Upper Darby Township First Time Homebuyer Program

What is Upper Darby Township First Time Homebuyer Program?

Upper Darby Township First Time Homebuyer Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, administered by Upper Darby Township Department of Community & Economic Development (counseling/intake via Media Fellowship House).

• Upper Darby Township's First Time Homebuyer Program provides up to $20,000 in down payment and/or closing cost assistance to low- and moderate-income first-time buyers purchasing a single-family principal residence within the Township. Assistance is a 0% interest forgiveness loan secured by a second mortgage, with 20% forgiven each year and full forgiveness after 5 years. The program is funded with federal CDBG and HOME funds and requires homebuyer counseling, a $1,000 minimum buyer contribution, and a 620+ credit score.
• Up to $20,000 in DPA/closing cost help.
• 0% interest, no monthly payments.
• Fully forgiven after 5 years (20%/year).
• Gift and seller funds allowed toward minimum contribution.
• New construction eligible.
• This is a federal program, so it is available beyond a single state or city.
• Funding comes from Federal CDBG and HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds.

How much assistance does it provide?

Upper Darby Township First Time Homebuyer Program offers up to $20,000 in assistance.

• Buyer contribution: Buyer must contribute a minimum of $1,000 of their own funds. Seller contributions and gift funds may be applied toward the minimum.
• The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Upper Darby Township Department of Community & Economic Development (counseling/intake via Media Fellowship House) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Upper Darby Township First Time Homebuyer Program is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

• Repayment is triggered by Sale or transfer of the property, change in owner-occupancy status, default of first mortgage, or delinquency of any taxes/obligations owed during the 5-year period of affordability (pro-rated repayment).
• The assistance is recorded in Second mortgage (subordinate only to the primary lender) position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Upper Darby Township First Time Homebuyer Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Upper Darby Township First Time Homebuyer Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• FY2025 limits (gross income of all deed holders and residents): 1 person $66,850; 2 $76,400; 3 $85,950; 4 $95,500; 5 $103,150; 6 $110,800; 7 $118,450; 8 $126,100. Uses HUD Part 5 (24 CFR 5.609) annual income definition; updated annually by HUD.
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• The program lists a maximum household size of 8.
• 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?

Upper Darby Township First Time Homebuyer Program caps the purchase price at $304,000.

• Eligible property types include Single Family, Row home, and Twin.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Upper Darby Township First Time Homebuyer Program is a federal program, so it is not limited to Pennsylvania.

How do you apply?

Applications for Upper Darby Township First Time Homebuyer Program go through Upper Darby Township Department of Community & Economic Development (counseling/intake via Media Fellowship House), 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 Minimum 8 hours of pre-purchase homeownership education/counseling by a Program/HUD-approved agency, within 12 months prior to purchase (e.g., Media Fellowship House)..

2. 2

   Contact Upper Darby Township Department of Community & Economic Development (counseling/intake via Media Fellowship House) 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.