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 April 23, 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
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Income: See VHFA MOVE household income limits (county-specific).
- Homebuyer education required
Source: www.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
- Primary residence only
- Income: See VHFA Advantage income limits.
- Homebuyer education required
Source: www.vhfa.org
ASSIST Down Payment Assistance
VHFA
Up to $5,000 as a 0% interest, non-amortizing second mortgage with no monthly payments; repaid only when the first mortgage is refinanced or the home is sold.
Paired with: FHA, USDA, Conventional
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Homebuyer education required
Funded through the Vermont Down Payment Assistance tax credit; only available with a VHFA first mortgage. Not eligible with VA first mortgages. Applicants must meet VHFA ASSIST asset limits.
Source: vhfa.org
First Generation Homebuyer Program
VHFA
Grant assistance (amount set by VHFA program guidelines) for first-generation homebuyers, which may be combined with ASSIST for a larger combined down payment and closing cost package.
Paired with: FHA, USDA, Conventional
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Homebuyer education required
Borrower (or their parent/guardian) must not have owned a primary residence; see VHFA definition of first-generation. Available 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 authorization is tied to state statute - the Down Payment Assistance tax credit backing ASSIST funding is currently authorized through state fiscal year 2026; confirm current status with VHFA.
2026 Loan Limits in Vermont
Conforming (Conventional)
$806,500 baseline
FHA
$524,225 floor
Most Vermont counties use the FHA floor limit.
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
Rate Direct pairs down payment assistance with live first-lien pricing so you see the combined monthly payment up front.