North Dakota first-time home buyer programs
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency lists 2 programs that help buyers in North Dakota with the down payment or closing costs. Amounts and terms are shown as the agency publishes them.
- Programs from the agency
- 2
- Biggest amount listed
- 3% of the loan
- First-time buyers only
- 1 of 2 programs
- Income caps
- Set per program
Down payment assistance programs in North Dakota
Programs the agency lists
- DCA: Up to 3% of the home loan. Income: income limits depend on your county and family size.
- Start: Up to 3% of the home loan. Income: for low- to moderate-income buyers.
Usually, "first-time buyers only" means you haven't owned a home during the past three years, though every program sets a rule of its own. The name of each program links to a North Dakota Housing Finance Agency page that says whether applications are open right now. The agency also maintains its own list of participating lenders. Compare down payment assistance programs across all states, or ask a lender that works with North Dakota's programs.
How does your income compare with North Dakota's caps?
Every program has its own income cap, which the table shows, and the exact chart is on that program's agency page. Use the HUD income limits lookup (FY2026) to find the figure for your county and household size. If a program relies on its own county chart or Freddie Mac's, the result can differ from HUD's number, and the agency's chart decides.
| HUD area | Median family income | HUD low-income limit |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck | $113,000 | $90,400 |
| Fargo | $115,200 | $92,150 |
| Grand Forks | $106,800 | $85,700 |
| McHenry County | $103,400 | $85,700 |
| Ward County | $95,700 | $85,700 |
HUD uses about 80% of the median as a starting point. Its own caps can hold that number down, including a yearly cap on increases, so the low-income limit is under 80% in a few areas.
Talk to a lender that works with North Dakota programs
These programs are paid out through the agency's approved lenders, so the lender is your next step. Tell us where you're buying and a lender that works with North Dakota's programs can explain which ones fit you.
Rather not call? Send your details and the lender will reach you.
Are you buying near a state border?
Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota or programs for all 50 states plus DC.