Down payment assistance

Down payment assistance in Nebraska

2 programs can help buyers in Nebraska with a down payment and closing costs. Most are for first-time buyers with moderate incomes and are used with a participating lender.

Check which programs fit your situationDown payment assistance finder

Homebuyer Assistance Program (HBA)

Open · Repayable loan

Up to 5% of the home's purchase price

A second mortgage at 1% interest over 10 years (120 months), paired with a NIFA First Home first mortgage. It is repaid monthly alongside the first mortgage; NIFA states plainly that it is not a grant.

Who qualifies: Must meet NIFA's first-time homebuyer requirements (no home owned and lived in during the last three years). Minimum credit score 640 with DTI at or below 45%, or 660 with DTI at or below 50%. Homebuyer education required before closing. Conventional, FHA, USDA-RD or VA first mortgage.

Nebraska Investment Finance Authority · Agency website → · Checked 2026-09-30

Welcome Home Assistance (WHA)

Open · Repayable loan

Up to 5% of the purchase price

The same second mortgage as HBA (1% interest, 10-year term, repaid monthly), paired with NIFA's Welcome Home first mortgage instead of First Home. It is the option for repeat buyers.

Who qualifies: First-time and repeat homebuyers. Other Welcome Home program requirements (income limits, credit) apply.

Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) · Agency website → · Checked 2026-09-30

How assistance usually works

Most programs are a second loan with no monthly payment that is forgiven over time or repaid when you sell or refinance, and some are grants. You usually need a program first mortgage from a participating lender, a homebuyer education course and income under the program’s limit. Apply before you make offers, so your pre-approval reflects the help.

More for Nebraska

Nebraska closing costs Nebraska property taxes Where can I afford to buy in Nebraska?Down payment timeline

Programs change often; confirm the details with the agency.