State Buyer Programs

First-Time Home Buyer
Programs in Hawaii

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

Hawaii First-Time Buyer Overview

State Housing Agency
Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC)

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

Down Payment Assistance Programs
Affordable Resale Program
Below-market purchase price on select properties

Strict income limits; highly competitive and limited inventory.

Learn more →
Transfer Tax Rate
0.1%–1.25% (tiered by price)

Hawaii's Conveyance Tax is tiered: 0.1% on values under $600K, scaling up to 1.25% on residential property over $10M. Rates vary by property type.

Attorney Required at Closing?
No — title company state

Hawaii is a title company state. Attorneys are not required, though the market is complex and legal counsel is often advisable.

Tools for Buying Your First Home in Hawaii

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

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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