Down payment assistance in North Dakota
North Dakota's primary statewide down payment assistance program, run by North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA). Numbers and eligibility reflect the program's published 2025 guidelines.
Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance (DCA)
Second mortgage- Maximum assistance
- Up to 5% of loan amount or $7,500 as a second mortgage
- Income limit
- Up to $134,560
- Home price limit
- Up to $481,176
- First-time buyer
- Preferred (some products)
- Eligible loan types
- FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
- •Second lien at fixed rate equal to first mortgage rate, 15-year term.
- •Start program is for first-time buyers; HomeAccess targets specific populations.
How North Dakota DPA fits into your purchase
Down payment assistance reduces the cash you need at the closing table. North Dakota's Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance (DCA) pairs with the standard FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgage from a participating lender; the DPA flows through the same closing.
Two things to budget for: most state DPA requires a homebuyer-education course (typically online, 6-8 hours, ~$75) and you usually have to use a lender on the agency's approved list. The agency keeps the list public on its website.
Common questions
North Dakota's primary statewide DPA is Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance (DCA) from North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA). Up to 5% of loan amount or $7,500 as a second mortgage. Many North Dakota cities and counties also run additional DPA layered on top.
Some product variants are first-time-buyer only; others are open to repeat buyers. Check the agency page for the current matrix.
Yes. Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance (DCA) works with these loan types: FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional. The DPA is layered behind your first mortgage as a separate lien (or grant), and both close together.
Yes. A second-mortgage DPA has a monthly payment, and that payment is included in your debt-to-income ratio when the lender qualifies you.
Deferred and second-mortgage DPAs are generally repaid in full when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.