Maryland down payment assistance programs may help qualified homebuyers cover their down payment and closing costs through statewide and local options. Program funding, interest rates, income limits, purchase-price limits and eligibility rules can change, so buyers should confirm the current requirements before relying on assistance in a purchase offer.
Maryland Down Payment Assistance Through the Maryland Mortgage Program
The Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, offers eligible buyers 30-year fixed-rate mortgage options. Many products may include down payment and closing-cost assistance.
MMP 1st Time Advantage
1st Time Advantage is designed primarily for eligible first-time homebuyers and certain qualifying exceptions. Current choices may include:
- A Direct option without MMP down payment assistance
- A $6,000 deferred, zero-interest assistance loan
- A 3% assistance loan based on the first-mortgage amount
- A 4% assistance loan based on the first-mortgage amount
- A 5% assistance loan based on the first-mortgage amount
- Potential Partner Match assistance when an eligible employer, builder or community partner participates
MMP Flex Loans
MMP Flex offers 30-year fixed-rate mortgage options for eligible first-time and repeat homebuyers. Some Flex products include down payment assistance structured as a deferred, zero-interest second loan. Repeat buyers and buyers who currently own property must meet the applicable MMP rules.
Household income, property, occupancy, education and other requirements may apply. Use MMP’s current eligibility information rather than old static charts.
Montgomery County Programs
Montgomery Homeownership Program and MEDPAL
MMP lists the Montgomery Homeownership Program as closed effective September 1, 2026, and MEDPAL as closed effective September 28, 2026. These programs may reopen, so confirm current availability with MMP before relying on them.
Review the current Montgomery County MMP specialty products.
Housing Opportunities Commission Programs
The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County offers first-mortgage and assistance options for eligible first-time buyers purchasing in Montgomery County. Current possibilities may include purchase assistance and the Montgomery County Housing Assistance Fund (McHAF), subject to funding and program requirements.
HOC announced a 2026 McHAF phase offering eligible buyers up to $25,000 for down payment or closing costs. Availability should be confirmed before a buyer depends on those funds. For the differences between McHAF and the separate Montgomery Homeownership Program, read our Montgomery County down payment assistance guide.
Gaithersburg Down Payment Assistance
The City of Gaithersburg Downpayment Assistance Program currently states that eligible buyers may receive up to $40,000 toward down payment and closing costs. The assistance is a deferred, zero-interest loan and is not forgivable. A pre-application and additional city requirements apply.
Anne Arundel County Mortgage Assistance Program
The Anne Arundel County Mortgage Assistance Program, administered by Arundel Community Development Services, currently offers eligible first-time homebuyers deferred assistance of up to $50,000 for down payment and settlement costs. Applicants must complete the required homeownership counseling process and meet current income and property requirements.
Other Maryland Local Programs
Additional assistance may be available through counties, cities, employers, builders and nonprofit organizations. MMP maintains a current list of assistance offered by location, including programs serving Prince George’s County, Howard County, Washington County and other areas. Buyers considering a home in Prince George’s County can also review our Prince George’s County assistance program comparison.
Some outside assistance may be combined with MMP financing, and eligible partner assistance may qualify for matching funds. Compatibility must be reviewed for the specific first mortgage and assistance source.
Considering assistance and a negotiated seller contribution? Our guide to combining down payment assistance with seller credits includes a cash-to-close example and the rules to review for your transaction.
Which Maryland Program Is Best?
The program offering the most assistance is not automatically the best financial choice. Interest rate, monthly payment, mortgage insurance, repayment terms, processing time, required borrower funds and long-term plans should be compared together.
The Chris Jordan Mortgage Team has extensive experience with Maryland first-time homebuyer and down payment assistance programs. For a broader overview, read our 2026 Maryland down payment assistance guide and Maryland first-time homebuyer programs guide. We can review your location, income, credit, available savings and homebuying goals to identify the options worth considering.
Questions about Maryland homebuyer assistance? Call (240) 670-5090, email us directly or pre-qualify online.
Program funding, rates, limits, guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Not all borrowers or properties will qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Down Payment Assistance
Can I buy a home in Maryland with little or no money down?
Yes. Eligible Maryland homebuyers may qualify for down payment assistance that reduces the amount of money needed upfront. Programs through the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), local governments, and other organizations may help cover down payments and closing costs. Some qualified borrowers may also be eligible for zero-down-payment mortgage options.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to receive Maryland down payment assistance?
Not always. Some Maryland assistance programs require first-time homebuyer status, while others allow repeat buyers. Certain programs also offer exceptions based on the property’s location or the borrower’s circumstances. Eligibility depends on the specific program.
What credit score do I need for Maryland down payment assistance?
Minimum credit score requirements vary by assistance program, mortgage type, and participating lender. Some programs accommodate borrowers with lower credit scores, while others have stricter requirements. A mortgage professional familiar with Maryland assistance programs can help determine which options may be available.
Does Maryland down payment assistance have to be repaid?
It depends on the program. Assistance may be structured as a grant, a deferred-payment second mortgage, or another form of financing. Some programs require repayment when the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off. Borrowers should understand the repayment terms before selecting a program.
Can I combine Maryland down payment assistance with an FHA or conventional loan?
Yes. Certain Maryland down payment assistance programs can be combined with FHA or conventional financing, subject to program guidelines and eligibility requirements. The best combination depends on factors such as income, credit, purchase price, and available savings.
How do I find out which Maryland homebuyer assistance programs I qualify for?
The Chris Jordan Mortgage Team helps Maryland homebuyers compare available down payment assistance programs, mortgage options, and estimated monthly payments. With over 21 years of mortgage lending experience, Chris Jordan can help buyers evaluate programs based on their financial circumstances and homeownership goals. Contact our team for a personalized Maryland assistance review.
