Down Payment Assistance Programs in Massachusetts (2026)
Last updated 05/19/2026 by
Ante Mazalin
Edited by
Andrew Latham
Summary:
Down payment assistance in Massachusetts is money from state agencies, nonprofits, and city governments that helps eligible homebuyers cover down payment and closing costs when purchasing a home.
Massachusetts programs range from statewide deferred loans through MassHousing to the ONE+ program, which provides up to $50,000 for residents of 29 cities.
- MassHousing DPA: Up to $25,000 at 0% with no payments until sale, refinance, or payoff for rate locks through July 31, 2026. The standard program provides up to $30,000 paired with a MassHousing first mortgage.
- ONE Mortgage (MHP): A 30-year fixed-rate loan at a below-market rate with no private mortgage insurance and 3% down, open to first-time buyers with income under the program limits, which vary by community.
- ONE+ (MHP): Up to $50,000 in combined down payment and closing cost assistance for current residents of 29 eligible Massachusetts communities, layered on top of the ONE Mortgage structure.
- Boston First-Time Homebuyer Program: 3% of the purchase price (up to $50,000 plus closing costs) for households below 100% AMI purchasing in Boston, administered through the Boston Home Center.
Massachusetts home prices rank among the highest in the country, and the gap between monthly affordability and upfront closing costs stops many buyers well before they can get to the table. The state’s programs are unusually well-funded, with several options that go far beyond the typical $5,000–$10,000 assistance found in other markets.
The programs below are organized by scope: statewide programs first, then city-level options in Boston and Worcester where buyers can access larger or layered awards.
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Statewide Massachusetts Down Payment Assistance Programs
Two state agencies run Massachusetts’s primary homebuyer assistance programs: MassHousing, a quasi-public authority, and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP). Both require pairing with a designated first mortgage product and completing a homebuyer education course. Visit masshousing.com or mhp.net to find a participating lender.
| Program | Max Assistance | Who Qualifies | Repayment |
|---|---|---|---|
| MassHousing DPA (temp offer, locks through 7/31/2026) | $25,000 | First-time buyers; income up to 135% AMI; must pair with MassHousing first mortgage | 0% deferred; due on sale, refinance, or payoff |
| MassHousing DPA (standard) | Up to $30,000 | Income-eligible first-time buyers; income and purchase price limits apply by area | Deferred loan; due on sale, refinance, or payoff |
| ONE Mortgage (MHP) | N/A (below-market rate loan; no separate DPA) | First-time buyers with income under community-specific limits; 640+ credit (single-family/condo); $100K asset limit | Standard 30-year fixed; no PMI |
| ONE+ (MHP) | Up to $50,000 DPA + closing costs | Current residents of 29 eligible communities; same ONE income and credit requirements | DPA terms set by MHP; same ONE first mortgage structure |
MassHousing Down Payment Assistance
MassHousing’s DPA program currently has two tracks running simultaneously, and which one you access depends on when your rate locks.
For rate locks between April 27 and July 31, 2026, MassHousing is offering $25,000 at 0% interest with no monthly payments. The balance is due only when you sell the home, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage. Income eligibility reaches up to 135% of area median income, which is notably higher than typical DPA programs. This offer is available for 1-4 unit properties, condominiums, and PUDs statewide and must be paired with a MassHousing first mortgage.
MassHousing also continues to offer up to $30,000 in DPA for buyers who meet certain lower income thresholds. When the temporary offer ends, buyers above those lower income limits revert to the standard amortizing $25,000 product at a 2–3% interest rate with monthly payments.
MassHousing has scheduled the amortizing products to reactivate on August 3, 2026. Your income relative to area median income determines which product you qualify for. The DPA can be applied toward the down payment, closing costs, a permanent interest rate buydown, or upfront mortgage insurance premiums. Visit masshousing.com or call 617-854-1000 to confirm which product applies to your income and lock timeline.
ONE Mortgage
ONE Mortgage is a 30-year fixed-rate loan from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership with a below-market interest rate and no private mortgage insurance requirement. For most buyers, eliminating PMI alone saves hundreds of dollars per month compared to a conventional loan at the same rate.
To qualify, you must be a first-time buyer (no ownership in the past three years), have a household income under the program limits for your community, hold less than $100,000 in assets, and meet a minimum credit score of 640 for a single-family home or condo (660 for a 2-3 family property).
Down payment is 3% for condos, single-family homes, and two-family properties, with at least 1.5% coming from your own savings. Three-family properties require 5% down with at least 3% from your own savings. Completion of a MHP-approved homebuyer education class is required.
ONE Mortgage is available through participating lenders across Massachusetts. Visit mhp.net/one-mortgage to find a lender in your area.
ONE+
ONE+ is an expanded version of ONE Mortgage that adds up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for buyers who currently live in one of 29 eligible communities. MHP launched the program in November 2024 in partnership with local governments and community lenders to address the acute affordability gap in Massachusetts’s Gateway Cities and select additional communities.
