See what you qualify for
Statewide programRepayable

MassHousing Down Payment Assistance

MassHousing Down Payment Assistance is a repayable second loan for homebuyers in Massachusetts.

Last verified

The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A minimum 640 credit score
  • A completed homebuyer education course
  • Residency: No Requirement
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • A home in Massachusetts

It doesn’t cover

  • Purchases above the $653,700 price cap
  • Households above 100% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

Income limit

100% of the area median income where the home is

HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.

Where it applies

Massachusetts’s homes

  • 51.1% single-family
  • 5.9% townhouse
  • 20% 2–4 units
  • 22.2% 5+ units
  • 0.8% mobile & other

A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.

$562,100

Massachusetts median home value

67.4%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year.

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program before funds are reserved.

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through First-Come-First-Served, and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Questions about this program

What is MassHousing Down Payment Assistance?

MassHousing Down Payment Assistance is a repayable second loan for homebuyers in Massachusetts. MassHousing offers down payment assistance of up to $30,000 statewide in Massachusetts. Assistance is structured as a second mortgage with terms based on borrower income: 0% deferred loan for incomes below 60% AMI; 2% amortizing loan for incomes 60-80% AMI; 3% amortizing loan for incomes 80-135% AMI (in Boston and Gateway Cities). Must be used with a MassHousing first mortgage. Up to $30,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance statewide in MA. tiered by income: 0% deferred loan below 60% AMI, 2% fixed for 60-80% AMI, 3% fixed for 80-135% AMI (Boston/Gateway Cities). 15-year second mortgage. must be paired with a MassHousing first mortgage. available in every city and town in Massachusetts. Funding comes from State.

How much assistance does it provide?

MassHousing Down Payment Assistance offers up to $50,000 in assistance. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

MassHousing Down Payment Assistance is a repayable second loan and is repaid under the terms set by the administering agency. Repayment is triggered by Sale and Refinance. The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

MassHousing Down Payment Assistance is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time homebuyer" usually means not having owned a home in the last three years, but the program sets its own definition. The program lists a minimum credit score of 640. A homebuyer education course is required. Residency requirement: No Requirement. Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.

What are the income limits?

MassHousing Down Payment Assistance limits household income to 100% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s. Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

MassHousing Down Payment Assistance caps the purchase price at $653,700. Eligible property types include Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, and 2-4 Unit.

Where does it apply?

MassHousing Down Payment Assistance serves homebuyers purchasing anywhere in Massachusetts.

How do you apply?

Applications for MassHousing Down Payment Assistance go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through First-Come-First-Served. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Also for Massachusetts homebuyers

Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.

All 68 programs for Massachusetts

Program terms are set by the administering agency and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.