South Carolina Mortgage Guides 2026
This complete South Carolina mortgage guide covers FHA loan limits by county, SC Housing down payment assistance, USDA rural loans across the Palmetto State, VA resources for South Carolina’s large military community, and a complete closing cost breakdown — all in one place.
Everything You Need for a South Carolina Home Purchase
Six in-depth guides covering every aspect of getting a mortgage in South Carolina — from loan program selection to what you’ll pay at closing.
South Carolina Mortgage Guide
FHA loan limits by county, loan program comparison, property tax overview, and how the South Carolina housing market affects your financing options.
Read guide →South Carolina First-Time Home Buyer Guide
SC Housing’s Homebuyer Program, Palmetto Heroes $10,000 down payment assistance, Palmetto Home Advantage, and income and purchase price limits explained.
Read guide →South Carolina FHA Loan Requirements
2026 FHA limits for Charleston and Beaufort-area counties, Richland (Columbia), Greenville, and all 46 South Carolina counties — credit score requirements, MIP, and how FHA competes in South Carolina’s market.
Read guide →South Carolina VA Loan Requirements
VA entitlement, 2026 funding fee chart, and resources for Fort Jackson, Shaw Air Force Base, Joint Base Charleston, and South Carolina’s veteran community.
Read guide →South Carolina USDA Loans
2026 USDA income limits for South Carolina, eligible rural and suburban areas outside Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, and how zero-down USDA compares to FHA.
Read guide →South Carolina Closing Costs Guide
South Carolina’s deed recording fee, mandatory attorney closings, and a complete fee-by-fee breakdown for South Carolina buyers and sellers.
Read guide →Key South Carolina Mortgage Facts
FHA Loan Limits
- Most SC counties, including Richland (Columbia) and Greenville: $541,287
- Charleston & Berkeley counties (Charleston-North Charleston metro): $690,000
- Beaufort & Jasper counties (Hilton Head-Bluffton): $638,250
- All 46 SC counties reflect current CY2026 HUD figures
- Confirm your county at HUD’s official lookup
Down Payment Assistance
- Palmetto Heroes: $10,000 forgivable DPA for teachers, first responders, healthcare workers & military
- SC Housing Homebuyer Program: 0% interest, no monthly payment, 15-year forgivable second mortgage — amount set by SC Housing based on fund availability
- Palmetto Home Advantage: forgivable DPA options available
- County First Initiative & Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program also available
USDA Income Limits (2026)
- Standard limit: $122,800 (1–4 person) / $162,100 (5–8 person)
- Metro areas are assigned higher limits — verify your county
- FY2026 figures, effective July 13, 2026
Closing Cost Highlights
- Deed recording fee (SC’s transfer tax): $1.85 per $500 of value
- South Carolina requires a licensed attorney at every closing
- Attorney fees typically $800–$2,000 per side
- Typical buyer costs: 2.5%–4.0% of purchase price
Buying or Refinancing in South Carolina?
We’re building out our South Carolina loan-officer network now. In the meantime, grab our free South Carolina homebuyer guide, and we’ll match you with a licensed South Carolina loan officer the moment one joins.
- ✓ Free South Carolina homebuyer checklist and program overview
- ✓ 2026 loan limits, assistance programs, and closing-cost basics
- ✓ First in line to be matched with a licensed South Carolina loan officer
- ✓ No obligation — educational resources, not a loan application
Coming soon · No obligation · Educational first
South Carolina Advisor Network — Coming Soon
We currently connect buyers with licensed mortgage advisors in Florida and Utah. South Carolina is on our expansion list. In the meantime, our South Carolina guides and the official program links above have everything you need to research your purchase.
Join the South Carolina Waitlist