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First-Time Buyer loans in Pennsylvania

Quick answer

First-time buyers in Pennsylvania can use FHA (3.5% down), conventional 97 (3% down), VA or USDA loans, plus programs from Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). On a $240,500 home, 3% down is about $7,215.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsLast updated

First-Time Buyer loan snapshot for Pennsylvania

ItemEstimate
Minimum down payment0%–3.5%
Minimum credit score580–620
Typical PA home value$240,500
3.5% down on typical home$8,418
20% down on typical home$48,100
Avg. effective property tax1.35%/yr (~$270/mo)
Income for typical home (31% rule)$79,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Which Pennsylvania programs pair with First-Time Buyer loans?

  • Keystone Advantage Assistance: A 0% second loan for down payment and closing costs repaid over 10 years.
  • Keystone Forgivable in Ten Years (K-FIT): Assistance forgiven over 10 years for eligible buyers.

Details and current limits: Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).

Compare first-time buyer loan options

LoanMin. downMin. creditMortgage insurance
FHA3.5%5801.75% upfront + annual MIP
Conventional 97 / HomeReady / Home Possible3%620PMI, removable
VA0%Lender-set (~580–620)None (funding fee)
USDA0%~6401% upfront + 0.35% annual

Who counts as a first-time home buyer?

Under HUD and most agency definitions, you're a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a principal residence in the last three years. Single parents and displaced homemakers who only owned with a former spouse may also qualify.

First-Time Buyer loans in Pennsylvania cities

First-Time Buyer in PhiladelphiaFirst-Time Buyer in PittsburghFirst-Time Buyer in AllentownFirst-Time Buyer in ReadingFirst-Time Buyer in ErieFirst-Time Buyer in BethlehemFirst-Time Buyer in ScrantonFirst-Time Buyer in LancasterFirst-Time Buyer in LevittownFirst-Time Buyer in HarrisburgFirst-Time Buyer in YorkFirst-Time Buyer in Wilkes-BarreFirst-Time Buyer in AltoonaFirst-Time Buyer in State CollegeFirst-Time Buyer in NorristownFirst-Time Buyer in ChesterFirst-Time Buyer in Bethel ParkFirst-Time Buyer in Drexel HillFirst-Time Buyer in HazletonFirst-Time Buyer in EastonFirst-Time Buyer in MonroevilleFirst-Time Buyer in WilliamsportFirst-Time Buyer in PlumFirst-Time Buyer in LebanonFirst-Time Buyer in King of PrussiaFirst-Time Buyer in PottstownFirst-Time Buyer in Allison ParkFirst-Time Buyer in ChambersburgFirst-Time Buyer in New CastleFirst-Time Buyer in CarlisleFirst-Time Buyer in BaldwinFirst-Time Buyer in MurrysvilleFirst-Time Buyer in West MifflinFirst-Time Buyer in West ChesterFirst-Time Buyer in PhoenixvilleFirst-Time Buyer in LansdaleFirst-Time Buyer in JohnstownFirst-Time Buyer in Colonial ParkFirst-Time Buyer in McKeesportFirst-Time Buyer in FullertonFirst-Time Buyer in HanoverFirst-Time Buyer in HermitageFirst-Time Buyer in HorshamFirst-Time Buyer in WeigelstownFirst-Time Buyer in Franklin ParkFirst-Time Buyer in WhitehallFirst-Time Buyer in GreensburgFirst-Time Buyer in HersheyFirst-Time Buyer in IndianaFirst-Time Buyer in ArdmoreFirst-Time Buyer in WilkinsburgFirst-Time Buyer in DunmoreFirst-Time Buyer in Willow GroveFirst-Time Buyer in EphrataFirst-Time Buyer in Carnot-MoonFirst-Time Buyer in MontgomeryvilleFirst-Time Buyer in PottsvilleFirst-Time Buyer in WashingtonFirst-Time Buyer in KingstonFirst-Time Buyer in Coatesville

Frequently asked questions

Yes. First-Time Buyer loans are available statewide in Pennsylvania through approved lenders, subject to county loan limits where they apply.

Often yes. Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) and local programs frequently pair assistance with FHA, conventional, VA or USDA first mortgages. Eligibility depends on income, price and program rules.

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Figures 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.