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