Owning a home in Massachusetts is a goal for many, whether it’s living in the heart of Boston, settling near the universities in Cambridge, or choosing a quieter town along the coast or inland. For a lot of buyers, the real challenge isn’t affording the monthly mortgage once they move in, but saving enough for the down payment to get started.
That’s where Massachusetts down payment assistance (DPA) programs come in. Designed to support first-time and sometimes eligible repeat buyers, these programs help reduce upfront costs through options like grants, forgivable loans, and affordable second mortgages.
This guide highlights some of the most impactful statewide, county, and city-level programs currently available. While it does not cover every local option, it focuses on those that are well-funded, accessible, and beneficial to buyers. We’ll continue to update this page as programs evolve.
Statewide Down Payment Assistance Programs
Massachusetts offers several programs available everywhere in the state. Here are the most impactful ones:
MassHousing Down Payment Assistance Program
The MassHousing Down Payment Assistance Program offers up to $30,000 to first-time homebuyers across Massachusetts when combined with a MassHousing first mortgage. Assistance is structured as either a 0% deferred loan or a low-interest (2–3%) 15-year second loan for higher incomes.
The website is frustratingly vague about who is eligible for each loan option. You should approach an approved lender for more details.
Eligibility: First-time homebuyers meeting program income and house-price caps, purchasing a single-family, condo, or 2–4 family primary residence with a MassHousing mortgage.
MHP ONE Mortgage Program
The ONE Mortgage, offered statewide through the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, reduces upfront costs with down payments as low as 3% and no private mortgage insurance requirement. For very low-income borrowers, it may also provide a subsidized second mortgage.
Eligibility: First-time homebuyers who complete a homebuyer class and earn within the income limits set by their region. Your credit score must be at least 640.
Operation Welcome Home (for Veterans)
Operation Welcome Home is designed for veterans, active-duty service members, and Gold Star Families. It provides a closing cost credit of up to $2,500 and flexible mortgage terms through MassHousing.
Eligibility: Veterans, active-duty military, and Gold Star Families purchasing a primary residence with a MassHousing loan.
Down Payment Assistance Programs by County
Some counties and regional groups administer DPA funds collectively. Here are standout programs:
North Suburban HOME Consortium
Led by Malden, the North Suburban HOME Consortium covers Arlington, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Revere, and Winthrop. Eligible first-time homebuyers can receive up to $10,000 as a 0%-interest loan with no monthly payments, forgiven over five years.
Eligibility: First-time homebuyers earning ≤80% AMI, purchasing an eligible property in one of the member communities.
South Shore HOME Consortium
The South Shore HOME Consortium covers towns including Braintree, Quincy, Randolph, and Weymouth. Eligible first-time buyers can receive up to $40,000 in down payment and closing cost help. The assistance is in the form of a deferred payment loan that becomes due upon the transfer or sale of the property, refinancing of the home, or when it is not used as the borrower's primary residence.
Eligibility: First-time buyers with household income at or below 80% AMI, and the buyer cannot have assets over $75,000
Down Payment Assistance Programs by City
Many of Massachusetts’ larger cities offer their own programs. Here are some of the strongest:
Boston First-Time Homebuyer Financial Assistance
Boston’s Program provides generous grants of up to $50,000 for first-time buyers earning ≤100% AMI, or up to $35,000 for those earning 101–135% AMI.
Eligibility: First-time homebuyers with incomes ≤135% AMI, less than $100,000 in liquid assets, and completion of a city-approved homebuyer class.
Cambridge Downpayment Assistance
Cambridge’s DPA offers forgivable loans of up to 6% of the purchase price or $10,000 (whichever is greater), forgiven over five years.
Eligibility: First-time homebuyers earning within the city’s income limits (generally up to 120% AMI) purchasing a home in Cambridge and completing a homebuyer education program.
Springfield Down Payment Assistance
Springfield’s DPA provides up to $35,000 for very low-income buyers, with lower tiers of $25,000 or $10,000 for higher earners. The assistance is a 0%-interest deferred loan forgiven after 10 years of owner-occupancy.
Eligibility: First-time homebuyers earning ≤80% AMI, contributing at least 1% of the purchase price, and completing a HUD-approved class.
New Bedford “Neighborhoods First”
New Bedford’s Program provides up to $10,000 for down payment and closing costs as a 0% loan forgiven after 10 years, with potential gap financing up to $30,000. A new ARPA-funded enhancement offers up to $25,000 (or $35,000 for city employees).
Eligibility: First-time buyers earning ≤80% AMI for the base program, or up to 120% AMI for the ARPA expansion, purchasing a home in New Bedford and contributing at least 1% of the price.
Other Down Payment Assistance Programs in Massachusetts
Below are other active programs that weren’t highlighted above but may still be worth exploring.
Statewide Programs
Federal Home Loan Bank Boston – Equity Builder Program (Available in all New England States)
Chenoa Fund (Nationwide program available in Massachusetts)
City Programs
What Is AMI?
As you read the the list of Massachusetts down payment assistance programs, you likely noticed many reference AMI limits. AMI stands for area median income and is a common metric that DPA programs use to ensure assistance is being provider to homebuyers who need it most.
For example, the Boston First-Time Homebuyer Financial Assistance program allows applicants to earn as much as 135% of AMI.
You can search for current area median income by property address using the Fannie Mae AMI Lookup tool.
Using Down Payment Assistance in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the path to homeownership can look very different depending on where you buy, whether it is a condo in Boston, a house in the suburbs, or a property in a Gateway City like Springfield. To help with the upfront costs, the state and many local communities provide down payment assistance programs that can ease the financial strain of buying. As you explore your options, take time to review mortgage rates and use our loan calculators to see how different forms of assistance could fit into your budget.
Check with the organization directly for the most recent guidelines. While programs were fact-checked at the time of writing, requirements change often, and programs become unavailable when funds are exhausted.
