Massachusetts offers 47 down payment assistance programs to help homebuyers cover their down payment and closing costs. This includes 6 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 $100,000 through the most generous program. Credit score requirements start as low as 620 for some programs. Most programs require the home to be your primary residence, and many require homebuyer education.
Top Down Payment Assistance Programs in Massachusetts
Highlighted programs that combine high assistance amounts with statewide or major-metro availability. See the full list below.
Next Door Home Ownership Program
openMadison Park Development Corporation
$100,000
Boston Home Center Down Payment Assistance Program
verifyBoston Home Center / Mayor's Office of Housing
2-3% of purchase price (max UP TO $50,000 (3% of purchase price for income under 100% AMI); UP TO $35,000 (2% of purchase price for income 101-135% AMI))
Springfield Down Payment Assistance Program
openCity of Springfield Office of Housing
$10,000 (61-80% AMI), $25,000 (51-60% AMI), or $35,000 (50% AMI or below)
Enhanced First-Time Homebuyer Program
openNew Bedford - Housing & Community Development
$35,000
MassHousing Down Payment Assistance Program
openMassHousing
UP TO $30,000 (Option 1 deferred) or UP TO $25,000 (Options 2-3 amortizing)
Grant Programs (6)
Grants are the gold standard of down payment assistance. You receive the money and never have to pay it back.
Boston Home Center Down Payment Assistance Program
Boston Home Center / Mayor's Office of Housing
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 135% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, 2-family, 3-family, condo
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Conventional (Fannie Mae conforming)
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
N/A (grant)
Repayment Terms
Grant. No repayment required.
Notes
Required
Enhanced First-Time Homebuyer Program
New Bedford - Housing & Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, 3 units
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- No
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
Worcester Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Worcester Housing & Neighborhood Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, 2-family, 3-family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Notes
Required
MassDREAMS (Grant Program)
MassHousing
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Varies
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, 2-4 family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Notes
MassDREAMS is no longer accepting applications. All funds have been committed. Program was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
First Generation Program
Massachusetts Affordable Homeownership Alliance
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- grant
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Forgivable Loans (2)
Forgivable loans are forgiven after a set period of living in the home. If you stay, you keep the money.
Springfield Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Springfield Office of Housing
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- $67,340 (1 person) to $126,984 (8 person...
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, 2-family, 3-family
- Max Price
- 1-unit existing: $271,000; 2-unit: $347,000; 3-unit: $420,000; 4-unit: $520,000 (higher limits for new construction)
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% deferred-payment loan, forgiven over 10 years. No forgiveness during first 5 years. Beginning year 6, one-fifth forgiven annually. Fully forgiven after 10 years of owner-occupancy.
Notes
Required
Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) ONE Mortgage Program
Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Varies by community (per MHP income limi...
- Min Credit Score
- 640+
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, 2-family, 3-family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- ONE Mortgage (MHP proprietary)
- Assistance Type
- forgivable loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
Below-market fixed rate (~5.7%, varies by lender)
Repayment Terms
30-year fixed-rate first mortgage with no PMI
Additional Requirements
Who Qualifies: First-time homebuyers who complete a homebuyer education course.
Notes
Required
Deferred Payment Loans (39)
Deferred loans require no monthly payments while you live in the home. You repay when you sell, refinance, or move out.
Next Door Home Ownership Program
Madison Park Development Corporation
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
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
MassHousing Down Payment Assistance Program
MassHousing
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Up to $205,335 per year
- Min Credit Score
- 640+
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, 2-4 family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- MassHousing Mortgage
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0% (Option 1 deferred), 2% (Option 2), or 3% (Option 3)
Repayment Terms
Option 1: 0% deferred second mortgage, repaid on sale, refinance, or payoff. Options 2-3: 15-year amortizing second mortgage at 2% or 3% fixed rate.
Notes
Required
New Bedford Neighborhoods First Homebuyer Program
City of New Bedford Office of Housing and Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- HUD income limits (varies by household s...
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, 2-family, 3-family
- Max Price
- Cannot exceed 95% of area median purchase price per HUD Section 215(b)
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Conventional (fixed-rate), FHA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% deferred payment loan, forgiven after 10 years (or 15 years if total project cost exceeds $40,000). Repayment upon sale, lease, transfer, refinance, or failure to meet program requirements.
Notes
Required
Workforce Advantage 4.0 Deferred (WFA 4.0)
Eastern Massachusetts Housing Corporation
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- 4 units, Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium, 2 units, 3 units
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA +2, FHA, Fannie Mae +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Down Payment Assistance Program
North Andover Affordable Housing Trust
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Down Payment & Closing Cost Program
Town of Provincetown - Housing Department
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
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Lawrence First Time Homebuyer Program
City of Lawrence Community Development Department
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- 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
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest deferred loan (second lien). No monthly payments. Repaid upon sale, transfer, or if property is no longer primary residence.
Notes
Required
First Time Home Buyers Program (FTHB)
City of Lawrence
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units
- Max Price
- $821,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
First Time Buyer / Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Taunton-Economic and Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units
- Max Price
- $775,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Down Payment Assistance
Great Barrington Affordable Housing Trust Fund
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- 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
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
DPA 2% 15 Year Amortized
Eastern Massachusetts Housing Corporation
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
DPA 3% 15 Year Amortized
Eastern Massachusetts Housing Corporation
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Townhouse/PUD, Condominium, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Everett First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Everett
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 60-100% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, 2-4 family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Conventional (fixed-rate), FHA, VA, USDA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
Fully forgivable loan over 5 years. 20% forgiven each year of owner-occupancy. Pro-rated repayment required if sold, refinanced for equity, title transferred, or no longer primary residence.