The 29 eligible communities are: Attleboro, Barnstable, Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Framingham, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Methuen, New Bedford, Peabody, Pittsfield, Quincy, Randolph, Revere, Salem, Springfield, Taunton, Westfield, and Worcester.
If you currently rent or own in any of these communities, you carry the ONE+ eligibility requirement with you. The same income, credit, asset, and education requirements from ONE Mortgage apply. Visit mhp.net/one-mortgage/programs-2/one-plus for current income limits by community and participating lender details.
Down Payment Assistance in Boston
Boston buyers have access to two overlapping programs: ONE+Boston, which combines the MHP ONE Mortgage structure with City of Boston DPA, and the Boston First-Time Homebuyer Program, which offers a percentage-of-price grant through the Boston Home Center. Both programs require purchasing in Boston and completing a homebuyer education class.
ONE+Boston
ONE+Boston is a joint program between MHP and the City of Boston that pairs ONE Mortgage financing with Boston-specific down payment assistance. To qualify, you must currently live in Boston and purchase a home in Boston.
Income limits for ONE+Boston are higher than the standard ONE+ program, reflecting Boston’s elevated cost of living. Current limits are $120,000 for a 1-person household, $137,150 for 2 people, $154,300 for 3 people, and $171,400 for a 4-person household.
The same ONE requirements apply: first-time buyer, under $100,000 in assets, 640+ credit score for single-family or condo, homebuyer class required. Contact a participating ONE+ lender or visit mhp.net/one-mortgage/programs-2/one-plus-boston for current award amounts and lender referrals.
Boston First-Time Homebuyer Program
The Boston Home Center administers the city’s standalone First-Time Homebuyer Program, which provides a down payment grant calculated as a percentage of the purchase price rather than a fixed dollar amount.
Households with income below 100% of area median income receive 3% of the purchase price, up to $50,000, plus closing cost assistance. Households with income between 101% and 135% AMI receive 2% of the purchase price, up to $35,000.
Additional eligibility rules: you must not have owned a home in the past three years, your total household assets must be under $100,000, the property must be a 1-3 family home or condo in Boston, and you must use it as your primary residence.
he program runs through participating lenders only. The first mortgage must adhere to Fannie Mae general loan limits. Jumbo loans do not qualify. You must complete a Homebuying 101 class before applying.
Contact the Boston Home Center at 26 Court Street, Boston MA 02108, call 617-635-4663, or email homecenter@boston.gov. The program page at boston.gov was last updated January 23, 2026.
Pro Tip: Boston buyers may be able to combine ONE+Boston with the Boston First-Time Homebuyer Program, since they are administered through different agencies. Ask a participating ONE+ lender and the Boston Home Center to confirm whether both sources can apply to the same transaction before you go under contract. Combined awards could significantly reduce or eliminate your down payment requirement.
Down Payment Assistance in Worcester
Worcester is one of the 29 communities eligible for ONE+, which means current Worcester residents can access up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through MHP’s program without a separate city application. This is the clearest path to DPA for most Worcester buyers.
The City of Worcester also administers a Community Development Block Grant housing program with its own DPA guidelines. Funding availability, award amounts, and income limits change year to year based on the city’s CDBG allocation. Contact the Worcester Division of Housing and Neighborhood Development directly at 508-799-1400 or visit worcesterma.gov to ask about any current city-funded DPA before assuming ONE+ is your only option.
How to Apply for Massachusetts Down Payment Assistance
How to Apply for Massachusetts Down Payment Assistance
Massachusetts DPA programs share a common path. Complete these steps before making an offer on a home.
- Complete a homebuyer education course. Every Massachusetts DPA program requires it. MHP accepts courses from approved providers; MassHousing requires a HUD-approved course. Budget approximately $75 for a course through a provider such as Framework.
- Check your community for ONE+ eligibility. If you currently live in any of the 29 eligible communities, confirm ONE+ availability before exploring MassHousing. The DPA amount under ONE+ ($50,000) can substantially exceed MassHousing’s standard offer.
- Find a participating lender. Both MassHousing and ONE programs require a designated participating lender. Use the lender locators at masshousing.com or mhp.net to find lenders who are approved for the specific program you want.
- Confirm MassHousing DPA lock terms before applying. The $25,000 at 0% offer is available for rate locks through July 31, 2026 only. If your timeline extends past that date, ask your lender to model both the temporary and standard product so you know what to expect.
- Apply through the Boston Home Center if purchasing in Boston. If you’re buying in Boston and not using ONE+Boston, submit a separate application to the Boston Home Center. Have your purchase contract, income documents, and education certificate ready. Call 617-635-4663 to confirm current funding availability before applying.
- Coordinate closing across all sources. When stacking programs, all second mortgages close simultaneously with your first mortgage. Your participating lender manages the timeline and coordinates with each program administrator.
