DownPaymentMap

NC Self-Help Loan Pool: Down Payment Help Through Habitat

Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP)Administered by North Carolina Housing Finance AgencyRepayable loanNorth Carolina

Reviewed by Tyler Thompson, holds real estate licenses in North Carolina and South Carolina

Published · Facts verified against the official source

What Is the Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP)?

The Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP) is a statewide North Carolina homebuyer program that provides down payment assistance as shared mortgage financing from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA). NCHFA funds are combined with a mortgage from a SHLP Member, such as a Habitat for Humanity affiliate, into a single 0% amortizing first or second mortgage, usually with a term of 20 to 30 years. The loan can be up to $50,000.

What sets it apart is that you must be taking part in a self-help housing program and buying a new or rehabilitated home from a SHLP Member, who then submits your application to NCHFA. You can compare other North Carolina down payment assistance programs to see how it differs.

Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP) at a glance

Maximum help
Up to $50,000.
Kind of help
A repayable loan.
Interest and forgiveness
0% interest.
Income limit
Household income up to 80% of the area median income for your county and household size.
First-time buyers only?
No. Repeat buyers can use this program.
Credit
The guidelines list "Minimum Credit Score n/a". Maximum 32% housing ratio and 45% debt-to-income ratio; NCHFA may run a cash flow analysis and may deny borrowers who cannot show sufficient residual income.
Loan types
Used with first or second mortgage financing provided by the SHLP Member; the guidelines name Habitat for Humanity as the first mortgage product. Under Option 2 a Member may work with an alternate first mortgage lender with NCHFA approval.
Home price limit
The purchase price or after-rehabilitation value may not exceed 95% of the area median purchase price set by HUD, by county and by new construction or existing home (2025 HOME sales price limits effective 12/1/25, published by NCHFA).
Where
Anywhere in North Carolina.
Homebuyer education
Required.
Debt-to-income limit
Up to 45%
Housing ratio limit
Up to 32%
Self-help participation
Must be in a self-help housing program
Current funding status
Funding status could not be confirmed.
Who runs it
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

Check your eligibility

Answer a few quick questions to see whether Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP) and other North Carolina programs may fit you.

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How Much Down Payment Assistance Does the Self-Help Loan Pool Give?

The most the program provides is $50,000 for a home outside a CDBG entitlement city. For a home in one of 24 CDBG entitlement cities, the most is $35,000, or no more than 50% of the sales price, whichever is less. In every case, SHLP funding cannot exceed 50% of the sales price.

The 24 CDBG entitlement cities are Asheville, Burlington, Cary, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Concord, Durham, Fayetteville, Gastonia, Goldsboro, Greensboro, Greenville, Hickory, High Point, Jacksonville, Kannapolis, Lenoir, Morganton, New Bern, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Salisbury, Wilmington and Winston-Salem.

Who Qualifies for the Self-Help Loan Pool?

These are the program's rules, as NCHFA states them:

  • Income: Gross annual household income up to 80% of the area median income, adjusted for household size, using HUD's HOME Program limits (not the Section 8 limits).
  • Self-help participation: The buyer must already be a participant in a self-help housing program, helping build or rehab the home they are buying.
  • First-time or repeat buyers: Not required to be first-time buyers. Other property ownership is limited to multiple heir property.
  • Credit score: The guidelines list no minimum credit score ("n/a").
  • Debt-to-income ratio: Up to 45%, with a maximum housing ratio of 32%.
  • Income toward housing: At least 15% of gross monthly income, and residual income minimums apply.
  • Occupancy: The home must be your primary residence.
  • Residency: The borrower and co-borrower must be legal residents (permanent residents or working to become permanent residents).

An NCHFA Internal Review Committee makes the final decision.

What Happens If You Sell or Refinance With the Self-Help Loan Pool?

The SHLP is a loan, not a grant, and no forgiveness is stated. It is a 0% amortizing loan with a term up to 30 years, typically 20 to 30. You make one monthly payment to the SHLP Member or its servicer, and no servicing fee may be charged to you.

The loan is repaid over its term, or when you sell, refinance or no longer live in the home as your primary residence. It is recaptured upon default. An heir who meets the income rules may be allowed to assume the loan.

The affordability period is 5 years for assistance under $25,000 and 10 years for $25,000 to $50,000.

What Homes Qualify for the Self-Help Loan Pool?

