Program details reviewed November 2026By telephone: (800) 555-0100
South Carolina Down Payment AssistanceA careful guide for first-time buyers in the Palmetto State
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

Unincorporated Richland County and Town of Blythewood

Richland County Homeownership Assistance Program (RCHAP)

First-time buyers in unincorporated Richland County and the Town of Blythewood who earn at or below 80% AMI can get up to $24,500 toward down payment, closing costs or principal reduction.

Richland County Homeownership Assistance Program (RCHAP)

Accepting applications

Unincorporated Richland County and Town of Blythewood

Intended for
First-time buyers (or no ownership in 3 years), low/moderate income
Assistance
Up to $24,500 for down payment, closing costs and/or principal reduction
Form of help
Forgivable second loan
Income ceiling
2026: $51,750 (1) / $59,150 (2) / $66,550 (3) / $73,900 (4) ... $97,550 (8) (80% AMI)
Price ceiling
$228,000 existing; $273,000 new construction
First-time buyers only?
Yes
Further conditions
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).

Reviewed November 2026 · our standards

Ask whether I qualify

What RCHAP pays for

RCHAP is HUD-funded and run by Richland County Community Development. The award, up to $24,500, can go to the down payment, closing costs, a principal reduction, or a mix. It is recorded as a deferred, forgivable second mortgage. The affordability period depends on the amount: 5 years for awards under $15,000, and 10 years for $15,000 or more. Stay in the home through that period and nothing is owed.

Eligibility rules

  • First-time buyer, or no home ownership in the last 3 years.
  • Income at or below 80% AMI: $51,750 for one person, $73,900 for four, up to $97,550 for eight (2026).
  • Price cap of $228,000 for an existing home or $273,000 for new construction.
  • Single-family detached homes built after 1978 only.
  • HUD-certified homebuyer education.
  • $500 minimum from you, plus a $50 application fee.

The home goes through inspections, including a CL-100 (wood-destroying insect) report.

Timing matters: apply before you ratify a contract

This is the rule that trips buyers up. RCHAP requires you to apply, in person, before you ratify a purchase contract. If you sign first, you can lose eligibility. Homes inside Columbia city limits are excluded; those buyers use the City's City Lender I program instead. Whether RCHAP can be paired with SC Housing's $10,000 Homebuyer Program DPA is not stated on the county page; a participating lender confirms whether they combine. The county page also does not say how much funding remains.

A quick way to think about the tiers: an award of $14,000 is forgiven after 5 years, while $15,000 or more needs 10 years in the home. If you plan to move within a decade, that difference matters when you decide how much of the award to request. The 1978 build-date rule also rules out many older homes, so filter listings by year built before you tour.

How to apply

  1. Confirm the address is in unincorporated Richland County or Blythewood.
  2. Finish a HUD-certified homebuyer education course.
  3. Get pre-approved with a lender.
  4. Submit the in-person application and $50 fee before signing a contract.
  5. After approval, choose a home that meets the price, age and inspection rules.

See the Richland County guide, the full first-time buyer timeline, or check eligibility.

County guides for the area served: Richland County

Questions about Richland County Homeownership Assistance Program (RCHAP)

Can I use RCHAP for a home in Columbia?

Not inside Columbia city limits. RCHAP covers unincorporated Richland County and Blythewood; Columbia addresses use City Lender I.

Is RCHAP money a grant?

It is a deferred forgivable second mortgage. Awards under $15,000 are forgiven after 5 years; $15,000 or more after 10 years.

What is the RCHAP price limit?

$228,000 for an existing home and $273,000 for new construction.

Ask whether I qualify for this program

Programs you may also wish to read about

Our account follows the official program page as of November 2026. Funds and rules can change, so please confirm the present terms with the program or a participating lender. South Carolina Down Payment Assistance has no connection with this program.