State Buyer Programs

First-Time Home Buyer
Programs in Delaware

Down payment assistance, transfer tax rates, and what to expect at closing when buying your first home in Delaware.

Delaware First-Time Buyer Overview

State Housing Agency
Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)

Your state's HFA is the primary source for below-market mortgages and down payment assistance programs.

Down Payment Assistance Programs
DSHA Preferred Plus
Up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance

Income limits vary by county and household size.

Learn more →
Transfer Tax Rate
2% (state) + 1.5% (county/local) = 3.5% total

Delaware has one of the highest transfer taxes in the US. State charges 2%, county/city adds up to 1.5%. Total is typically 3.5% — split equally between buyer and seller.

Attorney Required at Closing?
Yes — attorney state

Delaware is an attorney-state. A licensed Delaware attorney must conduct the closing.

Tools for Buying Your First Home in Delaware

Pre-approval, inspection, insurance, and moving — the same trusted tools, relevant wherever you're buying in Delaware.

Get Pre-Approved

Our Pick
Better Mortgage
Online pre-approval in minutes

Get a real pre-approval letter in about 3 minutes with no origination fee and no commission-hungry loan officer. Fully online — you won't get pressured into a bigger loan.

Get Pre-Approved
Credible
Compare rates from multiple lenders

See real mortgage rates from multiple lenders side by side without your credit score taking a hit. Takes 3 minutes and you don't have to commit to anything.

Compare Rates

Home Inspection

Inspectify
Book a licensed inspector online

Never skip the inspection. Inspectify lets you book a certified home inspector in your area in seconds. Digital reports, same-day availability in most markets.

Book an Inspection

Home Insurance

Lemonade
Instant homeowners insurance quotes

Get a homeowners insurance quote in 90 seconds. Lemonade uses AI to underwrite policies faster than any traditional insurer — and claims are often paid in minutes.

Get a Quote

Home Warranty

American Home Shield
Coverage for systems and appliances

When the HVAC dies three weeks after closing, you'll be glad you have a home warranty. AHS covers major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical — plus appliances.

View Plans

Moving

Moving.com
Compare moving company quotes

Get quotes from licensed movers in your area. Moving.com vets companies for licensing and insurance so you're not handing your stuff to a random guy with a truck.

Get Moving Quotes

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