The home must be a single-family home or a townhome of one unit, new or rehabilitated and bought from a SHLP Member.

The purchase price or after-rehabilitation value may not exceed 95% of the area median purchase price set by HUD, which varies by county and by new construction or existing home. NCHFA publishes these sales price limits (the 2025 limits took effect 12/1/25).

Where Is the Self-Help Loan Pool Available?

Anywhere in North Carolina, for a home built or rehabilitated by a participating SHLP Member (North Carolina Habitat for Humanity affiliates and other North Carolina self-help housing nonprofits). The maximum is lower in the 24 CDBG entitlement cities.

A home must be outside the 100-year floodplain or, if any part is in a Special Flood Zone, be eligible for flood insurance and keep it for the life of the loan.

Alamance CountyAlexander CountyAlleghany CountyAnson CountyAshe CountyAvery CountyBeaufort CountyBertie CountyBladen CountyBrunswick CountyBuncombe CountyBurke CountyCabarrus CountyCaldwell CountyCamden CountyCarteret CountyCaswell CountyCatawba CountyChatham CountyCherokee CountyChowan CountyClay CountyCleveland CountyColumbus CountyCraven CountyCumberland CountyCurrituck CountyDare CountyDavidson CountyDavie CountyDuplin CountyDurham CountyEdgecombe CountyForsyth CountyFranklin CountyGaston CountyGates CountyGraham CountyGranville CountyGreene CountyGuilford CountyHalifax CountyHarnett CountyHaywood CountyHenderson CountyHertford CountyHoke CountyHyde CountyIredell CountyJackson CountyJohnston CountyJones CountyLee CountyLenoir CountyLincoln CountyMcDowell CountyMacon CountyMadison CountyMartin CountyMecklenburg CountyMitchell CountyMontgomery CountyMoore CountyNash CountyNew Hanover CountyNorthampton CountyOnslow CountyOrange CountyPamlico CountyPasquotank CountyPender CountyPerquimans CountyPerson CountyPitt CountyPolk CountyRandolph CountyRichmond CountyRobeson CountyRockingham CountyRowan CountyRutherford CountySampson CountyScotland CountyStanly CountyStokes CountySurry CountySwain CountyTransylvania CountyTyrrell CountyUnion CountyVance CountyWake CountyWarren CountyWashington CountyWatauga CountyWayne CountyWilkes CountyWilson CountyYadkin CountyYancey County
Available anywhere in North Carolina. Where the program applies, from its approved record.

Is the Self-Help Loan Pool Funded Right Now?

The funding status is unknown as of October 13, 2026, when it was last checked. NCHFA's page says it budgeted up to $6.5 million for 2026, available January 1, 2026, but no source says how much remains.

Members reserve funds first-come, first-served, with annual per-Member caps of 12 or 15 loans.

Homebuyer Education for the Self-Help Loan Pool

Homebuyer education is required. You need at least six hours of HUD-approved homebuyer education completed within 12 months of closing.

You also need at least two hours of one-on-one, in-person pre-purchase counseling from a HUD-certified counselor at a HUD-approved agency.

How Long Does the Self-Help Loan Pool Take?

Members reserve SHLP funds no more than 90 calendar days before the anticipated closing and not less than 18 NCHFA business days before it.

Income is verified within six months of receiving assistance or when the purchase contract is signed.

How to Apply for the Self-Help Loan Pool

Start by contacting a SHLP Member: a participating Habitat for Humanity affiliate or other self-help housing nonprofit. The Member identifies buyers, arranges education and counseling, and submits the SHLP application to NCHFA.

NCHFA lists current community partners on its website. To see other options too, see which programs may fit you.

Self-Help Loan Pool Example: Repeat Buyer in Buncombe County

A repeat buyer in a three-person household earns $62,000 a year and is buying a home built by a SHLP Member in Buncombe County for $210,000, after helping to build it.

Illustration only

Where
Buncombe County
Household
3 people
Income
$62,000 a year
Home price
$210,000

About $50,000the program's maximum

May fit, with a question on the rules below, checked against the current record.

  • Where: Available anywhere in North Carolina.
  • Property: Single-family homes.
  • Income: Within the limit of $73,750 for a household of 3 in their county (80% of area median income).
  • First-time buyer: Open to repeat buyers.
  • Home price: No maximum home price is stated.
  • Who it is for: Open to anyone.
  • Funding: Funding could not be confirmed.

