Updated 1/23/2026

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!

Pennsylvania

Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to 4% of the purchase price or $6,000 (whichever is less) for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: 0% interest loan amortized over 10 years. You must make monthly payments on this loan.

  • Eligibility: First-time and repeat homebuyers using a PHFA first mortgage. Minimum credit score of 660.

  • More Information: PHFA Keystone Advantage Program

Keystone Forgivable In Ten Years Loan (K-FIT) Program

  • Assistance: Provides 5% of the purchase price (with no specific dollar cap) for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Forgivable second loan.
    • 0% interest, no monthly payments.

    • Forgiven at 10% per year over 10 years. Fully forgiven after 10 years.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers (and veterans) with a credit score of 660+. Liquid assets cannot exceed $50,000 post-closing.

  • More Information: PHFA K-FIT Program

PHFA HOMEstead Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Loan

  • Assistance: Provides up to $10,000 in a no-interest downpayment and closing cost assistance loan.

  • Terms: 0% interest loan. It may not be combined with any other PHFA downpayment or closing cost assistance program.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers. The property must meet HUD's Housing Quality Standards, and maximum income and purchase price limits apply depending on the county. The program is not available in every area, so check whether your county participates.

  • More Information: PHFA Assistance Programs

PHFA Access Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $15,000 in a deferred loan.

  • Terms: 0% interest deferred loan. Repayment is required only upon sale, refinance, or transfer of the property. Must be used together with the PHFA Access Home Modification Program.

  • Eligibility: For homebuyers with a disability or those living with a family member who has a disability. Household income cannot exceed 80% of the statewide median family income.

  • More Information: PHFA Access Downpayment Program

PHFA Grant

  • Assistance: Offers a $500 grant to assist with down payment and closing costs when obtaining the HFA Preferred™(Lo MI) loan.

  • Terms: No repayment required; must be used toward the purchase of the home.

  • More Information: PHFA Grant Program

City of Philadelphia Philly First Home Program

  • Assistance: Provides a grant of up to $10,000 (or 6% of the purchase price, whichever is less).

  • Terms: Forgivable loan. It is forgiven if you own and occupy the home for 15 years. If you sell before then, you must repay the grant.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers (or those who haven't owned in 3 years) purchasing within Philadelphia. Income limits apply (approx. $107,500 for a family of 3).

  • More Information: Philly First Home Program

City of Pittsburgh Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program (DPCCAP)

  • Low Income (<80% AMI): Up to $7,500.

  • Moderate Income (80-115% AMI): Up to $5,000.

  • Terms: 0% interest deferred loan. No payments required during the loan term as long as residency requirements are met — 5-year deferral for the low-income tier, 10-year deferral for the moderate-income tier. A closing fee of 2% of the loan amount is due at closing.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing an existing or newly constructed home within the City of Pittsburgh (not county-wide). Household income cannot exceed 115% of AMI, you must live in the home as your primary residence and be on the deed, you cannot hold more than $20,000 in liquid assets after closing, and HUD-approved homebuyer education is required.

  • More Information: Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh

Delaware County Homeownership First Program

Montgomery County First-Time Homebuyer Program

Dauphin County First Time Homebuyer Program

Chester County First Time Home Buyer Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $40,000 for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Deferred 0% interest loan. Repaid when the home is sold, transferred, or refinanced.

  • Eligibility: Administered by the Housing Partnership of Chester County. Must be a first-time buyer with income at or below 80% AMI.

  • More Information: Housing Partnership of Chester County

Updated 1/23/2026

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.