For eligible properties across Raleigh city limits
Best suited for eligible first-time buyers purchasing a qualifying single-family home, townhome, or condo within City limits who need assistance up to $45,000.
Raleigh, North Carolina · First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
City of Raleigh Homebuyer Assistance Programs.
Eligible first-time buyers in Raleigh may qualify for citywide assistance up to $45,000 or Enhanced Homebuyer Assistance up to $60,000 in eligible geographic areas.
Subject to city program rules, income limits, property eligibility, lender approval, and funding availability.
Two Raleigh assistance options
The City of Raleigh offers a citywide program and an enhanced program for eligible first-time homebuyers.
Up to $45,000Citywide Homebuyer Assistance Program
Up to $60,000Enhanced Homebuyer Assistance Program
80% AMIMaximum income threshold listed for eligible applicants
Raleigh DPA Strategy
The right property location can change the assistance amount.
The citywide program can help eligible buyers throughout Raleigh city limits. The enhanced program may provide more assistance, but the home must be in an eligible geographic area.
Program Overview
What are the City of Raleigh Homebuyer Assistance Programs?
The City of Raleigh offers two assistance programs for first-time homebuyers. The citywide Homebuyer Assistance Program offers up to $45,000 in assistance. The Enhanced Homebuyer Assistance Program offers up to $60,000, but only homes in certain geographic areas are eligible.
These programs are designed to help with down payment, closing costs, or gaps in financing for eligible buyers purchasing qualified properties in Raleigh.
The program information on this page is based on the City of Raleigh Homebuyer Assistance Programs material dated June 2025 and the 2026 AMI figures supplied for the Raleigh-Cary, NC HUD Metro FMR Area.
Citywide vs. Enhanced Program
A quick side-by-side comparison of the two Raleigh assistance options.
| Program Feature | Citywide Homebuyer Assistance | Enhanced Homebuyer Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible applicants | First-time buyers earning no more than 80% AMI | First-time buyers earning no more than 80% AMI |
| Eligible properties | Single-family homes, townhomes, and condos within City limits | Single-family homes, townhomes, and condos in eligible geographic areas |
| Maximum assistance | Up to $45,000 | Up to $60,000 |
| Maximum purchase price | Up to $384,750 | Up to $450,000 |
| Interest rate | 0% | 0% |
| Payment structure | Deferred; no payments due for 20 years unless home is sold or no longer primary residence | Deferred; no payments due for 30 years unless home is sold or not used as primary residence |
| Forgiveness / maturity | Forgiven if owner remains in the home an additional 10 years after the 20-year deferral period, for 30 years total | Half of principal forgiven after 10 years; remainder due at 30-year maturity |
| Special location rule | Home must be within Raleigh city limits | Home must be within an eligible geographic area |
Important: The enhanced program is location-specific. Raleigh’s program material references
an online map at raleighnc.gov and instructs users to search “homebuyer assistance” to review eligible areas.
2026 AMI quick reference
The City program references an 80% AMI eligibility threshold. The selected 2026 Raleigh-Cary, NC MSA AMI figures below were supplied for quick screening.
| Household Size | 80% AMI Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $74,100 |
| 2 persons | $84,700 |
| 3 persons | $95,300 |
| 4 persons | $105,850 |
| Household Size | 70% AMI Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $64,890 |
| 2 persons | $74,130 |
| 3 persons | $83,370 |
| 4 persons | $92,610 |
Verify before relying on these numbers: AMI limits, household-size calculations, current
city income limits, lender overlays, purchase price limits, and funding availability should be confirmed before
structuring a transaction or advising a buyer to rely on the assistance.
Which Raleigh program may fit?
The best option depends on the buyer’s income, property location, price point, and long-term plans.
For eligible geographic areas
Best suited for eligible first-time buyers purchasing in the enhanced program’s eligible areas who may need higher assistance up to $60,000 and can meet the location-specific rules.
Check income and location early
Before writing an offer, confirm that the buyer is under the applicable income limit and that the property meets the citywide or enhanced location requirements.
Steps for buying with Raleigh assistance
The City’s program material outlines a practical sequence for buyers.
1
Determine if you qualify
Confirm first-time buyer status and whether household income is under the applicable limit.
2
Take homebuyer education
The course must be taught by a HUD-approved Housing Counselor.
3
Find a lender
The program works with a network of approved lenders who provide the first mortgage.
4
Find a home
The home must be within Raleigh city limits, and enhanced assistance requires an eligible geographic area.
Questions? Send the scenario.
This form can be used by Raleigh-area buyers, Realtors, or sellers who want to explore City of Raleigh assistance.
Official Program Resource
City of Raleigh homebuyer assistance information
The City’s program material says additional details, including approved lenders and current income limits, can be found on the City of Raleigh website.
- Official page: raleighnc.gov/housing/services/homebuyer-assistance
- Enhanced area map: The City’s material references an online map at raleighnc.gov; search “homebuyer assistance.”
Program and financing disclaimer: This page is informational and does not guarantee eligibility,
approval, funding availability, assistance amount, property eligibility, or specific mortgage terms. Program requirements,
AMI limits, purchase price limits, eligible geographic areas, first-time buyer rules, approved lender rules, education
requirements, assistance structures, repayment terms, and funding availability can change. All loans are subject to credit
approval, property approval, underwriting approval, program approval, and funding availability. This page is not affiliated
with or endorsed by the City of Raleigh, Wake County, the State of North Carolina, or any government agency.