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 July 2026·4 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.)
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.
Low down payment mortgage with reduced mortgage insurance. Allows income from non-borrower household members. A $2,500 credit for very-low-income borrowers (50% AMI or less) is available through early 2027 when at least one borrower is a first-time buyer.
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.
