Other Special Programs (non-VHFA)

In addition to VHFA, the following programs are available to help lower the costs of purchasing a home in Vermont:

Shared Equity Down Payment Grant 

  • Buy a home through a VT NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center near you
  • Down payment grant to lower purchase price and monthly payment
  • Inventory is limited, income and other eligibility requirements apply

Visit Vermont NeighborWorks Alliance to find a HomeOwnership Center near you.

Equity Builder Down Payment Assistance 

  • Down payment and closing cost assistance -- sometimes up to $15,000! 
  • Ask about Equity Builder at your local VT Member Lender
  • First-time homebuyer and other eligibility requirements apply
  • Funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis

Visit FHLBB Equity Builder for more details.

Housing Our Workforce (HOW)

  • Matching grant program to help lower down payment and closing costs
  • Ask about HOW at your local VT Member Lender
  • Income and other eligibility requirements apply
  • Funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis

Visit FHLBB Housing Our Workforce (HOW) for more details.

Habitat for Humanity 

  • Build a home with help from volunteers through a local Habitat for Humanity chapter
  • Invest ‘sweat equity’ to lower the purchase price and monthly payment
  • Projects are limited, income and other eligibility requirements apply

Visit Green Mountain Habitat, Central Vermont Habitat, or Bennington County Habitat for more information and availability

USDA RD Direct 502 Home Loan*

  • Special subsidized loan that can lower interest rate to 1%
  • No down payment required
  • Apply directly through Vermont USDA Office  
  • Income and other eligibility requirements apply

Visit USDA RD Single Family Direct Home Loan for more details.

*Except for the USDA RD Direct 502 Home Loan, these special programs may be used with VHFA programs. Talk with a VHFA Participating Lender to learn more!