Penn Hills Homebuyer Assistance Program

What is Penn Hills Homebuyer Assistance Program?

Penn Hills Homebuyer Assistance Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, administered by ACTION Housing, Inc.

• The Penn Hills Homebuyer Assistance Program provides up to $14,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance as a 0% forgivable second mortgage for income-qualified buyers purchasing within the Municipality of Penn Hills. Funded by the Allegheny County HOME program with a 5-year affordability period requiring owner-occupancy. Applications must be submitted through one of six participating first mortgage lenders, and buyers must complete HUD-approved pre-purchase counseling.
• Up to $14,500 forgivable second mortgage.
• 0% interest.
• 5-year forgiveness.
• Down payment and closing cost coverage.
• This is a federal program, so it is available beyond a single state or city.
• Funding comes from Allegheny County HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HUD).

How much assistance does it provide?

Penn Hills Homebuyer Assistance Program offers up to $14,500 in assistance.

• Buyer contribution: Minimum $500 or 3% of total down payment and closing costs, whichever is lesser, from personal funds.
• The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — ACTION Housing, Inc. determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Penn Hills Homebuyer Assistance Program is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

• Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer, or failure to occupy as primary residence during the 5-year affordability period.
• The assistance is recorded in 2 position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Penn Hills Homebuyer Assistance Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Penn Hills Homebuyer Assistance Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• At or below 80% AMI, Pittsburgh HUD Metro Area (2025): 1p $61,850; 2p $70,650; 3p $79,500; 4p $88,300; 5p $95,400; 6p $102,450; 7p $109,500; 8p $116,600.
• 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?

Penn Hills Homebuyer Assistance Program can be used for Single Family.

• New construction is not eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Penn Hills Homebuyer Assistance Program is a federal program, so it is not limited to Pennsylvania.

• The program targets specific areas: Municipality of Penn Hills, Allegheny County.

How do you apply?

Applications for Penn Hills Homebuyer Assistance Program go through ACTION Housing, Inc., which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through HUD-approved agency (Advantage Credit Counseling, Mon Valley Initiative, NeighborWorks Western PA, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, WAVE).

2. 2

   Contact ACTION Housing, Inc. to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

3. 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 buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.