Baltimore & Maryland Down Payment Assistance Programs
Get Help Covering Your Down Payment and Closing CostsHelp from the City, the State and NHS can cover much of your down payment and closing costs. See what you qualify for, then let an NHS counselor help you explore which programs may be combined.
Buying a home is more achievable when you understand your mortgage options and the assistance available to you. NHS of Baltimore helps homebuyers explore down payment assistance from NHS, Baltimore City, and the State of Maryland.
Our housing counselors provide one-on-one guidance to help you identify programs that may fit your income, finances, property, and homeownership goals.
Down Payment Assistance Program Overview
Down payment assistance can help reduce the upfront costs of purchasing a home.
- Up to $30,000 in potential assistance for qualified buyers through available programs.
- Multiple funding sources, including NHS, Baltimore City, and Maryland.
- Options for first-time and repeat buyers, depending on the program.
- Potential to combine assistance programs, subject to eligibility and program restrictions.
Funding availability, assistance amounts, and repayment requirements vary. An NHS Homeownership Advisor can help you understand which programs may be available to you.
How Down Payment Assistance Works
Buying a home involves more than saving for a down payment. You may also need money for closing costs, lender fees, and other expenses.
Down payment assistance can help cover some of these upfront costs, reducing the amount of money you need to bring to closing.
Assistance generally comes in three forms:
| Type of Assistance | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Grant | Financial assistance that generally does not need to be repaid when program conditions are met. |
| Forgivable Loan | A loan that may be forgiven over time if you meet requirements, such as occupying the home as your primary residence. |
| Deferred Loan | A loan with postponed repayment. The balance may become due when you sell, refinance, transfer ownership, or meet another repayment condition. |
For example, the Reinvest Baltimore Down Payment Assistance Program provides a five-year forgivable loan, while some Maryland Mortgage Program products offer deferred loans.
Important: Not all down payment assistance is free money. Always review the repayment terms and program requirements before accepting assistance.
Who Qualifies for Down Payment Assistance in Baltimore?
Eligibility depends on the program, your household income, mortgage, savings, homebuying history, and the property you plan to purchase. Some programs are exclusively for first-time homebuyers, while others are open to eligible repeat buyers.
Common Eligibility Requirements
Depending on the assistance program, you may need to:
-
Complete homebuyer education: Attend a HUD-approved homebuyer workshop and complete any required one-on-one counseling.
-
Meet income requirements: Some programs limit assistance based on household income and family size.
-
Contribute personal funds: Certain programs require a minimum buyer contribution toward the purchase.
-
Purchase an eligible property: Some assistance is restricted to designated neighborhoods or property types.
-
Occupy the home: Many programs require you to use the property as your primary residence.
-
Obtain mortgage pre-approval: Work with an eligible lender and meet the financing requirements for the program.
For NHS down payment assistance, a signed purchase contract and lender pre-approval letter are generally required during the application process. However, some programs require education and counseling before you make an offer, so it is important to review the requirements early.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
You do not need to have everything figured out before contacting NHS Baltimore.
Our Homeownership Advisors can help you understand program requirements and determine your next steps. If you need to strengthen your credit, budget, or savings, consider starting with free financial coaching.
Explore Down Payment Assistance Options
NHS Baltimore helps eligible homebuyers explore assistance through three main sources: NHS-administered programs, Maryland state programs, and Baltimore City incentives.
NHS Down Payment Assistance Programs
NHS offers and administers assistance programs designed to help eligible buyers reduce their upfront homebuying costs.
Featured Program: Reinvest Baltimore Down Payment Assistance
The Reinvest Baltimore Down Payment Assistance Program provides up to $20,000 toward down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers purchasing qualifying homes in targeted Baltimore City neighborhoods.
Program highlights include:
- Up to $20,000 in assistance.
- Available to eligible first-time and repeat homebuyers.
- No program-specific income limit.
- Minimum $1,000 buyer contribution.
- Eligible property must be used as a primary residence.
- Homebuyer education and one-on-one counseling must be completed before making an offer.
- Assistance is forgiven over five years, with 20% forgiven annually when program conditions are met.
