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
Richland County · Palmetto Heroes
Help for first-time buyers in Richland County, South Carolina
Columbia-area teachers, nurses and first responders can use SC Housing's year-round $10,000 forgivable DPA now, and get ready in case Palmetto Heroes returns in 2027.
County seat
Columbia
Residents
434,956
Income ceiling, 3+
$110,170
Highest price
$450,000
About buying in Richland County
Richland County covers Columbia, Forest Acres, Blythewood, Arcadia Lakes and part of Irmo. It's one of the 12 counties with SC Housing's 3-year first-time buyer rule, and its income limit sits at the statewide floor: $95,800 for 1-2 people, $110,170 for 3 or more.
Columbia is one of five cities in SC Housing's Made It Home! program, which offers up to $25,000 in forgivable DPA on a set number of new homes from participating builders, for incomes of $135,000 or less (or the county limit if lower). It can't be combined with other SC Housing DPA, so compare it with the standard $10,000 before you choose.
Educators in Richland One, Richland Two and Lexington-Richland Five, plus the sheriff's department, Columbia Police, Columbia-Richland Fire and Richland County EMS, all line up with 2026 Heroes roles.
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.
Cannot own any other improved property at closing; HUD-certified credit counseling and homeownership training before closing; owner-occupied while City holds a mortgage; 45 days contract-to-close; no PMI
DPA forgiven over 5 years of continuous residence, 'based upon availability of funds'. Flyer rev. 5/11/2026 (https://communitydevelopment.columbiasc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/City-Lender-I-with-down-payment5-11-26-pdf.jpg). Contact 803-545-3373.
City of Columbia HOME Affordable Homeownership (city-built cottages)
Accepting applications
City of Columbia
Intended for
Income-qualified buyers of city-developed single-family cottages (Pendleton, Ogden and McFadden Streets)
Assistance
City mortgage financing on affordable homes (amount not stated)
Form of help
Deferred loan, repaid on sale
Income ceiling
HUD HOME limits (80% AMI)
First-time buyers only?
No
Further conditions
No ownership of improved property within 3 years; HUD-approved homebuyer education (certificate valid 12 months); owner-occupied while City mortgage in place
Several homes listed, others under contract (Nov 2026).
Single-family detached only, built after 1978; HUD-certified homebuyer education; apply before ratifying a contract; $500 minimum buyer contribution; $50 fee; in-person application; inspections incl. CL-100
Deferred forgivable second mortgage: 5-year affordability under $15,000, 10-year at $15,000+. Page does not state remaining funds. Not available inside City of Columbia limits (use City Lender I there).
Nearly every assistance program asks you to complete a homebuyer class before closing. The HUD-approved agencies below, each within reach of Richland 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 Richland County:
Richland School District One
Richland School District Two
Lexington-Richland School District Five
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia Police Department
Columbia-Richland Fire Department
Richland County EMS
Staff of Richland One, Richland Two, Lexington-Richland Five and the county's public safety agencies matched the 2026 list. The full list of eligible professions
Questions about Richland County
Does Irmo use Richland or Lexington limits?
Both counties use the same $95,800 / $110,170 limits and the same 3-year rule, so the numbers match either way.
Can I use Made It Home! and the $10,000 together?
No. Made It Home! can't be combined with other SC Housing down payment assistance.
Is Palmetto Heroes open in Columbia?
No. It's closed for 2026 statewide, and 2027 dates have not been announced.
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.