Notes
Required
First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Everett
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- No
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Newburyport
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
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program
Wellfleet 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
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Plymouth Down Payment Assistance Program
Town of Plymouth Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, condo
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Conventional (fixed-rate), FHA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% deferred payment second mortgage loan. Repaid upon sale, transfer, or if property is no longer primary residence.
Notes
Required
Haverhill First Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Program
City of Haverhill Community Development Department
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Low-moderate income
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, 2-family, 3-family, 4-family
- Max Price
- 1-family: $606,000; 2-family: $775,000; 3-family: $939,000; 4-family: $1,163,000 (effective 9/1/2024)
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Conventional (30-year fixed-rate)
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest loan with 5-year term. Declining balance: 20% of original balance forgiven each year of owner-occupancy. Fully forgiven after 5 years. Payable on sale or transfer.
Notes
Required
First Time Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Gloucester - Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units, Condominium
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
First Time Homeowner Downpayment Assistance Program
Town of Haverhill
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units
- Max Price
- $939,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Lowell First Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Lowell Planning & Development / Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- $73,200 (1 person) to $138,050 (8+ perso...
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest deferred loan. Repaid upon sale, transfer of deed, or refinance. Subordination requests considered case-by-case.
Notes
Required
First Time Home-Buyers Program
Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership (MVHP)
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
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Fall River HOME Homebuyer Program
City of Fall River Community Development Agency
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- HOME income limits (varies by household ...
- Min Credit Score
- 650+
- Property Types
- single-family, 2-family, 3-family, 4-family, manufactured home, condo, cooperati...
- Max Price
- FHA Mortgage Limits for the Bristol County area
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Conventional, FHA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
1%
Repayment Terms
1% interest deferred loan. Affordability period: 5 years (under $15,000) or 10 years ($15,001-$40,000). Reverts to grant after affordability period if borrower complies with program regulations.
Notes
Required
Lynn Down Payment Assistance Program
Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development (LHAND)
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Varies
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Notes
Required
Chelsea First Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program
City of Chelsea Housing & Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, condo
- Max Price
- HUD HOME/HTF Price Limits for Suffolk County (~$641,000)
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- FHA, Conventional (fixed-rate), VA
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest deferred payment loan with 5-year term. No monthly payments. Forgiven after 5 years of owner-occupancy. If sold or converted to rental within 5 years, pro-rated repayment required (declines 20% annually).
Notes
Required
Malden HOME Program (North Suburban Consortium DPA)
City of Malden / North Suburban Consortium
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- 620+
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, townhouse
- Max Price
- $606,000 (Middlesex County: Arlington, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose)
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest, 5-year deferred loan. Forgiven after 5 years of owner-occupancy. Pro-rated repayment if sold or refinanced before 5 years. Loan cannot be subordinated.
Notes
Required
Medford First Time Homebuyer Program (NSC DPA)
City of Medford / North Suburban Consortium
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- 620+
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, townhouse
- Max Price
- $606,000 (Medford, Middlesex County)
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
0%
Repayment Terms
0% interest, 5-year deferred loan. Forgiven after 5 years of owner-occupancy. Pro-rated repayment if sold before 5 years. Cannot be subordinated; refinancing also triggers pro-rated repayment.
Notes
Required
Neighborhoods First - First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program
New Bedford - Housing & Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, 3 units, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program
North Suburban Consortium
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- $620,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
ONE+Boston Home Buyer Program
City of Boston - Housing
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, 3 units, Condominium
- Max Price
- $585,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +4
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
4.7%
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program
City of Salem - Planning and Community Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units
- Max Price
- $1,031,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Deferred Payment - Repayable at sale or refinance
Realizing the Dream Homeownership Program
Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, Condominium, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units
- Max Price
- $684,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Interest Rate
0
Belchertown Down Payment Assistance
Way Finders
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, VA, USDA-RD, HUD +2
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
West Springfield Downpayment Assistance
Way Finders
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family, 2 units, 3 units, 4 units, Condominium, Townhouse/PUD
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, VA, USDA-RD
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Interest Rate
None
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Buyer’s Assistance Program (BAP)
Holyoke Housing Authority
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- Not specified
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Single-Family
- Max Price
- $271,000
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- All
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Repayment Terms
Forgivable - Fully forgiven at closing or forgiven on a schedule
Quincy First Time Homebuyer Program (South Shore HOME Consortium)
City of Quincy / South Shore HOME Consortium
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 80% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- single-family, condo, townhouse
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA, VA, USDA-RD +1
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Yes
Somerville Homeownership Stabilization Program
Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund
Eligibility Snapshot
- First-Time Buyer
- Yes
- Income Limit
- 110% AMI
- Min Credit Score
- Not specified
- Property Types
- Not specified
- Max Price
- Not specified
Quick Facts
- Loan Types
- Not specified
- Assistance Type
- deferred loan
- Profession
- all
- Homebuyer Ed.
- Not specified
Notes
The SAHTF also funds affordable homeownership development projects. Linkage fees from commercial development fund the Trust.
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 Massachusetts
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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.
-
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 Massachusetts?
Up to $100,000 through available programs in Massachusetts. 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. 5 programs in Massachusetts 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 620 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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