An example household, not a quote. Only the administrator decides who qualifies and for how much.

Questions about Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP)

What is the income limit for the Self-Help Loan Pool?

The limit is gross annual household income up to 80% of the area median income, adjusted for household size. It uses HUD's HOME Program limits, not the Section 8 limits, and NCHFA publishes the county table (2026 limits effective 6/1/26).

How much does the Self-Help Loan Pool give?

Up to $50,000 for a home outside a CDBG entitlement city, and up to $35,000, or no more than 50% of the sales price, whichever is less, in one of 24 entitlement cities. SHLP funding cannot exceed 50% of the sales price.

Can repeat buyers use the Self-Help Loan Pool?

Yes. Buyers are not required to be first-time buyers, and other property ownership is limited to multiple heir property. You must still be taking part in a self-help housing program.

What credit score does the Self-Help Loan Pool require?

The guidelines list a minimum credit score of "n/a". They do set a maximum 45% debt-to-income ratio and a maximum 32% housing ratio, and NCHFA may deny borrowers who cannot show enough residual income.

Is the Self-Help Loan Pool forgiven?

No forgiveness is stated. It is a 0% amortizing loan repaid over its term, or when you sell, refinance or no longer live in the home as your primary residence.

How do I find a SHLP Member for the Self-Help Loan Pool?

Contact a participating Habitat for Humanity affiliate or other self-help housing nonprofit. NCHFA lists current community partners on its website, and the Member submits your application to NCHFA.

Is the Self-Help Loan Pool available in every North Carolina county?

It applies anywhere in North Carolina, but only for a home built or rehabilitated by a participating SHLP Member.

Does the Self-Help Loan Pool charge a servicing fee?

No. No servicing fee may be charged to the borrower for servicing the SHLP loan, and you make one monthly payment to the Member or its servicer.

Complete Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP) program record

The nineteen things a buyer needs to know, in the same order on every program page, each checked against the program’s official sources. Where the program does not state one, this says so.

  • 19 program details reviewed; 18 stated by the program
  • 4 official sources checked from North Carolina Housing Finance Agency
  • Last verified October 13, 2026
  • Current funding status could not be confirmed
View all 19 verified program details ↓

  1. 1 of 19

    Program name

    Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP)

    From the official source

  2. 2 of 19

    Who runs it

    North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

    919-877-5700

    From the official source

  3. 3 of 19

    Kind of help

    A repayable loan.

    Shared mortgage financing: NCHFA funds combined with a SHLP Member's (Habitat for Humanity affiliate or other self-help housing nonprofit) mortgage into a single 0%, amortizing first or second mortgage with a typical term of 20-30 years.

    From the official source

  4. 4 of 19

    Maximum amount

    Up to $50,000.

    Up to $50,000 for a home outside a CDBG entitlement city; up to $35,000, or no more than 50% of the sales price, whichever is less, for a home in one of 24 CDBG entitlement cities. SHLP funding cannot exceed 50% of the sales price.

    From the official source

  5. 5 of 19

    Amount tiers

    The amount varies by tier.

    {"cap":"SHLP funding cannot exceed 50% of the sales price","cdbg_entitlement_city":{"cities":["Asheville","Burlington","Cary","Chapel Hill","Charlotte","Concord","Durham","Fayetteville","Gastonia","Goldsboro","Greensboro","Greenville","Hickory","High Point","Jacksonville","Kannapolis","Lenoir","Morganton","New Bern","Raleigh","Rocky Mount","Salisbury","Wilmington","Winston-Salem"],"max_usd":35000},"outside_cdbg_entitlement_city":{"max_usd":50000}}

    From the official source

  6. 6 of 19

    Forgiveness, interest and term

    0% interest.

    0% amortizing loan, term up to 30 years (typically 20-30). The buyer makes one monthly payment to the SHLP Member or its servicer. Repaid over the loan term or when the borrower sells, refinances or no longer occupies the home as a primary residence; recaptured upon default. An income-eligible heir may be allowed to assume the loan. Affordability period: 5 years (under $25,000 of assistance) or 10 years ($25,000 to $50,000).

    From the official source

  7. 7 of 19

    Income limit

    Household income up to 80% of the area median income for your county and household size.

    Gross annual household income up to 80% of the area median income adjusted for household size, using HUD's HOME Program limits (not the Section 8 limits). NCHFA publishes the county table: 2026 HOME Program household income limits effective 6/1/26.