NHS administers this program with funding from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
Other NHS Down Payment Assistance Options
| Program | Assistance Amount | Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Project Reinvest DPA | Up to $15,000 for eligible NHS first-mortgage customers; $5,000 for eligible lender-partner customers | Deferred loan; repayment conditions apply |
| BRNI Down Payment Assistance | $10,000 | Deferred loan for eligible properties in NHS target areas |
These programs have their own financing, property, eligibility, and funding requirements. Contact NHS Baltimore to confirm current availability and determine whether your purchase may qualify.
Maryland Mortgage Program Down Payment Assistance
The Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) provides mortgage products and down payment assistance for eligible homebuyers across the state.
Depending on the mortgage product, assistance may be offered as a fixed amount or a percentage of the first mortgage.
| Program | Potential Assistance |
|---|---|
| 1st Time Advantage 6000 | $6,000 |
| 1st Time Advantage 3%, 4%, or 5% | 3%–5% of the first mortgage |
| Flex 6000 | $6,000 |
| Flex 3% | 3% of the first mortgage |
| HomeStart | 6% of the first mortgage for eligible borrowers |
| Partner Match | Up to $2,500 in matching assistance for eligible buyers |
Some Maryland Mortgage Program products are designed for first-time buyers, while others are available to qualifying repeat buyers. Many MMP down payment assistance products are structured as deferred loans rather than grants.
Baltimore City Down Payment Assistance
Baltimore City offers homeownership incentives to help eligible buyers purchase homes within city limits.
Available programs may include assistance for first-time buyers, City employees, employees of participating businesses, and buyers purchasing qualifying vacant properties.
| Program | Potential Assistance |
|---|---|
| First-Time Homebuyers Incentives Program (FTHIP) | Assistance based on eligible down payment and financing needs; some buyers may qualify for an additional $5,000 bonus |
| City Employee Homeownership Program | Generally $5,000 |
| Live Near Your Work | Generally $2,000–$5,000 or more, depending on the employer |
| Buying Into Baltimore | Generally $5,000 through a qualifying lottery |
| Vacants to Value Booster | Generally $10,000 |
Each program has specific eligibility, employment, property, and application requirements.
Program amounts and terms are based on the supplied program information reviewed in October 2026. Funding, eligibility, and availability may change. Contact NHS, Baltimore City, or the Maryland Mortgage Program for current requirements.
How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance in Four Steps
Getting assistance starts with preparing for homeownership and understanding the requirements of the programs you may use.
Step 1: Complete Homebuyer Education
Start with a HUD-approved Homebuyer Education Workshop to learn about mortgages, budgeting, down payment assistance, and the responsibilities of owning a home. NHS offers free virtual and in-person workshops. A self-paced online option is also available for $100.
Step 2: Meet With an NHS Homeownership Advisor
Complete one-on-one counseling to review your finances, discuss assistance options, and develop a personalized homeownership action plan. After completing the workshop and required counseling, you can receive your Homebuyer Education Certificate.
Step 3: Get Mortgage Pre-Approval and Find a Home
Work with a lender who understands the assistance programs you plan to use. Your counselor and lender can help you understand financing requirements and identify properties that may qualify for assistance. Be sure to complete any required education and counseling before making an offer.
Step 4: Complete Your Assistance Applications
Work with your counselor and lender to gather documentation, submit applications, and confirm program deadlines. Do not assume assistance has been approved until you receive confirmation from the appropriate program administrator.
Can You Combine Down Payment Assistance Programs?
In some cases, eligible homebuyers may be able to combine multiple sources of assistance to reduce their upfront costs.
For example, a buyer might qualify for assistance through a Maryland Mortgage Program loan and additional support from an approved partner.
Example: Combining Maryland Mortgage Program Assistance
| Assistance Source | Example Amount |
|---|---|
| MMP 1st Time Advantage 6000 | $6,000 |
| Eligible partner contribution | $2,500 |
| MMP Partner Match | $2,500 |
| Total potential assistance | $11,000 |
This example is illustrative only. Eligibility, lender participation, funding, and program compatibility must be confirmed. The MMP assistance shown is structured as a deferred loan. Not every assistance program can be combined. Your NHS counselor and mortgage lender can help you review the rules before you make financial commitments.
