Maine offers 8 down payment assistance programs to help homebuyers cover their down payment and closing costs. This includes 4 grant programs that never require repayment. Programs range from statewide options administered by the state housing finance agency to local city and county programs targeting specific communities.
Maximum assistance available reaches $40,000 through the most generous program. Credit score requirements start as low as 640 for some programs. Most programs require the home to be your primary residence, and many require homebuyer education.
Top Down Payment Assistance Programs in Maine
Highlighted programs that combine high assistance amounts with statewide or major-metro availability. See the full list below.
Katahdin Trust Company's Down Payment Assistance Programs
openKatahdin Trust
UP TO $40,000 (varies by program: Equity Builder UP TO $32,099; Housing Our Workforce UP TO $25,000; Lift Up Homeownership UP TO $40,000)
Lewiston and Auburn
verifyCity of Lewiston
UP TO $25,000
Down Payment Assistance
openConfederated Tribes of Grand Ronde - Housing
20 (max $20,000)
MaineHousing First Generation Pilot Program
verifyMaine State Housing Authority
$10,000
MaineHousing's First Home Loan Program
verifyMaine State Housing Authority
$5,000
Grant Programs (4)
Grants are the gold standard of down payment assistance. You receive the money and never have to pay it back.
Katahdin Trust Company's Down Payment Assistance Programs
Katahdin Trust
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Income Limits
Up to 80% AMI (Equity Builder Program); up to 120% AMI (Housing Our Workforce, Lift Up Homeownership)
Check AMI limits for your county →Notes
Required
Down Payment Assistance
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde - Housing
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
MaineHousing First Generation Pilot Program
Maine State Housing Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Varies
- Min Credit Score
- 640+
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, manufactured, multi-family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA, VA, USDA
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Notes
Check program requirements
MaineHousing's First Home Loan Program
Maine State Housing Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- 640+
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, manufactured, multi-family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA, VA, USDA
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Additional Requirements
Eligibility: Applicants must meet income limits, which vary depending on household size and the location of the home. A minimum credit score of 640 is required, and participants must complete a homebuyer education course.
Notes
Check program requirements
Forgivable Loans (1)
Forgivable loans are forgiven after a set period of living in the home. If you stay, you keep the money.
Lewiston and Auburn
City of Lewiston
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Not specified
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Repayment Terms
Forgiven after 5-year affordability period (under $15,000) or 10-year period ($15,000-$40,000); shared net proceeds recapture if sold before affordability period ends
Notes
Check program requirements
Deferred Payment Loans (3)
Deferred loans require no monthly payments while you live in the home. You repay when you sell, refinance, or move out.
SaluteME & Salute Home Again
Maine State Housing Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- $775,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayment at sale or refinance
Chenoa Fund FHA Down Payment Assistance Forgivable
CBC Mortgage Agency (Chenoa Fund)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, Leasehold, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, Manufactured
- Max Price
- $766,550
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Chenoa Fund FHA Down Payment Assistance Repayable
CBC Mortgage Agency (Chenoa Fund)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, Leasehold, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, Manufactured
- Max Price
- $766,550
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
Note rate 1% above the first mortgage note rate
Repayment Terms
This loan does require a monthly payment on the second mortgage.
How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance in Maine
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1
Check Your Eligibility
Use our free eligibility tool to see which programs match your situation. Enter your state, city, income, and target home price.
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2
Contact the Program Administrator
Each program has its own application process. Visit the program website or call the administering agency to get started. Many programs work through approved lenders.
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3
Get Pre-Approved with a Participating Lender
Not every lender participates in every DPA program. Work with a lender who is approved for the programs you want. The program administrator can provide a list of approved lenders.
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4
Complete Homebuyer Education (If Required)
Many programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Online options through eHome America and Framework are accepted by most programs.
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5
Close & Move In
DPA funds are typically disbursed at closing alongside your first mortgage. Your lender coordinates the DPA program paperwork as part of the loan process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Maine?
Up to $40,000 through available programs in Maine. Multiple programs can often be combined for even more assistance. The exact amount depends on your income, location, and the specific program requirements.
Do I need to be a first-time homebuyer?
Not always. 3 programs in Maine are open to repeat buyers. "First-time buyer" is typically defined as not having owned a home in the past three years.
What credit score do I need?
As low as 640 for some programs. Most programs require 620-660. Higher credit scores may qualify you for more programs and better terms.
Can I combine multiple DPA programs?
In many cases, yes. Some programs are specifically designed to be layered with others. For example, you might combine a state grant with a local deferred loan. Check with each program administrator about stacking eligibility.
DPA Programs in Nearby States
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