In addition to VHFA, the following programs are available to help lower the costs of purchasing a home in Vermont:

Shared Equity Down Payment Grant 

  • Buy a home through a VT NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center near you
  • Down payment grant to lower purchase price and monthly payment
  • Inventory is limited, income and other eligibility requirements apply

Visit Vermont NeighborWorks Alliance to find a HomeOwnership Center near you.

Equity Builder Down Payment Assistance 

  • Down payment and closing cost assistance -- sometimes up to $15,000! 
  • Ask about Equity Builder at your local VT Member Lender
  • First-time homebuyer and other eligibility requirements apply
  • Funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis

Visit FHLBB Equity Builder for more details.

Housing Our Workforce (HOW)

  • Matching grant program to help lower down payment and closing costs
  • Ask about HOW at your local VT Member Lender
  • Income and other eligibility requirements apply
  • Funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis

Visit FHLBB Housing Our Workforce (HOW) for more details.

Habitat for Humanity 

  • Build a home with help from volunteers through a local Habitat for Humanity chapter
  • Invest ‘sweat equity’ to lower the purchase price and monthly payment
  • Projects are limited, income and other eligibility requirements apply

Visit Green Mountain HabitatCentral Vermont Habitat, or Bennington County Habitat for more information and availability

USDA RD Direct 502 Home Loan*

  • Special subsidized loan that can lower interest rate to 1%
  • No down payment required
  • Apply directly through Vermont USDA Office  
  • Income and other eligibility requirements apply

Visit USDA RD Single Family Direct Home Loan for more details.

*Except for the USDA RD Direct 502 Home Loan, these special programs may be used with VHFA programsTalk with a VHFA Participating Lender to learn more!