Get Guidance on the Right Programs
Navigating multiple down payment assistance programs can be complex, but you do not have to do it alone.
NHS Baltimore’s Homeownership Advisors can help you:
-
Identify assistance programs that may fit your financial situation.
-
Explore whether multiple funding sources can be combined.
-
Prepare required documents for counseling and assistance applications.
-
Connect with approved lenders and real estate partners.
-
Understand important program deadlines and requirements.
Whether you are buying your first home or returning to homeownership, our team can help you explore your options and prepare for your next steps.
Important Program Requirements & Lender Guidelines
1 Loan/Grant program eligibility is based on total household income, and in some cases, on credit score—funds are subject to availability
2 Must use an MMP loan product and choose a state of MD approved lender to access MMP grants/loans
3 Other healthy neighborhood grants, ranging in dollar amounts, are offered by other Healthy Neighborhoods non-profits
4 Must choose an FHLBank Atlanta approved lender to access FHLBank Atlanta grants
5 You do not have to choose a Teacher Next Door Real Estate agent or one of their two approved lenders because the Good Neighbor Program is administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development
6 Must choose a Teacher Next Door Real Estate agent and one of their two approved lenders
DISCLAIMER
We will always make every attempt in our counseling to give you the most current and qualified information on Community Second Grants and loans. The information we provide is a guide to allow you to choose the lender and Real Estate agent that can offer you the greatest opportunity for homeownership success. With this guide you and your Lender Agent team will make the most effective choices for your success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Maryland?
The amount depends on the programs you qualify for, the home you plan to purchase and your mortgage. The NHS-administered Reinvest Baltimore program offers up to $20,000 for eligible purchases, while other NHS, Maryland and Baltimore City programs offer different amounts. Some assistance may be combined, potentially increasing the total available. An NHS counselor and an approved lender can help you determine which options fit your situation.
Is down payment assistance a grant or a loan?
It can be either. A grant generally does not need to be repaid if you meet the program’s conditions. A forgivable loan may be forgiven over time if you meet requirements such as living in the home for a specified period. A deferred loan postpones repayment until a qualifying event, such as selling or refinancing the home or paying off the first mortgage. Always review the specific terms before accepting assistance.
Do I have to pay back down payment assistance?
Not always. Some programs provide grants or forgivable loans, while others provide deferred loans that must eventually be repaid. For example, Reinvest Baltimore assistance is forgiven over five years when program conditions are met. MMP’s 1st Time Advantage 6000 assistance is a deferred loan that becomes due when the first mortgage ends. Your counselor or lender can explain the repayment terms for each option.
Who qualifies for down payment assistance in Baltimore City?
Eligibility varies by program. Requirements may include household income limits, first-time buyer status, a qualifying property location, mortgage pre-approval and completion of a homebuyer education workshop. Some programs are open to repeat buyers, and others are designed for specific groups, such as City employees or buyers purchasing eligible properties. NHS can help you identify programs worth exploring based on your circumstances.
Can I combine more than one down payment assistance program?
Yes, some programs can be combined, but not all. For example, eligible buyers using certain MMP mortgage products may receive Partner Match assistance through an approved partner. Other City, state and NHS programs have their own rules about combining funds. Ask your counselor and lender to confirm which combinations are permitted before you rely on them to cover your purchase costs.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?
Not necessarily. Some programs, including MMP Flex and Reinvest Baltimore, may be available to repeat homebuyers who meet the requirements. Other programs, such as MMP 1st Time Advantage, generally serve first-time buyers, with certain exceptions. Check each program’s eligibility rules to find out which options may be available to you.
Is $10,000 enough for a down payment on a house in Baltimore?
It may be enough for some purchases, but it depends on the home’s price, your mortgage, your lender’s requirements and your closing costs. Your down payment is only one part of the money you may need at closing. Eligible assistance could help cover some of these expenses, allowing your savings to go further. Review your budget with a housing counselor and discuss mortgage options with a lender to understand what you can afford and how much assistance you may need.