time Buyers in 2025?

The market is still fast-moving, but more balanced than in recent years. Here’s what to expect:

• Active inventory between $250k–$400k

• More flexible sellers in some price points

• Still competitive in Taylors, North Main, Simpsonville

• Homes move fast → Get pre-approved early

💡 Looking for new homes with major perks? Some builders in Greenville and Spartanburg are offering closing cost credits, rate buy-downs, and more.
👉 Check out our guide to saving big on new construction homes here

⭐ First Step: Talk to a Local Expert

The best way to start? Schedule a consult with a real estate agent and lender who specialize in Greenville-area first-time buyer programs.

You’ll get:

• ✔️ A clear budget range

• ✔️ A list of programs you qualify for

• ✔️ Confidence moving forward in a competitive market

🎯 Ready to Buy Your First Home in Greenville or Spartanburg?

Let’s walk through the process together — from choosing the right loan to negotiating the best deal.

👉 Book a free consult here