Berkeley County · Palmetto Heroes
Help for first-time buyers in Berkeley County, South Carolina
Berkeley County ties for the highest SC Housing income limits in the state, and its first-time buyer rule is the looser one.
- County seat
- Moncks Corner
- Residents
- 274,666
- Income ceiling, 3+
- $164,500
- Highest price
- $450,000
About buying in Berkeley County
A household of 3 or more can earn up to $164,500 and still use SC Housing's Homebuyer Program in Berkeley County. For 1-2 people the limit is $141,000. Berkeley is also a targeted county, so you only need to not own a home when you close.
Goose Creek, Hanahan, Moncks Corner and the Berkeley side of Summerville all share these numbers. Summerville's Dorchester County side has identical limits and rules, which keeps things simple there.
Berkeley County School District educators and staff at the sheriff's office, Goose Creek Police, Hanahan Police and Berkeley County EMS fit 2026 Heroes roles. While Heroes is closed, the year-round SC Housing Homebuyer Program is the way in.
Limits that apply in Berkeley County
| Households of one or two | Households of three or more | Highest purchase price |
|---|---|---|
| $141,000 | $164,500 | $450,000 |
Berkeley County's limits are $141,000 for 1-2 people and $164,500 for 3+, the highest on SC Housing's chart, with a $450,000 price cap. You may also consult the statewide table or work out a comfortable price.
Further assistance offered in Berkeley County
Our research turned up no program run only for Berkeley County at present. The statewide choices remain open to you; you will find them in the complete list for South Carolina.
Homebuyer classes near Berkeley County
Nearly every assistance program asks you to complete a homebuyer class before closing. The HUD-approved agencies below, each within reach of Berkeley County, teach that class or offer counseling before purchase.
| Agency | Location | Miles away | Offered | Languages | How it is taught |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin Sc | North Charleston | 18 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English | Face to Face, Phone, Internet |
| Charleston Trident Urban League, Inc. | Charleston | 28 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English | Face to Face, Phone, Internet |
Taken from HUD’s list of housing counseling agencies. A given program may not accept every class.
Local employers whose staff may qualify
Among the eligible employers in and around Berkeley County:
- Berkeley County School District
- Berkeley County Sheriff's Office
- Goose Creek Police Department
- Hanahan Police Department
- Berkeley County EMS
Berkeley County School District teachers and these police, sheriff and EMS agencies matched the 2026 Heroes list. The full list of eligible professions
Questions about Berkeley County
Why are Berkeley's limits higher than Charleston's?
SC Housing sets limits by county, and Berkeley is a targeted county with $141,000 / $164,500. Charleston uses $117,500 / $135,125.
I owned a home before. Can I still qualify here?
Yes, if you won't own a home at closing. Berkeley doesn't use the 3-year lookback.
Does the $450,000 price limit still apply?
Yes. It applies in every county, including Berkeley.
