Updated 1/21/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.

Connect with a DPA team

How Down Payment Assistance Works

I need to give a quick overview of how down payment assistance works. After that, the programs are listed.

With down payment assistance, you'll run into two different types:

• A grant
• A loan

A Grant

If we meet the qualifications up front, then it's money that does not need to be repaid.

A Loan

If the down payment assistance comes in the form of a loan, then pay attention to the three different types:

• Repayable
• Deferred
• Forgivable

Repayable is just as most imagine. It charges interest over a certain amount of time, with monthly payments until it's paid off.

Deferred loans usually don't require a monthly payment, and typically don't charge interest. It's due in full when you refinance, sell the home, or when it ceases to be your primary residence.

Forgivable loans will disappear if you meet the criteria, which usually comes down to keeping the home as your primary residence for a specific amount of time.

Okay with that, here are the programs!

Maryland

Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) Down Payment Assistance

• What It Offers: Provides up to $6,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
• Who Qualifies: First-time homebuyers and repeat buyers purchasing in targeted areas.
• Income Limits: Varies by county and household size.
• Repayment: Structured as a 0% deferred loan, repayable upon sale or refinance.
• Website: https://mmp.maryland.gov/Pages/Programs.aspx

House Keys 4 Employees Program

• What It Offers: Matches up to $2,500 from participating employers for down payment assistance.
• Who Qualifies: Homebuyers working for participating employers.
• Income Limits: Based on Maryland Mortgage Program guidelines.
• Repayment: Forgivable loan after five years if the buyer remains in the home.
• Website: https://livebaltimore.com/resident-resources/financial-incentives/maryland-mortgage-program-house-keys-4-employees/

SmartBuy 3.0 (Student Loan Assistance Program)

• What It Offers: Provides up to 15% of the home’s purchase price (up to $50,000) for student loan repayment.
• Who Qualifies: Buyers with existing student loan debt using an MMP loan.
• Income Limits: Varies by location and family size.
• Repayment: Forgivable after five years if the buyer remains in the home.
• Website: https://mmp.maryland.gov/Pages/SmartBuy/default.aspx

Baltimore City First-Time Homebuyer Programs

• What It Offers: Provides up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
• Who Qualifies: Homebuyers purchasing in Baltimore City who meet income and credit requirements.
• Income Limits: Based on HUD guidelines.
• Repayment: Forgivable after a set period.
• Website: https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/hho/homeownership-incentives

Frederick County

• Assistance: Provides up to $12,000 in down payment/closing cost assistance.
• Eligibility: Income-eligible first-time buyers purchasing within the county.
• More Information: https://frederickcountymd.gov/6375/Homebuyer-Programs

Prince George's County

• What It Offers: Provides up to $10,000 (and occasionally up to $25,000 depending on active funding cycles) in down payment and closing cost assistance.
• Who Qualifies: First-time buyers purchasing in eligible zip codes with a purchase price under the program limit.
• Repayment: 0% interest loan, forgivable over 10 years.
• More Information: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/business/redevelopment-authority/first-time-home-buyer-assistance-programs/pathway-to-purchase

City of Takoma Park

• Assistance: Provides $10,000 in financial assistance to eligible homebuyers.
• Eligibility: First-time buyers earning below the program's income limits.
• More Information: https://takomaparkmd.gov/195/The-Home-Stretch-Down-Payment-Assistance

Howard County Settlement Down Payment Loan Program (SDLP)

• What It Offers: Provides a deferred loan of up to $50,000 (updated for 2024/2025) to assist with down payment and closing costs.
• Who Qualifies: First-time homebuyers meeting income and credit requirements.
• Repayment: Deferred until sale or refinance; interest rates are set below market (often capped at 3%).
• More Information: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/housing-community-development/settlement-downpayment-loan-program

City of Hagerstown

• Assistance: Provides up to $7,500 for down payment and closing costs.
• Eligibility: Buyers purchasing within the corporate city limits.
• More Information: https://www.hagerstownmd.org/1818/Homeownership-Program

City of Gaithersburg

• Assistance: Provides up to $25,000 (for incomes 81-120% AMI) or up to $40,000 (for incomes under 80% AMI) .
• Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within city limits.
• More Information: https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/services/housing-services/homebuyer-assistance-loan-program

City of Frederick

• Assistance: Provides $5,000 total ($2,500 from the City matched by $2,500 from the State) for income-eligible buyers.
• More Information: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/189/Community-Partners-Incentive-Program

Harford County

• Assistance: Provides up to $10,000 (or $20,000 in designated revitalization areas).
• Eligibility: First-time homebuyers meeting income limits.
• More Information: https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/3663/Settlement-Expense-Loan-Program

City of Bowie

• Assistance: Provides $2,000 (often matched by the state for a total of $4,000) to eligible buyers (teachers, police, city employees).
• Eligibility: Must purchase within the City of Bowie limits
• More Information: https://www.cityofbowie.org/948/Home-Buyer-Assistance-Program

City of Laurel

• Assistance: Provides up to $20,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs (newly increased).
• Eligibility: First-time buyers purchasing within city limits.
• More Information: https://www.cityoflaurel.org/1941/First-Time-Homebuyer-Assistance-Program

Montgomery County

• What It Offers: Provides up to $25,000 (or 40% of household income, whichever is less) in down payment assistance.
• Who Qualifies: First-time buyers purchasing in Montgomery County.
• Repayment: 0% deferred loan, repayable upon sale, refinance, or after 30 years.
• Website: https://mmp.maryland.gov/Montgomery/Pages/default.aspx

Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) Purchase Assistance

• What It Offers: Provides a deferred loan of 3% of the purchase price for down payment/closing costs.
• Who Qualifies: Buyers working or living in Montgomery County meeting income limits.
• Website: https://www.hocmc.org/housing-opportunities/homeownership/

Updated 1/21/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.