Median household income: $128,964; value-to-income ratio 5.36. Swampscott ranks 22 by home value and 80 by population among 89 places in our MA dataset.
What does a first-time buyer loan cost on a typical Swampscott home?
| Item | Swampscott |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Census ACS) | $690,800 |
| Massachusetts median home value | $525,800 |
| Down payment (3%) | $20,724 |
| Loan amount | $670,076 |
| Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI) | $5,633 |
| Income needed (28% / 36%) | $242,000 / $188,000 |
| Essex County 2026 conforming limit (1 unit) | $962,550 |
| Max purchase price at the limit | $992,000 |
Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.
Payment includes Massachusetts's 1.11% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $2,134/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and an estimated 0.5% PMI.
What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in Swampscott?
Swampscott is in Essex County. Conventional 3%-down loans go up to the $962,550 conforming limit (price ≈ $992,000); FHA loans go up to $962,550.
The Swampscott median home value of $690,800 is 31% above the Massachusetts median, and within what the county limit supports.
Which down payment assistance programs can Swampscott buyers use?
- MassHousing Down Payment Assistance (Option 1) — Up to $30,000; deferred; state-level. MassHousing · Verified October 23, 2026
- MassHousing Down Payment Assistance (Option 2) — Up to $25,000 at a fixed 2% rate over 15 years; second_mortgage; state-level. MassHousing · Verified October 23, 2026
First-time buyer loans in nearby cities
First-time buyer loan FAQs for Swampscott
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates
- FHFA — 2026 Conforming Loan Limit Values
- Fannie Mae Selling Guide
- NAIC — Homeowners Insurance Report, Data for 2023 (HO-3 average premium)
- Freddie Mac — Primary Mortgage Market Survey
- MassHousing — MassHousing Down Payment Assistance (Option 1)
- MassHousing — MassHousing Down Payment Assistance (Option 2)
Data last updated October 23, 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.