North Dakota Down Payment Assistance
North Dakota Down Payment Assistance Programs
A guide to current down payment assistance options in North Dakota, including the state Housing Finance Agency, well-known city and county programs, and live DPA mortgage pricing for North Dakota homebuyers.
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA)
NDHFA administers the primary DPA programs for North Dakota. Program details below are current as of October 17, 2026 - confirm current terms directly with NDHFA before applying.
Statewide DPA Programs in North Dakota
FirstHome
NDHFA
Below-market fixed-rate first mortgage for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Income: County and family-size based limits per NDHFA schedule.
- Homebuyer education required
First-time homebuyer means no principal-residence ownership in the past three years. May be combined with DCA or Start.
Source: www.ndhousing.nd.gov
HomeAccess
NDHFA
Competitive fixed-rate mortgage with down payment assistance for targeted borrower categories.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- Primary residence only
- Income: See NDHFA HomeAccess income schedule.
- Homebuyer education required
May be combined with DCA or Start. Eligibility is limited to single parents raising minor children, honorably discharged veterans, applicants who are permanently disabled or support a permanently disabled dependent, or applicants 65 or older (or supporting a spouse 65+).
Source: www.ndhousing.nd.gov
ND Roots
NDHFA
30-year fixed-rate first mortgage for buyers who do not qualify for FirstHome or HomeAccess. Can be paired with Start for 3% assistance.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- First-time homebuyer: Not required
- Primary residence only
- Income: No income or purchase price limits; loan amount capped at conforming or insurer/guarantor limits.
Open to first-time and repeat buyers. Rates are slightly higher than FirstHome. Refinances are eligible (Start is purchase only).
Source: www.ndhousing.nd.gov
Start Program
NDHFA
Fixed-rate first mortgage paired with assistance equal to 3% of the first mortgage loan amount toward down payment, closing costs, or prepaid items.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- Primary residence only
- Income: Higher income limits than DCA; no income limit when paired with ND Roots.
Second lien with no separate payment. Repay a pro-rated balance if the home is sold, refinanced or transferred before 96 monthly payments are made; the lien ends after that. Pairs with FirstHome, HomeAccess, ND Roots or a Targeted Area Loan. Cannot be combined with other down payment assistance programs. Eligible on 1-2 unit properties (borrower must occupy one unit). Not available for refinances.
Source: www.ndhousing.nd.gov
Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance (DCA)
NDHFA
Second lien equal to 3% of the first mortgage loan amount to cover down payment, closing costs, and prepaids.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- Primary residence only
- Income: Low-income limits based on county and family size.
- Homebuyer education required
Pairs with FirstHome, HomeAccess or a Targeted Area Loan at the FirstHome rate. No separate payment; repay a pro-rated balance if the home is sold, refinanced or transferred before 96 monthly payments are made. Borrower must contribute at least $500 of own funds. Homebuyer education certificate must be dated before closing. 1-2 unit properties only.
Source: www.ndhousing.nd.gov
Targeted Area Loan
NDHFA
Reduced-interest mortgage loans for properties located in federally designated Targeted Areas of North Dakota.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- Primary residence only
- Homebuyer education required
First-time homebuyer requirement is waived in Targeted Areas. Target census tracts are determined by the IRS.
Source: www.ndhousing.nd.gov
North Dakota Notes for Homebuyers
- NDHFA requires a $500 borrower cash investment and has no added minimum credit score or DTI overlays; lender and insurer/guarantor guidelines apply.
- Income and purchase price limits vary by county and are updated periodically.
2026 Loan Limits in North Dakota
Conforming (Conventional)
$832,750 baseline
FHA
$541,287
Standard FHA limit, applies to most North Dakota counties.
Live DPA Pricing for North Dakota
Pricing below is sourced live from hundreds of wholesale lenders for a North Dakota 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 North Dakota with live pricing
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