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 April 23, 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 the DCA program.
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
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
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
- Homebuyer education required
Cannot be combined with other NDHFA down payment assistance programs. Eligible on 1-2 unit properties (borrower must occupy one unit).
Source: www.ndhousing.nd.gov
Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance (DCA)
NDHFA
Second mortgage equal to 3% of the first mortgage loan amount to cover down payment, closing costs, and prepaids.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Income: Low-income limits based on county and family size.
- Homebuyer education required
Must pair with NDHFA FirstHome. Borrower must contribute at least $500 of own funds and meet standard credit underwriting.
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
- All NDHFA programs require homebuyer education.
- Income and purchase price limits vary by county and are updated periodically.
2026 Loan Limits in North Dakota
Conforming (Conventional)
$806,500 baseline
FHA
$524,225 floor
Most North Dakota counties use the FHA floor limit.
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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