Down payment assistance, grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits available to Maryland buyers. Each program below is verified, with eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and a direct link to the official agency.
Last reviewed September 2026·7 programs·6 federal programs
Down payment assistance as a 0% interest deferred second (repayable, not forgiven), repaid when you sell or refinance. Product lineup: 1st Time Advantage Direct (best rate, no DPA), 6000 ($6,000 DPA), and 3%/4%/5% Loans (DPA as a percentage of the first mortgage).
Income limit
Income limits vary by county
Minimum credit score640
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Must be first-time buyer. Homebuyer education required. (Repeat buyers: see the parallel Flex product line.)
Administered by Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (Maryland Mortgage Program)
5% of the total first mortgage amount, plus a first-mortgage rate 0.5 percentage point below standard MMP rates
MMP 1st Time Advantage product: competitive 30-year fixed first mortgage at a rate half a point below standard MMP pricing, paired with a 0% interest, 30-year deferred second loan equal to 5% of the first mortgage for down payment and closing costs; no payments until sale, refinance or transfer.
Income limit
Standard MMP income and purchase price limits by county apply
First-time buyer requiredYes
Profession-specificFirefighters (incl. volunteer with 12+ months documented service), EMTs, paramedics, police officers, rescue squad members, 9-1-1 specialists, sworn State Fire Marshal members; full-time state-certified pre-K-12 classroom teachers and school counselors in accredited schools
Special requirements: Employment verification required; approved homebuyer education class; standard MMP eligibility (credit score, income and purchase price limits)
View official program page
Contact an approved Maryland Mortgage Program lender for pre-qualificationVerified September 2026
HomeAbility
Administered by Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (Maryland Mortgage Program)
Up to 25% of the purchase price, maximum $45,000
Conventional MMP first mortgage plus a 0% interest deferred second loan of up to 25% of the purchase price (max $45,000) for down payment and closing costs; no monthly payments while the borrower occupies the home.
Income limit
Combined qualifying income at or below 80% of Area Median Income
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Borrower or co-borrower must have a documented disability, or be the guardian and primary caregiver of an immediate family member with a disability living in the home; standard MMP eligibility and homebuyer education apply
Administered by Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (Maryland Mortgage Program)
5% of the total first mortgage amount
30-year fixed MMP first mortgage plus a 0% interest, 30-year deferred second lien equal to 5% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs, repayable only on sale, refinance or transfer; any excess over down payment/closing costs is applied to the first mortgage.
Income limit
Standard MMP income and purchase price limits apply
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Only homes on the UPLIFT Property List (renovated/new homes in historically redlined neighborhoods, low-income census tracts or Sustainable Communities) are eligible; homebuyer education within 12 months before closing; cannot be combined with other MMP DPA products or Partner Match
View official program page
Contact an approved MMP lender; eligible homes are listed at mmp.maryland.gov/MMP-UPLIFTVerified September 2026
Partner Match
Administered by Maryland Department of Housing
Up to $2,500 match
Maryland matches employer, builder, or community partner assistance dollar-for-dollar up to $2,500, as a 0% deferred loan. Only available with the 1st Time Advantage 6000 or Flex 6000 products.
Income limit
Income limits apply
Minimum credit score640
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Must have qualifying partner assistance to match.
3% minimum down payment with no minimum borrower contribution; income at or below 80% AMI (2026 AMIs effective June 13, 2026); reduced, cancellable mortgage insurance; $2,500 credit for very low-income first-time buyers on loans purchased through February 28, 2027.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?
Most Maryland programs require first-time buyer status, but the definition is broader than most people think — the IRS considers you a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a primary residence in the last three years. Each program above lists its specific rules.
What credit score do I need?
Minimum credit scores vary by program. Most Maryland programs require 620 to 660, though some lower-tier products accept lower scores with manual underwriting. Check each program's eligibility section above.
How do I actually apply?
Most state programs aren't applied to directly — you go through a participating lender, who handles the program application as part of your mortgage. Each program above links to the official agency page with the current list of approved lenders.
Can I combine multiple programs?
Often yes — many states allow you to stack a state down-payment grant with a federal FHA or VA loan. Some programs explicitly forbid combining; check each program's "special requirements" above.
Do these programs cost anything?
The programs themselves are free to apply for. Some require completing a homebuyer education course (typically $50–$100, sometimes free). Forgivable second mortgages technically don't cost you unless you sell or refinance early — read the terms carefully.