    From the official source

  8. 8 of 19

    First-time buyer rule

    No. Repeat buyers can use this program.

    Home buyers are not required to be first time home buyers. Other property ownership is limited to multiple heir property.

    From the official source

  9. 9 of 19

    Maximum home price

    The purchase price or after-rehabilitation value may not exceed 95% of the area median purchase price set by HUD, by county and by new construction or existing home (2025 HOME sales price limits effective 12/1/25, published by NCHFA).

    From the official source

  10. 10 of 19

    Other must-know rules

    You must live in the home as your primary residence. Eligible property types: single family, townhome.

    The buyer must already be a participant in a self-help housing program (helping build or rehab the home they are buying) and buy a new or rehabilitated home from a SHLP Member. Maximum housing ratio 32% and debt-to-income ratio 45%; at least 15% of gross monthly income toward housing; residual income minimums apply. Borrower and co-borrower must be legal residents (permanent residents or working to become permanent residents). Other property ownership is not allowed unless multiple heir property. No cash out at closing beyond $250 of settlement adjustments. Final eligibility is decided by an NCHFA Internal Review Committee.

    From the official source

  11. 11 of 19

    Where it applies

    Anywhere in North Carolina.

    North Carolina, for a home built or rehabilitated by a participating SHLP Member (North Carolina Habitat for Humanity affiliates and other NC self-help housing nonprofits). The maximum is $35,000 in the 24 CDBG entitlement cities and $50,000 elsewhere.

    Exceptions: Homes must be outside the 100-year floodplain or, if any part is in a Special Flood Zone, be eligible for and keep flood insurance for the life of the loan.

    From the official source

  12. 12 of 19

    Current funding status

    Funding status could not be confirmed.

    NCHFA's page says: "For 2026, the Agency has budgeted up to $6.5 million to assist SHLP eligible home buyers. These funds are available on January 1, 2026." No source says how much remains in October 2026. Members reserve funds first-come, first-serve, with annual per-Member loan caps (12 or 15 loans).

    Checked 2026-10-13.

    From the official source

  13. 13 of 19

    How to apply

    Contact a SHLP Member (a participating Habitat for Humanity affiliate or self-help housing nonprofit). The Member identifies eligible buyers, arranges education and counseling, and submits the SHLP application to NCHFA.

    From the official source

  14. 14 of 19

    Official source

    https://www.nchfa.com/home-ownership-partners/community-partners/community-programs/self-help-loan-pool

  15. 15 of 19

    Dates

    Participation Guidelines updated February 2026. 2026 HOME income limits effective 6/1/26; 2025 sales price limits effective 12/1/25. $35,000 cap in CDBG entitlement cities effective 1/1/23.

    From the official source

  16. 16 of 19

    Report a mistake

    Use the form on this page.

  17. 17 of 19

    Credit requirements

    The guidelines list "Minimum Credit Score n/a". Maximum 32% housing ratio and 45% debt-to-income ratio; NCHFA may run a cash flow analysis and may deny borrowers who cannot show sufficient residual income.

    From the official source

  18. 18 of 19

    Eligible loan types

    Used with first or second mortgage financing provided by the SHLP Member; the guidelines name Habitat for Humanity as the first mortgage product. Under Option 2 a Member may work with an alternate first mortgage lender with NCHFA approval.

    From the official source

  19. 19 of 19

    Homebuyer education

    Required.

    At least six hours of HUD-approved home buyer education completed within 12 months of closing, plus at least two hours of one-on-one in-person pre-purchase counseling from a HUD-certified counselor at a HUD-approved agency.

    From the official source

Where to apply for Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP)

Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP) is offered through local organizations, each for its own area. Contact the one that serves the county where you are buying; it can tell you whether funds are available now.

Report a mistake

If a figure here does not match the program’s own terms, tell us. Every report is read by a person and checked against the official source before the record changes.

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Programs differ in how much they give, who they are for, where they apply and how they are repaid. These may be worth comparing.

Compare all North Carolina programs →

Official sources for Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP)

The facts on this page were taken from these sources. Read the program’s own terms there before you rely on a figure.

Visit the official source →

Program rules can change. Confirm current terms with North Carolina Housing Finance Agency or a participating lender before you rely on a figure. Record version 1.

Educational information, not a loan offer or an eligibility decision. Read the disclaimer or how we verify programs.