Forgivable loan
Bethlehem Homebuyer Assistance Program (BHAP)
First-time homebuyers · Income limits · 1- to 2-unit owner-occupied primary residence (single-family detached, duplex, townhouse).
Down payment assistance · Northampton County
Buying a home in Bethlehem, PA
1 Bethlehem program, 1 county program and 5 statewide.Bethlehem has 1 program of its own, 1 more across Northampton County, and 5 statewide. Here is what each one offers, what the local market looks like, and who near you can walk you through it.
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Only for Bethlehem addresses
Bethlehem’s own program
Anywhere in NorthamptonAnywhere in Northampton County
1 county program1 county program a Bethlehem homebuyer can also use
The Bethlehem marketThe Bethlehem housing market
Kinds of homes hereWhat’s for sale here, and what the programs accept
Kinds of homes in Bethlehem
- 36% single-familysingle-family
- 27.9% townhousetownhouse
- 12.5% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 23.2% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 0.3% mobile & othermobile home & other
About condos. None of Bethlehem’s 2 local and county programs list condos as eligible. Bethlehem Homebuyer Assistance Program (BHAP) lists 1- to 2-unit owner-occupied primary residence (single-family detached, duplex, townhouse).. Northampton County First-Time Homebuyer Program lists single family and 2-4 unit.
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 5-year (2020–2024). Table B25024.
When Bethlehem’s homes were built
pre-19401970s2020+
79.5%
of Bethlehem homes were built before 1980. Pre-1978 homes come with a federal lead-paint disclosure.of homes were built before 1980. A home built before 1978 comes with a federal lead-paint disclosure, and some programs require an inspection.
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 5-year (2020–2024). Table B25034.
$104,400
County area median income, 4 people (HUD)HUD area median income, Northampton County, 4-person household (2026)
$68,879
Bethlehem median household incomeMedian household income in Bethlehem (Census, 2024)
11 of the 69 programs here set their income limit as a share of Northampton County’s area median income, adjusted for household size. See the published limits for Northampton County
Free help nearbyFree help near Bethlehem
3 HUD-approved counseling agencies within 15 miles3 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies within 15 miles
2 programs here ask for a homebuyer class first. Create a free account to see who’s near you and pick one.All 2 local programs here ask for a homebuyer class. A HUD-approved counselor teaches it and can walk you through your options. Create a free account to see who’s near you and pick one.
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Across Pennsylvania and nationwide
67 statewide & federal programs5 statewide programs, plus federal options
Bethlehem questions
Does Bethlehem have its own down payment program?
Yes, one: Bethlehem Homebuyer Assistance Program (BHAP), a forgivable loan for first-time homebuyers (forgiven over 5 yrs, income limits). It is for homes inside Bethlehem.
Can I use assistance on a condo in Bethlehem?
None of Bethlehem’s 2 local and county programs list condos as eligible. Bethlehem Homebuyer Assistance Program (BHAP) lists 1- to 2-unit owner-occupied primary residence (single-family detached, duplex, townhouse).. Northampton County First-Time Homebuyer Program lists single family and 2-4 unit. Each program’s page lists the kinds of homes it accepts, and the agency confirms it for the home you choose.
What is the income limit in Northampton County?
Each program sets its own. 11 of the programs here set theirs as a share of HUD’s area median income for Northampton County, adjusted for household size. HUD publishes the median each year; the 2026 figure is shown above and on the published limits page.
Where can I take a homebuyer class near Bethlehem?
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies teach homebuyer classes, and 3 agencies are within 15 miles of Bethlehem. Create a free account and take the 90-second match to see the ones near you.
ZIP codes
18015 · 18016 · 18017 · 18018 · 18020 · 18025
Nearby in Northampton
Sources
Sources: agency sites (July–August 2026), Census ACS 2024 5-year, HUD FY2026, HUD counseling list. Hey Prescott is not a lender.Programs: Hey Prescott catalog of 2,000+ programs, each verified with its agency (July–August 2026). Market: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 5-year (2020–2024). Income: HUD FY2026 income limits. Counselors: HUD list of approved housing counseling agencies. Hey Prescott is not a lender.