Nebraska Down Payment Assistance
Nebraska Down Payment Assistance Programs
A guide to current down payment assistance options in Nebraska, including the state Housing Finance Agency, well-known city and county programs, and live DPA mortgage pricing for Nebraska homebuyers.
Nebraska Housing Finance Agency
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA)
www.nifa.org/homebuyers-renters
NIFA administers the primary DPA programs for Nebraska. Program details below are current as of October 17, 2026 - confirm current terms directly with NIFA before applying.
Statewide DPA Programs in Nebraska
First Home Program
NIFA
30-year fixed-rate first mortgage at a competitive rate for first-time homebuyers. Does not include cash assistance.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, RD
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Minimum FICO: 640
- Maximum DTI: 45%
- Income: NIFA household income limits apply by county and household size; see NIFA schedule.
- Homebuyer education required
Purchase price limits apply (one unit: $398,000 non-target, $485,500 target area, effective 7/13/2026). Max DTI rises to 50% with a 660+ credit score. First-time homebuyer means no primary residence owned in the past 3 years; veterans are exempt.
Source: www.nifa.org
First Home Targeted Program
NIFA
30-year fixed-rate first mortgage with higher household income and purchase price limits when the property is in a federally designated target area.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, RD
- First-time homebuyer: Not required
- Primary residence only
- Income: Higher NIFA target-area income limits apply.
- Homebuyer education required
First-time homebuyer requirement is waived when purchasing in a target area. For buyers who do not need down payment or closing cost assistance.
Source: www.nifa.org
Homebuyer Assistance Program (HBA)
NIFA
Second mortgage up to 5% of the home’s purchase price for down payment and closing costs, at 1% interest with monthly payments over 10 years.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, RD
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Minimum FICO: 640
- Maximum DTI: 45%
- Income: NIFA household income limits apply.
- Homebuyer education required
Borrower must invest at least $1,000 of own funds. Must be paired with a NIFA First Home first mortgage, which carries a higher rate when HBA is used.
Source: www.nifa.org
Welcome Home Assistance (WHA)
NIFA
Second mortgage up to 5% of the purchase price for down payment and closing costs, at 1% interest with monthly payments over 10 years. Paired with a NIFA Welcome Home first mortgage.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, RD
- First-time homebuyer: Not required
- Primary residence only
- Minimum FICO: 640
- Maximum DTI: 45%
- Income: Household income up to $182,800 (effective 7/13/2026).
Open to first-time and repeat buyers. 1-2 unit homes; purchase price up to $485,500 (one unit). Homebuyer education required for first-time buyers. Max DTI rises to 50% with a 660+ credit score.
Source: www.nifa.org
Military Home Program
NIFA
30-year fixed-rate government first mortgage for active-duty military, reservists, and qualified veterans.
Paired with: VA, FHA, RD
- Primary residence only
- Income: NIFA household income limits apply.
- Homebuyer education required
Veterans and their spouses are exempt from the first-time homebuyer requirement; active military must meet it. Eligibility confirmed via DD-214. Can be combined with the HBA second mortgage.
Source: www.nifa.org
2026 Loan Limits in Nebraska
Conforming (Conventional)
$832,750 baseline
FHA
$541,287
Standard FHA limit, applies to most Nebraska counties.
Live DPA Pricing for Nebraska
Pricing below is sourced live from hundreds of wholesale lenders for a Nebraska scenario. Edit the inputs to match your situation.
FHA Down Payment Assistance
Up to 5% assistance; repayable second at first rate + 2% over 10 years
▸Program details
- ✓Minimum credit score: 580
- ✓Non-traditional credit also possible
- ✓Assistance up to 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% of the lesser of purchase price or appraised value
- ✓Assistance can be used for down payment, closing costs, or both
- ✓Second lien: 10-year fixed, repayable
- ✓Second lien rate is 2% higher than the first mortgage rate
- ✓No first-time homebuyer requirement
- ✓No income cap
- ✓Purchase of primary residence only
- ✓Eligible properties: 1-unit residences, PUD, 2-4 units, FHA-approved condos, manufactured (single/double-wide)
- ✓DTI per AUS and FHA manual underwriting guidelines
- ✓First lien: FHA 30-year fixed
Assistance amount
Compare DPA options for Nebraska with live pricing
Rate Direct pairs down payment assistance with live first-lien pricing so you see the combined monthly payment up front.