Massachusetts Down Payment Assistance

Massachusetts Down Payment Assistance Programs

A guide to current down payment assistance options in Massachusetts, including the state Housing Finance Agency, well-known city and county programs, and live DPA mortgage pricing for Massachusetts homebuyers.

Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency

Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (MassHousing)

www.masshousing.com/home-ownership/homebuyers

MassHousing administers the primary DPA programs for Massachusetts. Program details below are current as of April 23, 2026 - confirm current terms directly with MassHousing before applying.

Statewide DPA Programs in Massachusetts

MassHousing Down Payment Assistance (DPA)

MassHousing

Deferred loan

Up to $30,000 statewide, or up to $50,000 in 29 designated Gateway/select cities. 0% interest deferred second mortgage, due at sale, refinance, or payoff of the first mortgage.

Paired with: Conventional, FHA

  • First-time homebuyer: Required
  • Primary residence only
  • Income: Household income limits apply by county and household size; see MassHousing income schedule.
  • Homebuyer education required

Must be paired with a MassHousing first mortgage. 1-4 unit homes and condominiums are eligible. Alternative DPA structures (amortizing second mortgages) are also offered.

Source: www.masshousing.com

Workforce Advantage (WFA)

MassHousing

Deferred loan

Up to $30,000 at 0% interest as a second mortgage, usable for down payment, closing costs, or interest-rate buy-down. Pricing incentives available on the first mortgage.

Paired with: Conventional

  • First-time homebuyer: Required
  • Primary residence only
  • Income: Household income at or below 80% of area median income (AMI).
  • Homebuyer education required

Targets lower-income first-time buyers. 1-4 unit homes and condominiums are eligible. Paired with a MassHousing first mortgage.

Source: www.mymasshome.org

MassDREAMS

MassHousing

Grant

Grant funds for down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers in 29 disproportionately-impacted communities (ARPA-funded).

  • First-time homebuyer: Required
  • Primary residence only
  • Income: Buyer must currently reside in one of the 29 designated Gateway/impacted communities; income limits apply.
  • Homebuyer education required

Funding is subject to availability. Confirm current status and open eligible communities with MassHousing before applying.

Source: www.masshousing.com

Major City & County Programs in Massachusetts

ONE+Boston

City of Boston - Boston Home Center / MHP · Boston, MA

Grant

Enhanced down payment and closing cost assistance stacked on the ONE Mortgage: up to 3% of purchase price (max $50,000) for households at or below 100% AMI, and up to 2% (max $35,000) for households 101-135% AMI, plus closing costs.

First-time homebuyers only; pre-purchase homebuyer education required. Paired with the MHP ONE Mortgage first mortgage.

Source: www.boston.gov

Massachusetts Notes for Homebuyers

  • Massachusetts is an attorney-closing state; borrower typically engages an attorney for closing.

2026 Loan Limits in Massachusetts

Conforming (Conventional)

$806,500 baseline

Some Massachusetts counties qualify as high-cost, with limits up to $1,209,750.

FHA

$524,225 floor

Higher-cost Massachusetts counties can reach the FHA ceiling of $1,209,750.

Live DPA Pricing for Massachusetts

Pricing below is sourced live from hundreds of wholesale lenders for a Massachusetts 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

Min FICO 580
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

1st lien: $386,000 at 96.5% LTV (FHA)
2nd lien: $14,000 (10-yr fixed, 1st rate + 2%)
Assistance is due upon transfer, sale, or refinance. Pricing estimate only — final rates, fees, and eligibility are determined by the lender.
Program details on this page are compiled from official Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency and local government sources and were last verified on April 23, 2026. Program availability, funding, eligibility thresholds, and assistance amounts change frequently. Always confirm current terms directly with the administering agency before applying. This page is informational only and is not an offer to lend.

Compare DPA options for Massachusetts with live pricing

Rate Direct pairs down payment assistance with live first-lien pricing so you see the combined monthly payment up front.

DPA Programs in Other States