Buying your first home in Boston can feel out of reach, especially when you’re trying to save for a down payment while keeping up with everyday expenses.
But if you’re planning to purchase a home in Boston, you may qualify for up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through the city’s First-Time Homebuyer Program.
The amount you could receive depends on your household income, while whether the assistance must be repaid depends on your current residency.
Boston residents may qualify for a grant, while buyers who currently live outside Boston may receive a 0% interest deferred loan.
Here’s how the program works, who may qualify, and what you’ll need to apply.
What Is Boston’s First-Time Homebuyer Program?
The City of Boston’s First-Time Homebuyer Program helps eligible buyers cover some of the upfront costs of purchasing a home in Boston.
The program is administered through the Boston Home Center and provides financial assistance toward down payments and eligible closing costs.
Depending on your household income, you may qualify for up to $35,000 or $50,000.
However, this assistance isn’t automatically free money for everyone.
Boston residents may receive grant assistance, while non-Boston residents generally receive a deferred, interest-free loan under rules that took effect September 15, 2026.
Awards are subject to eligibility requirements, program approval, and available funding.
Who May Qualify?
To be eligible for Boston’s First-Time Homebuyer Program, applicants generally must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a first-time homebuyer, meaning you haven’t owned a home during the previous three years.
- Have a total household income below 135% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- Have total household assets below $100,000.
- Complete a Homebuying 101 course through a CHAPA-approved provider.
- Obtain mortgage pre-approval through a participating lender approved by the Boston Home Center.
- Purchase an eligible one-, two-, or three-family home or condominium in Boston.
- Use the purchased property as your primary residence.
Your mortgage must also meet applicable Fannie Mae general loan limits.
The city may consider whether your household demonstrates financial need based on its assets, even if your assets fall below the program’s stated limit.
Meeting the basic requirements doesn’t guarantee approval.
What Does First-Time Homebuyer Mean?
You don’t necessarily need to be purchasing your first home ever.
Under the program’s three-year rule, someone who previously owned a home may still qualify if they haven’t owned one during the past three years.
For example, if you sold a home several years ago and have been renting since then, you may meet the program’s first-time buyer definition.
What Is Area Median Income?
Area Median Income, or AMI, is a measure used to determine income eligibility for many housing assistance programs.
The income limits depend on your household size.
If you’re unfamiliar with how AMI works, our Area Median Income guide explains the basics.
You should also review Boston’s current household income limits before applying, since those limits may change.
How Much Assistance Could You Receive?
The amount of assistance depends on your household income and the property you’re purchasing.
Boston currently uses the following assistance levels:
| Household Income | Potential Assistance |
|---|---|
| Below 100% AMI | Up to 3% of the purchase price plus eligible closing costs, capped at $50,000 |
| 101%–135% AMI | Up to 2% of the purchase price plus eligible closing costs, capped at $35,000 |
| Deed-restricted affordable properties | Up to 2% of the purchase price, subject to program rules |
These are maximum assistance amounts, not guaranteed payments.
The amount approved may depend on your purchase price, income, financial circumstances, and program requirements.
Important: Boston’s published eligibility requirement is household income below 135% AMI. Applicants near the income-tier boundaries should confirm the applicable limit with the Boston Home Center.
Is This a Grant or a Loan?
This is one of the most important details to understand before applying.
The type of assistance you receive depends on whether you currently live in Boston.
If You Already Live in Boston
Eligible Boston residents may receive assistance as a grant.
A grant generally doesn’t require repayment under the program’s grant terms.
However, you should review your award documents carefully to understand any conditions that may apply.
If You Live Outside Boston
Effective September 15, 2026, eligible buyers who currently live outside Boston generally receive assistance as a 0% interest deferred loan rather than a grant.
This means:
- The loan doesn’t charge interest.
- Repayment is deferred under the program’s terms.
- The loan is secured by a mortgage and promissory note.
- Repayment is generally required when the property is sold, transferred, or refinanced.
For example, someone currently living in another Massachusetts city who wants to buy their first home in Boston may qualify for assistance, but it would generally be structured as a deferred loan.
That distinction matters because the assistance may eventually need to be repaid.
What If You Applied Before September 15, 2026?
Boston includes a transition exception for certain earlier applicants.
If you submitted a complete application with a signed and accepted purchase offer or a fully executed Purchase and Sale Agreement on or before September 14, 2026, the new nonresident loan rules may not apply to your application.
