A note on timingPalmetto Heroes is closed for 2026 and no 2027 dates are announced. The year-round SC Housing Homebuyer Program still offers $10,000 in forgivable down payment help.Review my eligibility
Lexington County · Palmetto Heroes
Help for first-time buyers in Lexington County, South Carolina
Lexington County's teachers and first responders can't use Palmetto Heroes until SC Housing opens a new round, but the year-round $10,000 forgivable DPA is available now.
County seat
Lexington
Residents
317,588
Income ceiling, 3+
$110,170
Highest price
$450,000
About buying in Lexington County
Five school districts serve Lexington County: Lexington One, Two, Three and Four, plus Lexington-Richland Five. Add the sheriff's department, Lexington Police, Lexington County Fire Service and county EMS, and the county has a deep pool of workers who matched the 2026 Heroes list.
Whether you're buying in Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo or Batesburg-Leesville, SC Housing applies the same limits as Richland County across the river: $95,800 for 1-2 people and $110,170 for 3 or more. Lexington is one of the 12 counties with the 3-year first-time buyer rule.
If your household earns more than that, Palmetto Home Advantage uses a single statewide cap and has no first-time rule.
The programs below are run locally. Some may be added to the state program and some take its place; since each sets its own rules, your loan officer will tell you which can be used together.
Fixed-rate mortgage without co-signer; county homeownership classes; home built after 1977, no manufactured homes; HQS inspection; County in 2nd lien position
Deferred forgivable loan, prorated repayment if sold/vacated within 5 years; first-come, first-served. Contact 803-785-8121.
Nearly every assistance program asks you to complete a homebuyer class before closing. The HUD-approved agencies below, each within reach of Lexington County, teach that class or offer counseling before purchase.
Agency
Location
Miles away
Offered
Languages
How it is taught
Southeastern Housing & Community Development Fka Southeastern Housing Foundation
Taken from HUD’s list of housing counseling agencies. A given program may not accept every class.
Unsure which class will count? A loan officer who offers South Carolina programs can tell you, and can begin your pre-approval at the same time. Begin my eligibility review
Local employers whose staff may qualify
Among the eligible employers in and around Lexington County:
Lexington County School District One
Lexington School District Two
Lexington School District Three
Lexington School District Four
Lexington-Richland School District Five
Lexington County Sheriff's Department
Lexington Police Department
Lexington County Fire Service
Lexington County EMS
Teachers in any of the five districts and staff of Lexington's sheriff, police, fire and EMS agencies fit 2026 Heroes roles. The full list of eligible professions
Questions about Lexington County
Do Lex-Rich Five teachers qualify on either side of the county line?
The job list isn't tied to where you buy. Lexington and Richland also share the same limits and 3-year rule.
Is there a minimum credit score?
Yes, 640 for SC Housing's FHA, VA, USDA and conventional options.
Can I start now and switch to Heroes later?
Heroes funds are reserved only during an open round with a signed contract. A lender can advise whether to close now on the year-round program or wait.
Good day, I'm Amy. See if you're eligible for down payment assistance in South Carolina. The review is six short questions, and I would be glad to start you on the right one.
