Maine Down Payment Assistance
Maine Down Payment Assistance Programs
A guide to current down payment assistance options in Maine, including the state Housing Finance Agency, well-known city and county programs, and live DPA mortgage pricing for Maine homebuyers.
Maine Housing Finance Agency
Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing)
MaineHousing administers the primary DPA programs for Maine. Program details below are current as of April 23, 2026 - confirm current terms directly with MaineHousing before applying.
Statewide DPA Programs in Maine
First Home Loan Program
MaineHousing
30-year fixed-rate first mortgage with low, fixed interest rate; small or no down payment required with approved mortgage insurance.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Income: MaineHousing household income limits apply; vary by county and household size.
- Homebuyer education required
First-time homebuyer requirement may be waived in targeted areas. Delivered through MaineHousing-approved lenders. Combine with the Advantage option for down payment/closing cost assistance.
Source: www.mainehousing.org
Advantage Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance
MaineHousing
$5,000 toward cash needed at closing. Does not increase the loan amount and is not a second mortgage or rate add-on.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- Primary residence only
- Income: MaineHousing income limits apply.
- Homebuyer education required
Advantage requires a minimum 1% borrower contribution (the cost of the hoMEworks homebuyer education class counts toward the 1%). Compatible with FHA, VA, RD, Mobile Home Self-Insured, and Uninsured First Home Loans. A pricing adjustment applies to the first-mortgage rate.
Source: www.mainehousing.org
Multi-Unit Advantage
MaineHousing
$5,000 per residential unit in owner-occupied 2-4 unit properties toward down payment and closing costs ($8,000 for 2 units, $11,000 for 3 units, $14,000 for 4 units).
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- Primary residence only
- Income: MaineHousing income limits apply.
- Homebuyer education required
Requires both the hoMEworks homebuyer education course and an approved landlord education course. Minimum 1% borrower contribution required.
Source: www.mainehousing.org
Salute ME / Salute Home Again
MaineHousing
0.50% interest rate discount off the First Home Loan program rate for qualifying active-duty service members and veterans.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- Primary residence only
- Income: MaineHousing income limits apply.
- Homebuyer education required
Salute Home Again waives the first-time homebuyer requirement for qualifying veterans. May be combined with Advantage down payment assistance.
Source: www.mainehousing.org
Maine Notes for Homebuyers
- Maine uses the hoMEworks network for HUD-approved homebuyer education; MaineHousing assistance generally requires a hoMEworks-approved class.
- Maine charges a real estate transfer tax (split between buyer and seller by statute); verify current rate with the Maine Revenue Service.
2026 Loan Limits in Maine
Conforming (Conventional)
$806,500 baseline
FHA
$524,225 floor
Most Maine counties use the FHA floor limit.
Live DPA Pricing for Maine
Pricing below is sourced live from hundreds of wholesale lenders for a Maine scenario. Edit the inputs to match your situation.
FHA Down Payment Assistance
Up to 5% assistance; repayable second at first rate + 2% over 10 years
▸Program details
- ✓Minimum credit score: 580
- ✓Non-traditional credit also possible
- ✓Assistance up to 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% of the lesser of purchase price or appraised value
- ✓Assistance can be used for down payment, closing costs, or both
- ✓Second lien: 10-year fixed, repayable
- ✓Second lien rate is 2% higher than the first mortgage rate
- ✓No first-time homebuyer requirement
- ✓No income cap
- ✓Purchase of primary residence only
- ✓Eligible properties: 1-unit residences, PUD, 2-4 units, FHA-approved condos, manufactured (single/double-wide)
- ✓DTI per AUS and FHA manual underwriting guidelines
- ✓First lien: FHA 30-year fixed
Assistance amount
Compare DPA options for Maine with live pricing
Rate Direct pairs down payment assistance with live first-lien pricing so you see the combined monthly payment up front.