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Massachusetts First-Time Homebuyer Programs: Boston Buyer Guide

First-time buyers purchasing in Boston can draw on three main sources of help: the City of Boston's First-Time Homebuyer Program (up to 3% of the price plus eligible closing costs, capped at $50,000, for households under 100% of area median income), MassHousing's down payment assistance loan paired with a MassHousing mortgage, and the ONE+Boston mortgage. Each requires a homebuyer education class, and terms change often, so buyers should confirm current figures with the program and a participating lender before making offers.

What first-time homebuyer programs are available in Boston?

The three main sources are the City of Boston First-Time Homebuyer Program, MassHousing down payment assistance and the ONE+Boston mortgage. Massachusetts and the City of Boston both fund programs for first-time buyers, and several changed during 2026. MassHousing's temporary 0% assistance option, launched in April 2026, closed to new loans in July 2026, and the City of Boston changed how it pays assistance to buyers who do not already live in Boston. This guide reflects the program pages as of November 2026. For the full picture of what you'll owe at the closing table, see closing costs for Boston buyers. Before your first tour, see what to know about the buyer representation agreement in Massachusetts.

Key Takeaways

  • The City of Boston program offers up to 3% of the price plus eligible closing costs, capped at $50,000, under 100% of area median income, and up to 2%, capped at $35,000, from 101% to 135%.
  • Boston residents receive the City assistance as a grant; buyers who don't live in Boston receive a 0% deferred loan, secured by a mortgage since September 15, 2026.
  • MassHousing's temporary 0% option closed to new loans in July 2026, and since July 6, 2026 it has offered $25,000 as a 15-year loan at 2% or 3%.
  • For the City's programs, a first-time buyer is someone who has not owned a home in the past three years.
  • The City program, MassHousing's assistance and the ONE+ mortgages all require an approved homebuyer education class before closing.

Who counts as a first-time buyer?

For the City of Boston's programs, a first-time buyer is someone who has not owned a home in the past three years. So a buyer who sold a home in 2022 and has rented since may qualify. Some programs are stricter: MAHA's STASH savings program, for example, is limited to first-generation buyers. Check each program's own definition.

How does the City of Boston First-Time Homebuyer Program work?

It provides down payment and closing cost help through the Boston Home Center. The Boston Home Center runs the City's down payment and closing cost assistance. As of its October 2026 program page:

  • Households under 100% of area median income: up to 3% of the purchase price plus eligible closing costs, capped at $50,000.
  • Households from 101% to 135% of area median income: up to 2% plus eligible closing costs, capped at $35,000.
  • Boston residents receive the assistance as a grant. Buyers who don't live in Boston receive it as a 0% deferred loan, repaid when the home is sold, refinanced, or transferred; since September 15, 2026, that loan is secured by a mortgage.
  • Requirements: household assets under $100,000, the CHAPA-approved Homebuying 101 class, and pre-approval from a participating lender.
  • Eligible homes: a one- to three-family home or condominium in Boston that the buyer will live in, including homes in Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Hyde Park, Dorchester, and Roxbury.

How does MassHousing down payment assistance work?

MassHousing's assistance is a second loan paired with a MassHousing first mortgage. In April 2026 MassHousing introduced a temporary $25,000 option at 0% interest with deferred repayment for buyers earning up to 135% of area median income. Demand was high, and MassHousing ended it early: loans had to be locked by July 2, 2026. Since July 6, 2026, MassHousing has again offered $25,000 of assistance as a 15-year loan at 2% or 3%. MassHousing's consumer page also lists a 0% deferred option of up to $30,000; buyers should ask a MassHousing lender which options are open and who qualifies.

What are the ONE+ and ONE+Boston mortgages?

They are discounted fixed-rate mortgages with down payment and closing cost help. The Massachusetts Housing Partnership's ONE Mortgage programs offer a discounted fixed rate with no private mortgage insurance, and they require a homebuyer education class. ONE+, launched in November 2024 with The Boston Foundation, covers 29 communities including Boston and adds down payment and closing cost help. ONE+Boston adds a City-funded rate discount and extra down payment and closing cost help for current Boston residents buying their first home in Boston. Rates, income limits, and amounts are set by the program and the participating lender, so ask the lender for current terms.

Can Programs Be Combined?

Some buyers use more than one program, but whether two programs can be combined, and in what order, depends on each program's rules and on the lender. Ask the lender and the Boston Home Center before making offers, since the answer shapes how much cash the purchase needs.

Which homebuyer programs are paused or closed in 2026?

Three programs are paused or not taking new applications. - MAHA STASH (matched savings for first-generation buyers, up to $10,000 in Boston) is paused for the rest of 2026, with the next group starting in February 2027.

  • Boston Housing Authority First Home, for BHA residents and Section 8 participants, ended 2026 enrollment and is expected to reopen in March 2027.
  • MassDREAMS grants are not accepting new applications.

Do you need a homebuyer education class?

Yes, for the main programs. The City of Boston program, MassHousing's assistance, and the ONE+ mortgages all require an approved homebuyer education class before closing. The classes cover budgeting, mortgages, and the Massachusetts offer-to-closing process. Taking one early, before the search starts, keeps it from holding up a purchase.

What can down payment assistance do, and what can't it do?

Down payment assistance lowers the cash needed to close. It doesn't lower the price of the home. For a sense of prices: from September 2025 through August 2026, the median condominium sale price was $550,000 in Hyde Park, $583,750 in Dorchester, $600,000 in Roxbury, and $610,000 in Roslindale, according to MLS PIN data. On a $550,000 condo, 3% of the price is $16,500, which is the most the City program would provide toward the down payment for a household under 100% of area median income, plus eligible closing costs, up to the $50,000 cap.

FAQ

Does income limit which first-time homebuyer programs a buyer can use?

Yes. Each program sets income limits tied to area median income. The City of Boston program serves households up to 135% of area median income, with more assistance under 100%. MassHousing's assistance has its own limits, and the ONE+ mortgages have theirs. A buyer over one program's limit may still qualify for another.

Can a buyer combine MassHousing assistance with the City of Boston program?

It depends on each program's current rules and the lender. Ask the lender and the Boston Home Center before making offers.

Is the City of Boston assistance a grant or a loan?

For Boston residents, it is a grant. For buyers who don't live in Boston, it is a 0% deferred loan repaid on sale, refinance, or transfer, and since September 15, 2026 it is secured by a mortgage.

Is MassHousing's 0% down payment assistance still available?

The temporary 0% option introduced in April 2026 closed to new loans in July 2026. MassHousing currently offers a $25,000, 15-year loan at 2% or 3%, and its consumer page lists a 0% deferred option. Confirm current options with a MassHousing lender.

What property types qualify for the City of Boston First-Time Homebuyer Program?

One- to three-family homes and condominiums in Boston that the buyer will live in as a primary residence.

The bottom line: Boston first-time buyers can look to the City program, MassHousing assistance and ONE+Boston for help with upfront cash, but terms change often, so confirm current terms with each program and a participating lender before making offers.

Sources

Have questions? Let's connect.

About Juan Murray

Juan Murray is a Boston broker associate with more than 30 years of experience helping buyers, sellers, and investors across Greater Boston, personally leading every transaction from the first conversation through closing.

RE/MAX Real Estate Center · (978) 581-0801

Equal Housing Opportunity. Juan Murray is licensed as a Broker in Massachusetts, regulated by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons. This article is general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Confirm your specific costs and obligations with your closing agent, tax advisor, or lender.

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