MassHousing Down Payment Assistance

MassHousing offers up to $30,000 to income eligible first time buyers. It must be paired with a MassHousing mortgage from one of its 80 plus approved lenders.

• Works for single family homes, condos, and 2 to 4 family homes you will live in
• Paid back when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage
• Can be combined with local town programs and FHLBank Boston grants
• Veterans and service members can also get a $2,500 closing cost credit

Heads up: In spring 2026 MassHousing ran a special $25,000 at 0% interest offer. Demand was so high it closed early in July 2026. The standard program is still open. We watch for new rounds and tell our clients first.

MHP ONE Mortgage

The Massachusetts Housing Partnership ONE Mortgage gives first time buyers a discounted fixed rate with as little as 3% down and no private mortgage insurance. No PMI can save you hundreds a month. Some buyers also get an extra monthly payment subsidy based on income.

MHP ONE+

ONE+ adds up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost help on top of a heavily discounted ONE Mortgage rate. You must be a first time buyer who currently lives in one of 29 eligible communities, many of them Gateway Cities. You can buy outside your city once you qualify.

City of Boston First Time Homebuyer Program

• Income under 100% of area median income: 3% of the price, up to $50,000, plus closing costs if needed
• Income from 101% to 135% of area median income: 2% of the price, up to $35,000
• Boston residents get a grant. Since September 15, 2026, buyers who live outside Boston get a 0% deferred loan instead
• A Boston Home Center homebuyer class is required

Boston also offers ONE+Boston, which pairs the ONE Mortgage with a deeper rate discount for city buyers.

City, town and first generation programs

Many Massachusetts communities, including Cambridge, Springfield and Worcester, run their own first time buyer programs. The MAHA STASH program helps first generation buyers save, with possible grant support. Its 2026 groups are full, with a waitlist open for February 2027.

RIHousing 15kDPA

A flat $15,000 for your down payment, closing costs, or both. It is a 0% interest loan with no monthly payment. You pay it back when you sell, refinance, or transfer the home.

FirstGenHomeRI

$25,000 for buyers who are the first in their family to own a home. Live in the home as your main residence for five years and you do not pay it back. This is a pilot with limited funds and is offered through the RIHousing Loan Center.

RIHousing Extra Assistance

A second mortgage for your down payment and closing costs. The rate is usually the same as your first mortgage. Good for buyers who need more than $15,000.

RI Realtors Homebuyer Grant

A 2026 grant from the Realtor Foundation of Rhode Island, run by RIHousing. $1,000 for first time buyers, or $2,000 if you are a veteran or active military. Funds are first come, first served.

NH Housing Cash Assistance

Pick a "Plus" loan, like Home Flex Plus (FHA, VA or USDA), Home Preferred Plus (conventional) or Home First Plus, and you get a fixed $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 for your down payment, closing costs and prepaids.

• 0% interest and no monthly payment
• Due if you sell, refinance, or stop living in the home
• Only one buyer on the loan needs to take the homebuyer class
• Amount depends on daily program availability, so ask your lender

1stGenHomeNH

$10,000 toward your down payment, closing costs and escrow for buyers whose parents never owned a home. It pairs with an NH Housing first mortgage.

Home Start Homebuyer Tax Credit

NH Housing also offers a homebuyer tax credit that can lower your federal income taxes each year you have the loan. Ask your lender if it fits with your loan.

CHFA Time To Own

One of the best programs in New England. A 0% loan with no monthly payment. 10% is forgiven every year, so it is gone after 10 years.

• Can cover up to 20% down and up to 5% in closing costs
• Must have lived in Connecticut for the last three years
• First time buyers, or repeat buyers buying in a targeted area
• Higher incomes within the limit may get a smaller amount, up to $18,750
• Funding is limited. CHFA posts what is left every week

CHFA Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP)

A low rate second mortgage that you repay monthly. It covers your minimum down payment. It can work alongside Time To Own.

HDF CT Forever Home and Live Where You Work

CT Forever Home offers up to $28,000 at a fixed 1% rate. Live Where You Work offers up to $25,000 at 0%. Income limits apply.

Hartford, New Haven and Bridgeport

HouseHartford, New Haven's down payment and closing cost program, and Bridgeport's program (up to $25,000, forgivable) add more help if you buy in those cities.

FHLBank Boston grants (all of New England)

• Equity Builder: up to $32,099 for first time buyers earning up to 80% of area median income
• Housing Our Workforce: up to $25,000 toward down payment or closing costs
• Lift Up Homeownership: up to $40,000 for first generation buyers earning up to 120% of area median income

These grants go through member banks and credit unions. Funds are first come, first served each year.

Big bank homebuyer grants

• Bank of America: Down Payment Grant of 3% of the price, up to $10,000, plus America's Home Grant of up to $7,500 for closing costs
• Chase Homebuyer Grant: up to $7,500 for homes in eligible neighborhoods

The home address decides if you qualify. Ask us to check a property before you offer.

Low down payment mortgages

• FHA: 3.5% down with a 580 credit score
• Conventional: as little as 3% down
• VA: 0% down for eligible veterans and service members
• USDA: 0% down in eligible rural areas

Gifts and retirement funds

Many loans let family members gift money for your down payment. First time buyers can also take up to $10,000 out of an IRA without the 10% early withdrawal penalty. Taxes may still apply, so talk to your tax pro first.