Short answer
Sometimes. Federal rules let a public housing agency offer a homeownership option, so a household already in the Housing Choice Voucher program can use its assistance toward monthly homeownership costs. Each agency decides whether to offer it. Manchester's housing authority has a written homeownership option. Fannie Mae lets lenders count the voucher payment as income.
Who can use the homeownership option?
Under 24 CFR 982.627, the agency checks that the household:
- Is already admitted to the Housing Choice Voucher program.
- Meets the first-time homeowner rule and has no current ownership interest in a home.
- Meets minimum income and employment rules (the employment rule doesn't apply to elderly households or those with a member who has a disability).
- Has not defaulted on a mortgage under this option before.
- Completes the agency's homeownership counseling.
Agencies can add their own requirements, so ask yours for its written plan.
How long does the help last?
For most households, up to 15 years if the mortgage term is 20 years or longer, and up to 10 years otherwise. Those limits don't apply to elderly households or households with a member who has a disability (24 CFR 982.634).
How does the lender count the voucher?
On a Fannie Mae loan, the voucher payment counts as qualifying income. The lender needs proof of the payment amount from the agency and that at least one payment will arrive by the first mortgage payment. No history is needed, and because the payment isn't taxed, the lender may adjust it upward when figuring your income.
How does FHA count the voucher?
HUD's Handbook 4000.1 lets an FHA lender count homeownership voucher payments as income, treat them as likely to continue for three years, and use the current subsidy amount. The voucher is added to your income; it can't be used to reduce the mortgage payment instead.
Where do I start in New Hampshire?
Talk with the agency that runs your voucher first. The Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority describes its option in a written policy, and NH Housing runs vouchers in many other towns. Then take a homebuyer class; see where to take a homebuyer class. Tom can work with the agency's timeline and check which loan programs fit.
Sources
- HUD Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1, Update 18 (August 2026), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (TOTAL)
- 24 CFR 982.627, Homeownership option: eligibility requirements for families
- 24 CFR 982.634, Homeownership option: maximum term of assistance
- Fannie Mae Selling Guide B3-3.4-14, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program Payments
- Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority, HCV Program Homeownership Option (revised January 1, 2022)
Checked November 2, 2026. Rules and dates change, so confirm current details before you rely on them.
General information only, not tax or legal advice. Program availability, eligibility and terms vary by lender and are subject to change and to underwriting approval. Not a commitment to lend.