State Buyer Guide

First-Time Home Buyer Guide
for New Hampshire

Down payment assistance, New Hampshire housing programs, closing cost estimates, and what to know before buying — including from FSBO sellers.

Step 1 — Do This First

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$435,000

Avg Home Price

2.09%

Property Tax Rate

~$13,485

Est. Closing Costs

0.75% (buyer pays half of 1.5% total)

Transfer Tax

New Hampshire Housing Finance Agency Programs

The New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) is your primary source for below-market mortgage rates and down payment assistance in New Hampshire. Programs are available through approved lenders — not directly through the HFA.

NHHFA Home Flex Plus

Up to 3% of purchase price as a second mortgage

Mortgage with down payment assistance for first-time buyers.

Income limit: $136,000 (1–2 person); $158,000 (3+ person)

Learn more at New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) →

NHHFA Purchase Rehab Loan

Single loan covering purchase plus up to $35,000 in renovation costs

Combined purchase and renovation financing for fixer-uppers.

Income limit: $136,000

Learn more at New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) →

HUD homeownership resources for New Hampshire →

High Value — $240/funded loan

Credible

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Closing Costs in New Hampshire

Typical Closing Cost Range

3.1% of purchase price

On a $435,000 home: approximately $13,485

Transfer Tax

0.75% (buyer pays half of 1.5% total)

New Hampshire charges a real estate transfer tax of 1.5% total — split equally between buyer and seller, so buyers pay 0.75% of the sale price.

Attorney at Closing?

Yes — New Hampshire is an attorney-closing state

Attorney closings are standard in New Hampshire and strongly recommended. Budget $800–$1,200.

Key Tips for Buying in New Hampshire

✓New Hampshire has no income tax and no sales tax — but property taxes are among the highest in the nation.
✓Always review the town tax rate, not just statewide averages — NH rates vary enormously by town.
✓Oil heat and well/septic systems are common — get all three inspected before closing.
✓The southern tier near the Massachusetts border is the most competitive market; northern NH offers much lower prices.

Home Inspection

HomeAdvisor

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Legal Help for New Hampshire Buyers

As an attorney-closing state, New Hampshire requires a licensed real estate attorney to conduct your closing. You'll also want one to review your purchase agreement.

Legal Help for FSBO Buyers

Nolo

Nolo has been the go-to legal resource for DIY buyers since 1971. Their real estate guides explain purchase agreements, contingencies, and closing in language anyone can understand.

Browse Legal Guides →

LegalZoom

Get a real estate attorney to review your purchase agreement or help you draft an offer letter — often for a fraction of traditional legal fees.

Get Legal Help →

US Legal Forms

Download state-specific purchase agreements, addenda, and disclosure forms — written by attorneys, ready to use in your state.

Browse Real Estate Forms →

Frequently Asked Questions

What first-time buyer programs are available in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire first-time buyers can access programs through the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) (https://www.nhhfa.org/), including the NHHFA Home Flex Plus (Up to 3% of purchase price as a second mortgage) and the NHHFA Purchase Rehab Loan (Single loan covering purchase plus up to $35,000 in renovation costs). Federal programs like FHA loans (3.5% down) and USDA loans (0% down in eligible areas) are also available.

What are typical closing costs in New Hampshire?

Closing costs in New Hampshire typically run 3.1% of the purchase price. Transfer tax: 0.75% (buyer pays half of 1.5% total). New Hampshire charges a real estate transfer tax of 1.5% total — split equally between buyer and seller, so buyers pay 0.75% of the sale price.

Do I need an attorney to buy a home in New Hampshire?