Other Ways to Lower Your Down Payment in Massachusetts
If your income exceeds program limits or ONE+ funding has been committed in your community, a few other options are worth knowing about.
FHA loans require just 3.5% down for buyers with a credit score of 580 or above, though most lenders in Massachusetts apply a 620 minimum in practice. Conventional loans through Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible allow 3% down for buyers at or below 80% AMI and can be paired with some DPA sources.
VA loans for eligible veterans and active-duty service members require no down payment, and Massachusetts’s veteran-specific DPA resources can layer additional assistance on top in some cases.
Massachusetts also has a first-generation buyer pilot and various local trust fund programs that open sporadically with city CDBG allocations. Check the full state-by-state DPA comparison if you’re weighing Massachusetts against other markets.
Jubilee
Jubilee is a leasehold homeownership company that separates the cost of the land from the cost of the home. You buy the dwelling and lease the land beneath it, which reduces the purchase price and, by extension, the down payment you need to bring to closing.
Key facts:
- The purchase price is lower than a comparable fee-simple property because you are not buying the land outright, reducing your mortgage size and upfront costs.
- Monthly costs include a land lease fee in addition to your mortgage payment. Factor both into your affordability calculation before committing.
- You build equity in the structure as it appreciates, but resale terms are governed by the leasehold agreement.
- In high-cost Massachusetts markets like Boston and Cambridge, the purchase price reduction from a leasehold structure can exceed what any grant program provides.
Read the full trade-offs of leasehold homeownership before committing. The model works well for the right buyer but is not a fit for everyone.
Key takeaways
- MassHousing DPA is offering $25,000 at 0% deferred for rate locks through July 31, 2026. No monthly payments are required; the balance is due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the loan. The standard program provides up to $30,000.
- ONE Mortgage from MHP eliminates private mortgage insurance and requires only 3% down for first-time buyers who meet community-specific income limits. The minimum credit score is 640 for single-family homes and condos.
- ONE+ adds up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for current residents of 29 eligible communities, including Boston, Worcester, Lowell, Brockton, and 25 other Gateway Cities and select municipalities.
- Boston buyers have access to two city programs: ONE+Boston (income limits up to $171,400 for a 4-person household) and the Boston First-Time Homebuyer Program (3% of purchase price, up to $50,000 plus closing costs, for households below 100% AMI).
- Worcester residents should start with ONE+, then contact the city’s Division of Housing and Neighborhood Development at 508-799-1400 to ask about current CDBG DPA funding.
- All Massachusetts DPA programs require completion of a homebuyer education course before closing. Budget approximately $75 for an approved course through a provider such as Framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for MassHousing down payment assistance?
For the temporary $25,000 offer available for rate locks through July 31, 2026, the income limit is 135% of area median income. The standard MassHousing DPA has income and purchase price limits that vary by county and household size. Contact a participating MassHousing lender or visit masshousing.com to confirm the exact limit for your area and household size.
Does Massachusetts down payment assistance have to be repaid?
Yes. MassHousing DPA is a deferred loan, not a grant. No payments are required while you live in the home, but the balance is due when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage. ONE+ DPA terms are set by MHP and vary by community. Ask your participating lender for the full repayment terms before closing.
Can I use ONE Mortgage with down payment assistance?
Yes. If you live in one of the 29 eligible communities, ONE+ layers up to $50,000 in DPA directly on top of the ONE Mortgage first mortgage. ONE itself does not include a DPA component. It is a favorable first mortgage product. The DPA comes from ONE+, which requires current residency in an eligible community.
Who qualifies for ONE+Boston?
You must currently live in Boston and plan to purchase a home in Boston. Income limits reach $171,400 for a 4-person household. The same ONE Mortgage requirements apply: first-time buyer, under $100,000 in assets, 640+ credit score for a single-family home or condo, and completion of an approved homebuyer education class. Contact a participating ONE+ lender for current award amounts and availability.
Is the $25,000 MassHousing offer available everywhere in Massachusetts?
Yes. The temporary $25,000 at 0% deferred offer is available statewide for eligible 1-4 unit properties, condominiums, and PUDs, provided your rate locks between April 27 and July 31, 2026. It must be paired with a MassHousing first mortgage. Contact a MassHousing participating lender as early as possible. This offer ends July 31, 2026.
Can I stack MassHousing DPA with the Boston First-Time Homebuyer Program?
MassHousing DPA requires pairing with a MassHousing first mortgage, while the Boston program runs through designated participating lenders. Whether both can apply to the same transaction depends on lender approval and program rules. Ask the Boston Home Center (617-635-4663) and a MassHousing participating lender whether the combination is permitted before going under contract.
Ready to find the right mortgage to pair with your Massachusetts down payment assistance? Compare mortgage lenders on SuperMoney to see current rates from multiple lenders side by side.
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