First-time home buyer programs in New Hampshire: a 2026 guide
FHA loans, NH Housing down payment assistance up to $15,000, 1stGenHomeNH and Portsmouth's Home Town program, explained by a Seacoast NH agent.
Buying
Buying your first home on the Seacoast
From renting to owning: a clear roadmap, the New Hampshire programs that help, and how to use an FHA loan on a 2–4 unit home.
Photo: Cocheco Mill, Dover by Deb Talukdar, CC BY-SA 4.0
The roadmap
Five steps from renter to owner
Whether you're buying on your own or with a partner, the process is the same. Here's how we'll do it together.
Start your plan- 01
Get pre-approved
Meet with a lender to learn your real budget and which programs fit, like FHA, NH Housing or conventional.
- 02
Take homebuyer education
Several assistance programs require it. Sign up early since classes fill up.
- 03
Set your search
We'll talk through towns, commute, property type and whether a 2–4 unit home makes sense.
- 04
Tour and offer
I'll set up showings, pull recent sales and help you write a strong, smart offer.
- 05
Inspect and close
Inspections, appraisal and final walkthrough, then the keys are yours.
Programs
Help that's available in New Hampshire
3.5%
FHA loans
Low down payment with a 580+ score, on 1–4 unit homes you live in.
$15k
NH Housing
Down payment and closing cost help as a 0% deferred second mortgage.
$10k
1stGenHomeNH
For first-generation buyers using NH Housing financing.
3%
Conventional
NH Housing conventional options from 3% down (5% for 2–4 units).
Sources: Bankrate, NH Housing. All programs subject to lender approval, eligibility, income and purchase price limits.
Buyer guides
Read before you start touring
House hacking on the Seacoast: how to buy a 2–4 unit home with an FHA loan
Live in one unit, rent the rest. How FHA multifamily loans work for Seacoast NH buyers: 3.5% down, occupancy rules and rental income.
Let's connect
Ready to stop paying someone else's mortgage?
Tell me what you're looking for and I'll put together a plan and a list of homes that fit.