If you believe this exception applies to you, contact the Boston Home Center at homecenter@boston.gov to confirm how your application will be handled.
What Homes Qualify?
The property must be located within the City of Boston and used as your primary residence.
Eligible property types generally include:
- Single-family homes.
- Two-family homes.
- Three-family homes.
- Condominiums.
The mortgage must come through a participating lender and meet the program’s financing requirements.
If you’re considering a deed-restricted affordable property, additional purchase and resale restrictions may apply.
How Do You Apply?
Boston provides an online application through the Mayor’s Office of Housing.
You can start by visiting the official First-Time Homebuyer Program page.
From there, you can access the city’s application portal.
Step 1: Complete a Homebuyer Education Course
Applicants must complete a Homebuying 101 course offered by a provider approved by the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA).
You’ll need a copy of your course completion certificate when applying.
Step 2: Get Mortgage Pre-Approval
You’ll need a pre-approval or prequalification letter from a participating Boston Home Center lender.
You cannot simply use any lender without confirming that the lender participates in the program.
The city maintains a list of participating mortgage lenders.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
The city’s application portal lists several required documents.
You’ll generally need:
- Your Homebuying 101 completion certificate.
- A mortgage pre-approval or prequalification letter from a participating lender.
- Signed federal income tax returns, including schedules, from the past three years for adult household members who intend to occupy the property.
- W-2 forms from the past three years for applicable adult household members.
- Pay stubs covering the previous two months.
- Three months of current asset statements, including applicable bank, retirement, and investment accounts.
If you currently live in Boston, you’ll also need proof of city residency.
Accepted examples listed in the application include:
- A current lease.
- A utility bill.
- Voter registration.
Depending on your circumstances, the city may also request additional documentation.
Examples include:
- A signed purchase offer or Purchase and Sale Agreement, if applicable.
- A year-to-date profit and loss statement if you’re self-employed.
- Documentation of Social Security, unemployment, pension, or other income.
- School transcripts for full-time students over age 18.
- A no-income affidavit for applicable unemployed household members.
- Child support documentation or an applicable affidavit.
The application explains which documents are required and which apply only to certain situations.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Visit the official application portal:
Mayor’s Office of Housing Program Application
Look for the Financial Assistance Program section.
This is the section for down payment and closing cost assistance through the Boston Home Center.
Be careful not to confuse it with the Boston Homes Affordable Housing Lottery, which is a separate program also listed in the portal.
Step 5: Submit Everything in One Session
Important: The online application cannot be saved and completed later.
Boston’s application portal specifically warns applicants that they cannot save their progress and return to finish the form.
That means you should gather your documents and make sure you’re ready to complete the application before starting.
The city also offers printable application materials in multiple languages for applicants who prefer that option.
Is the Program Still Accepting Applications?
Boston lists the First-Time Homebuyer Program as an ongoing assistance program rather than a limited application round with a specific annual deadline.
The city provides an active online application portal and current program instructions.
However, an available application doesn’t guarantee that funding remains available or that every eligible applicant will be approved.
If you’re planning to buy a home, contact the Boston Home Center to confirm current funding availability and any changes to the program before making financial commitments.
Who Can You Contact for Help?
The Boston Home Center can answer questions about eligibility, participating lenders, application documents, and whether assistance would be provided as a grant or deferred loan.
Boston Home Center
Phone: 617-635-4663
Email: homecenter@boston.gov
Address: 26 Court Street, Boston, MA
Official website: Boston First-Time Homebuyer Program
If you’re currently living outside Boston, it’s especially important to ask about the deferred loan terms before applying.
Relief Recap
Saving enough for a down payment and closing costs can be one of the biggest obstacles to buying a home in Boston.
The city’s First-Time Homebuyer Program may help eligible buyers cover some of those upfront expenses.
Households below 100% AMI may qualify for up to $50,000, while households in the higher eligible income tier may qualify for up to $35,000.
However, the type of assistance depends on where you currently live.
Boston residents may receive a grant, while non-Boston residents generally receive a 0% interest deferred loan under the rules effective September 15, 2026.
You’ll also need to meet the program’s income, asset, education, mortgage, and property requirements.
If you’re preparing to purchase a home in Boston, visit the official First-Time Homebuyer Program page to review the current requirements and begin the application process.
