Nebraska First-Time Home Buyer Programs and Assistance
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) currently lists 6 programs for Nebraska buyers, with down payment help up to 5% of the price (about $15,335 on a median-priced home) through Homebuyer Assistance Program (HBA). Figures below were read from the agency's own pages on September 11, 2026.
Nebraska first-time buyer programs open now
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) is the state's housing finance agency (homebuyer programs page). It runs 2 down payment or closing-cost assistance programs alongside 4 below-market first mortgages. Buying a first home, or it has been three or more years since the borrower owned and lived in a home as their primary residence;
| Program | Type | Amount | First-time only | Min. credit | Income limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Home Program source | First mortgage | No cash down payment/closing cost assistance; below-market first mortgage rate only | Yes | n/a | See program page |
| First Home Targeted Program source | First mortgage | No cash assistance; below-market first mortgage rate only, with higher income/purchase-price limits than the standard First Home Program | No | n/a | Higher than the standard First Home Program limits; exact figures not published on the page reviewed |
| Homebuyer Assistance Program (HBA) source | Second mortgage | Second mortgage up to 5% of the home's purchase price | Yes | n/a | See program page |
| Military Home Program source | First mortgage | No cash assistance; below-market government-loan rate only | No | n/a | See program page |
| Welcome Home Program source | First mortgage | No cash assistance; first mortgage rate only, for buyers who do not meet NIFA's standard first-time-homebuyer or income requirements | No | n/a | See program page |
| Welcome Home Assistance Program (WHA) source | Second mortgage | Second mortgage for down payment/closing cost assistance, paired with the Welcome Home first mortgage | No | n/a | See program page |
- First Home Program. Terms: Conventional rate 6.500%*, Government-loan rate 6.125%* as of 9/11/2026 (rates change without notice; see NIFA's live rates page) Program page
- First Home Targeted Program. Terms: Conventional rate 6.250%*, Government-loan rate 5.750%* as of 9/11/2026 (rates change without notice) Purchase price limit: Higher than the standard First Home Program limits; exact figures not published on the page reviewed Where: Home must be located in a federally designated target-area census tract within Adams, Douglas, Jefferson, Lancaster, Saline, or Scotts Bluff County Program page
- Homebuyer Assistance Program (HBA). Terms: Second mortgage term of 120 months (10 years) at 1% interest; first mortgage rate is higher than First Home because it includes the down payment/closing cost assistance Must pair with: NIFA Homebuyer Assistance first mortgage (Conventional, FHA, USDA-RD, or VA) Program page
- Military Home Program. Terms: Government-loan rate 5.750%* as of 9/11/2026 (no conventional option listed); rates change without notice Program page
- Welcome Home Program. Terms: Conventional rate 7.125%*, Government-loan rate 6.750%* as of 9/11/2026, plus a lender origination fee of up to 0.50% of the loan amount Program page
- Welcome Home Assistance Program (WHA). Terms: Conventional first-loan rate 7.375%*, Government first-loan rate 6.875%*, second loan rate 1.000%* as of 9/11/2026, plus a lender origination fee of up to 0.50% of the loan amount Must pair with: NIFA Welcome Home first mortgage Program page
City and county programs in Nebraska
Local governments run their own down payment funds on top of the state programs. These can be combined with a state loan in most cases; each has its own income limit and area.
- City of Omaha: Omaha 100 Home Buyer Loan Program. Down payment assistance and City-backed second mortgages; specific dollar amount not published on the City's own program page. Program. Official page
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 Nebraska's median-priced home (about $306,700), 3% down is roughly $9,201. 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. Nebraska programs often add income and purchase-price limits, which is another reason to confirm the details with Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA).
Stack a buyer rebate on top in Nebraska
Down-payment assistance and a buyer commission rebate are two different things, and in Nebraska you can use both. Assistance from Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) helps with your down payment and closing costs; a buyer rebate returns about 2% of the price to you at closing (roughly $6,134 on a median-priced home), which can cover much of your closing bill.
Frequently asked questions
What first-time home buyer programs are available in Nebraska?
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) lists 6 programs: First Home Program, First Home Targeted Program, Homebuyer Assistance Program (HBA), Military Home Program, Welcome Home Program, Welcome Home Assistance Program (WHA). Down payment help runs up to 5% of the price (about $15,335 on a median-priced home). City of Omaha also run local down payment programs.
How much down payment assistance can you get in Nebraska?
Up to 5% of the price (about $15,335 on a median-priced home) through Homebuyer Assistance Program (HBA) (second mortgage). Other Nebraska programs offer different amounts; see the table on this page for each one.
Do you have to be a first-time buyer to qualify in Nebraska?
Not for every program. 4 of 6 Nebraska programs are open to repeat buyers. Buying a first home, or it has been three or more years since the borrower owned and lived in a home as their primary residence; waived for the First Home Targeted Program (home located in a designated target area) and for the Military Home Program (active military/qualified veterans)
How much down payment do you need in Nebraska?
As little as 3% on a conventional loan, 3.5% on an FHA loan, and 0% on VA or USDA loans. On Nebraska's median-priced home (about $306,700), 3% is roughly $9,201. 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 Nebraska programs also have income and purchase-price limits, so check with Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA).
Can I combine assistance with a buyer rebate in Nebraska?
Yes. A buyer commission rebate is separate from down-payment assistance and is legal in Nebraska. 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
- Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA)
- First Home Program | Nebraska Investment Finance Authority
- Homebuyer Assistance Program | Nebraska Investment Finance Authority
- For Home Buyers, City of Omaha Planning & Community Development
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: down payment options and how to prepare
Nebraska program details last verified against Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) on September 11, 2026.
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 Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) and your lender before you rely on them.
See first-time buyer programs in all states