City of Durham Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program

Open

City of Durham Community Development DepartmentNCFirst-Time Homeowner

Funding: Provides up to eighty thousand dollars in down payment and closing cost assistance as a zero percent interest forgivable loan that can significantly reduce the first mortgage amount and monthly housing costs for income eligible households.City of Durham down payment and closing cost assistance structured as a zero percent interest forgivable loan that can provide up to eighty thousand dollars for qualified first time buyers.RollingDeadline: Scope: Localstate

Updated: Dec 6, 2025

Summary

Durham’s Down Payment Assistance Program provides up to $80,000 in 0% interest forgivable assistance to help first-time buyers purchase homes within the city.

Benefits

down payment assistanceclosing cost assistance0% interestforgivable loancity programlarge assistance amount

Who Can Apply

homebuyerfirst-time homebuyerlow-income homebuyermoderate-income homebuyerDurham resident

Eligible Locations

First time homebuyers purchasing a primary residence inside Durham city limits who meet HUD based income limits, property and purchase price requirements, underwriting standards, and program specific counseling and education requirements.

Eligibility

First-time homebuyers purchasing a primary residence within Durham city limits who meet HUD-based income limits, property and purchase-price requirements, underwriting standards, and program-specific counseling and education requirements

Full Description

The City of Durham DPA Program is structured as a powerful affordability tool, offering qualifying first-time homebuyers a large amount of down payment and closing cost support via a 0% interest loan that can be fully forgiven if program conditions are met. Assistance can reach up to $80,000, significantly reducing the mortgage needed and monthly housing costs for low- to moderate-income households. Funds must be used to purchase an owner-occupied home inside Durham, and buyers must satisfy income and purchase-price limits, complete required homebuyer education, and adhere to occupancy and affordability terms. The forgivable nature of the loan makes it especially attractive to long-term residents looking to build equity and stability while staying rooted in Durham’s neighborhoods.

Verification & Details

Status: Open

Source: durhamnc.gov

Official source → durhamnc.gov

Apply on official siteUpdated Dec 6, 2025

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