MassHousing provides a variety of down payment assistance programs, each tailored with specific terms, requirements, and income guidelines. Our experienced team will guide you through the options available and help determine the best fit for your financial goals. MHFA  is a great option for first-time home buyers, as MHFA income limits are among the highest of all first-time buyer programs in Massachusetts.

For qualified income-eligible first-time homebuyers who purchase a home in Massachusetts:

• Down payment assistance is paired with a specific mortgage loan product for which the borrower must be eligible
  • MassHousing provides down payment assistance in the form of a second mortgage loan
  • For qualified income-eligible first-time homebuyers who purchase a home in Massachusetts
  • Available for a single-family home, condominium, or 2-, 3- or 4-family unit property
  • Pair down payment assistance with an affordable MassHousing Mortgage loan to purchase your home
• Option 1: Down Payment Assistance $30,000
  • Down payment assistance is in the form of a 0% interest rate, deferred payment second mortgage loan, and is due upon sale or refinance of the property
  • Must meet household income limits
• Option 2: Down Payment Assistance $25,000
  • Down payment assistance is in the form of a 2% interest rate, fully amortized 15-year fixed rate¹ and is due upon sale or refinance of the property
  • Income limit up to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
• Option 3: Down Payment Assistance $25,000
  • Down payment assistance is in the form of a 3% interest rate, fully amortized 15-year fixed rate² and is due upon sale or refinance of the property
  • Income limit up to 135% of Area Median Income (AMI)
• Other MHFA features:
  • MIPlus ^TM  helps pay your mortgage if you lose your job
    • Available at no additional cost to eligible borrowers on loans insured by MassHousing
    • Should you lose your job, MIPlus will pay your monthly principal and interest payments up to $4,000 per month for up to six months³
    • This unique benefit is offered on all loans insured by MassHousing, at no additional cost to the borrower
    • It helps borrowers get back on their feet when faced with unemployment
  • Gain confidence, security and peace of mind knowing that losing a job won't mean losing a home

To learn more the MassHousing Finance Agency Programs, contact one of our local lenders listed below.

¹Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 2% is as of 3/12/2026 for the life of the loan and is based on a primary residence property. All rates are subject to change without notice. Subject to credit approval. Payment amount example: A DPA loan in the amount of $25,000 would have 180 monthly payments of $160.88. The interest on the portion of the credit extension that is greater than the fair market value of the dwelling is not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes, and the consumer should consult a tax adviser for further information regarding the deductibility of interest and charges.

²Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 3% is as of  3/12/2026 for the life of the loan and is based on a primary residence property. All rates are subject to change without notice. Subject to credit approval. Payment amount example: A DPA loan in the amount of $25,000 would have 180 monthly payments of $172.62. The interest on the portion of the credit extension that is greater than the fair market value of the dwelling is not tax deductible for federal income tax purpose, and the consumer should consult a tax adviser for further information regarding the deductibility of interest and charges.

³ The amount of benefit paid will depend on the date the borrower applied for the mortgage loan, the number of borrowers listed on the loan, and the share of the unemployed borrower’s income used to apply for the mortgage. Eligible borrowers are those who are unemployed, defined as the receipt of unemployment benefits from the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Terms and conditions apply.