West Virginia First-Time Home Buyer Programs and Assistance
In West Virginia, first-time buyers can get down-payment help and below-market loans through West Virginia Housing Development Fund. You can buy with as little as 3% down, or 0% with a VA or USDA loan.
Down-payment help in West Virginia
The main source of first-time buyer assistance in West Virginia is West Virginia Housing Development Fund, the state's housing finance agency. HFAs typically offer below-market-rate mortgages paired with down-payment and closing-cost assistance, sometimes as a grant and sometimes as a second loan that is forgiven over time. The specific programs, amounts, and income limits change, so check the agency for what is currently open.
How little you can put down
You do not need 20% down. Conventional loans go as low as 3% (through programs like Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible), FHA loans start at 3.5%, and VA and USDA loans can require nothing down. On West Virginia's median-priced home (about $253,300), 3% down is roughly $7,599. Putting 20% down lets you skip private mortgage insurance, but most first-time buyers put down far less.
Who counts as a first-time buyer
For most programs, a first-time buyer is anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the last three years, so many repeat buyers qualify again. West Virginia programs often add income and purchase-price limits, which is another reason to confirm the details with West Virginia Housing Development Fund.
Stack a buyer rebate on top in West Virginia
Down-payment assistance and a buyer commission rebate are two different things, and in West Virginia you can use both. Assistance from West Virginia Housing Development Fund helps with your down payment and closing costs; a buyer rebate returns about 2% of the price to you at closing (roughly $5,066 on a median-priced home), which can cover much of your closing bill.
See West Virginia buyer rebates → See West Virginia closing costs →
Frequently asked questions
What first-time home buyer programs are available in West Virginia?
West Virginia Housing Development Fund is the state's housing finance agency and the main source of first-time buyer help in West Virginia, typically including below-market-rate mortgages and down-payment or closing-cost assistance. Programs and amounts change, so check the agency for what is open now.
How much down payment do you need in West Virginia?
As little as 3% on a conventional loan, 3.5% on an FHA loan, and 0% on VA or USDA loans. On West Virginia's median-priced home (about $253,300), 3% is roughly $7,599. You do not need 20% down, though 20% lets you avoid mortgage insurance.
Who counts as a first-time home buyer?
For most programs, a first-time buyer is anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the last three years. Some West Virginia programs also have income and purchase-price limits, so check with West Virginia Housing Development Fund.
Can I combine assistance with a buyer rebate in West Virginia?
Yes. A buyer commission rebate is separate from down-payment assistance and is legal in West Virginia. Assistance helps with your down payment and closing costs up front; a rebate returns about 2% of the price at closing, which you can put toward closing costs. You can use both.
Official sources
Read the full guide to the cash you need to buy →
This is general information, not financial advice. Program details, limits, and loan terms change; confirm the current rules with West Virginia Housing Development Fund and your lender before you rely on them.
See first-time buyer programs in all states