Down payment assistance, grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits available to Massachusetts buyers. Each program below is verified, with eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and a direct link to the official agency.
Last reviewed September 2026·5 programs·6 federal programs
WFA 4.0: conventional (FNMA HFA Preferred / FHLMC HFA Advantage) or FHA first mortgage with no LLPAs and MassHousing-paid single-premium MI on conventional loans, paired with a required fixed $30,000 0% deferred second mortgage (DPA product 4005, due on sale, refinance or payoff of the first mortgage). First-time homebuyers only; 640 minimum credit; homebuyer education with a MassHousing-approved agency required.
Income limit
WFA 4.0 total household income limits by city/town and household size, effective June 15, 2026 (e.g., Boston/Chelsea/Revere 1-person $72,000, 4-person $102,840, 8-person $135,780; Springfield/Holyoke 1-person $55,200, 4-person $78,900). Roughly the 60% AMI tier of MassHousing DPA.
Minimum credit score640
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Income-targeted program; confirm current eligibility with a MassHousing-approved lender.
Administered by City of Boston Mayor's Office of Housing - Boston Home Center
3% of purchase price up to $50,000 (income up to 100% AMI) or 2% up to $35,000 (101-135% AMI), plus closing costs
Down payment and closing cost assistance for income-eligible first-time buyers purchasing a 1-3 family home or condo in Boston as a primary residence. Buyers under 100% AMI receive 3% of the purchase price (max $50,000) plus closing costs if applicable; buyers at 101-135% AMI receive 2% (max $35,000); deed-restricted properties receive 2%. Assistance to Boston residents is a grant; effective September 15, 2026 assistance to non-Boston residents is structured as a 0% interest deferred loan secured by a mortgage and promissory note.
Income limit
Household income below 135% of Area Median Income; assistance tier depends on whether income is at or below 100% AMI. Dollar limits published by the Boston Home Center.
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Complete a CHAPA-approved Homebuying 101 course; obtain a mortgage pre-approval from a participating lender (Fannie Mae-compliant loan); household assets under $100,000; property must be in Boston and owner-occupied.
View official program page
Complete the homebuyer course, get pre-approved with a participating lender, then submit the online application with required documents at housing.boston.gov...Verified September 2026
Operation Welcome Home
Administered by MassHousing
$2,500 closing cost credit
$2,500 closing cost credit for National Guard, Reserves, active-duty military, veterans and Gold Star Families using a MassHousing mortgage; can be combined with MassHousing DPA. MassHousing's consumer pages now label it 'Closing Cost Credit for Veterans' rather than 'Operation Welcome Home'.
Income limit
No income limits for military
First-time buyer requiredYes
EligibilityVeterans only
Special requirements: Must be veteran, active duty, or surviving spouse.
Second mortgage paired with a MassHousing first mortgage, available statewide to first-time buyers. Three products: $30,000 0% deferred (due on sale/refinance/payoff, WFA 4.0 income limits), or $25,000 at 2% or 3% fully amortized over 15 years depending on AMI tier. The temporary expanded 0% deferred $25,000 product (code 4007, for buyers up to 135% AMI) stopped accepting rate locks after July 2, 2026.
Income limit
Tiered by AMI: households up to 60% AMI (WFA tier) get a fixed $30,000 at 0% deferred; up to 80% AMI a fixed $25,000 at 2% amortized over 15 years; 80-135% AMI a fixed $25,000 at 3% amortized over 15 years. 135% AMI limits effective June 15, 2026 range from $130,545 (Hampden County) to $220,320 (Nantucket); Greater Boston counties (Suffolk/Middlesex/Norfolk/Essex/Plymouth) $209,250.
Minimum credit score640
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Must complete homebuyer education. Property must be in Massachusetts.
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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.
