Vermont Down Payment Assistance
Vermont Down Payment Assistance Programs
A guide to current down payment assistance options in Vermont, including the state Housing Finance Agency, well-known city and county programs, and live DPA mortgage pricing for Vermont homebuyers.
Vermont Housing Finance Agency
Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA)
VHFA administers the primary DPA programs for Vermont. Program details below are current as of October 17, 2026 - confirm current terms directly with VHFA before applying.
Statewide DPA Programs in Vermont
VHFA MOVE
VHFA
30-year fixed-rate first mortgage for first-time homebuyers with below-market rates; foundational product for pairing with ASSIST down payment assistance.
Paired with: FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
- Primary residence only
- Income: See VHFA MOVE household income and purchase price limits (county-specific).
- Homebuyer education required
Often VHFA's lowest interest rate. First-time homebuyer rule (no ownership in the last 3 years) applies when purchasing in Addison, Bennington, Chittenden, Grand Isle, or Windsor county. Minimum credit score 640-680 depending on program. At least one borrower must complete homebuyer education.
Source: vhfa.org
VHFA MOVE MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate)
VHFA
Federal tax credit of up to 50% of mortgage interest paid annually, capped at $2,000 per year, for as long as the borrower lives in the home and holds the original first mortgage.
- Primary residence only
- Income: VHFA income and purchase price limits apply.
- Homebuyer education required
Issued at closing with VHFA MOVE MCC, or can be attached to a non-VHFA loan from a participating lender. First-time homebuyer requirements apply.
Source: vhfa.org
VHFA Advantage
VHFA
30-year fixed-rate conventional first mortgage with no mortgage insurance option for eligible borrowers; may be paired with ASSIST.
Paired with: Conventional
- First-time homebuyer: Not required
- Primary residence only
- Income: VHFA's highest income and purchase price limits.
- Homebuyer education required
No first-time homebuyer requirement unless using a VHFA down payment assistance program.
Source: vhfa.org
ASSIST Down Payment Assistance
VHFA
Up to $10,000 as a 0% interest deferred loan with no monthly payments; repaid at sale, refinance, or mortgage payoff.
Paired with: FHA, USDA, Conventional
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Homebuyer education required
Funded through the Vermont Down Payment Assistance tax credit; available exclusively with VHFA MOVE. Not eligible with VA first mortgages. Borrowers and non-borrowing spouses must never have owned a home and have less than $20,000 combined liquid assets. May be combined with the First Generation grant.
Source: vhfa.org
First Generation Homebuyer Program
VHFA
$15,000 grant for down payment and closing costs; may be combined with ASSIST for $25,000 - $30,000 in total assistance.
Paired with: FHA, USDA, Conventional
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Homebuyer education required
All borrowers must be true first-time homebuyers with under $20,000 in combined liquid assets, and at least one person on title must have parents/guardians who never owned a home (or lost it to foreclosure) or have been in foster care. Available only with VHFA MOVE, MOVE MCC, or ADVANTAGE, while funds last on a first-come, first-served basis.
Source: vhfa.org
Vermont Notes for Homebuyers
- Vermont is an attorney/attorney-style closing state; a Vermont-licensed attorney typically issues the title opinion.
- VHFA ASSIST is funded by the state Down Payment Assistance tax credit, which is authorized by statute for set fiscal years; confirm current funding with VHFA.
2026 Loan Limits in Vermont
Conforming (Conventional)
$832,750 baseline
FHA
$541,287
Standard FHA limit, applies to most Vermont counties.
Live DPA Pricing for Vermont
Pricing below is sourced live from hundreds of wholesale lenders for a Vermont 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 Vermont with live pricing
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