What down payment assistance does Maryland offer?
| Program | Amount | Type | Min. credit | First-time only? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore City Employee Homeownership Program | $5,000 or $10,000 | Forgivable loan | Not stated | See program |
| Buying Into Baltimore | $5,000 | Forgivable loan | Not stated | See program |
| First-Time Homebuyers Incentive Program (FTHIP) | not stated | Forgivable loan | Not stated | Yes |
| Live Near Your Work | $2,000-$5,000+ total, depending on employer (City match $1,000-$2,500) | Grant (no repayment) | Not stated | See program |
| MMP 1st Time Advantage 6000 | $6,000 loan for down payment and closing costs | Deferred-payment loan | Not stated | Yes |
| MMP HomeStart | 0% interest, 30-year deferred loan equal to 6% of the MMP first-lien loan amount | Deferred-payment loan | Not stated | Yes |
| Vacants to Value Booster | $10,000 | Forgivable loan | Not stated | See program |
How do I apply for Maryland down payment assistance?
- Find a participating lender approved by Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD).
- Get pre-approved for the agency's first mortgage and confirm you meet income and price limits.
- Complete the required homebuyer education course.
- Your lender reserves the assistance when you go under contract.
Cities in Maryland
Other states with verified programs
Frequently asked questions
Baltimore City Employee Homeownership Program: $5,000 or $10,000; Buying Into Baltimore: $5,000; First-Time Homebuyers Incentive Program (FTHIP): not stated; Live Near Your Work: $2,000-$5,000+ total, depending on employer (City match $1,000-$2,500); MMP 1st Time Advantage 6000: $6,000 loan for down payment and closing costs; MMP HomeStart: 0% interest, 30-year deferred loan equal to 6% of the MMP first-lien loan amount; Vacants to Value Booster: $10,000.
Most verified programs here target first-time buyers or have eligibility exceptions; check each program's official page.
The agency sets credit requirements with its participating lenders; most require at least a 620–640 score.
Sources
- Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) — Vacants to Value Booster (verified October 25, 2026)
- Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development — MMP HomeStart (verified October 23, 2026)
Data last updated October 25, 2026.
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Get My MatchesFigures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.