Updated for 2026: Prince George’s County introduced three homebuyer assistance programs beginning July 1, 2026. Depending on income, occupation, location and other eligibility requirements, qualified buyers may receive as much as $30,000 or $50,000 toward down payment and closing costs.
The three programs are:
- Pathway to Purchase
- Homeownership Equity Program
- Critical Workforce Housing Assistance Program
Each program serves a different group of buyers and uses a zero-interest deferred second mortgage. The assistance does not require monthly payments, but the forgiveness period and repayment conditions differ.
Quick Comparison of the Three Programs
| Program | Maximum Assistance | Income Limit | Forgiveness Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pathway to Purchase | Up to $50,000 | Up to 80% of AMI | 15 years |
| Homeownership Equity Program | Up to $30,000 | Up to 120% of AMI | 5 years |
| Critical Workforce Housing Assistance | Up to $50,000 or 25% of the purchase price, whichever is less | Up to 120% of AMI | 10 years |
AMI means Area Median Income. Program funding and guidelines can change, so eligibility and availability should be verified before relying on assistance in a purchase offer.
Pathway to Purchase: Up to $50,000
Pathway to Purchase is designed for low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers purchasing throughout Prince George’s County. For this program, a first-time buyer is generally someone who has not owned a home during the previous three years.
Key program features include:
- Up to $50,000 for down payment and closing costs
- Household income up to 80% of AMI
- 0% interest and no monthly payment on the assistance loan
- No forgiveness during years one through five
- Forgiveness of 10% per year during the following 10 years
- Full forgiveness after 15 years when the occupancy requirements are met
- An eight-hour homebuyer education course
- Eligible single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums in Prince George’s County
As published by the County, the purchase-price limits are $485,000 for new construction and $448,000 for resale properties. These figures should be confirmed when applying because program limits may be updated.
Homeownership Equity Program: Up to $30,000
The Homeownership Equity Program, or HEP, is aimed at expanding homeownership for moderate-income County residents, particularly in communities located inside the Capital Beltway.
Key program features include:
- Up to $30,000 for down payment and closing costs
- Household income up to 120% of AMI
- 0% interest and no monthly payment on the assistance loan
- Forgiveness of 20% per year over five years
- A minimum $1,000 buyer contribution
- An eight-hour homebuyer education course
- No published purchase-price limit
- Eligible single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums located inside I-495
Eligible groups may include first-time homebuyers, current County residents, certain public-sector workers, former renters in designated communities inside the Beltway and households with multigenerational caregivers. The County and approved lender must confirm that the buyer fits an eligible category.
Critical Workforce Housing Assistance: Up to $50,000
The Critical Workforce Housing Assistance Program is for eligible first-time homebuyers who work in qualifying public-service occupations in Prince George’s County.
Eligible occupations listed by the County include:
- Full-time Prince George’s County Public Schools teachers
- Full-time nurses working in a medical office or hospital located in the County
- Firefighters and emergency medical technicians
- Correctional officers and police officers
- Public-safety dispatchers and deputy sheriffs employed by Prince George’s County Government
Key program features include:
- Up to $50,000 or 25% of the purchase price, whichever is less
- Household income up to 120% of AMI
- 0% interest and no monthly payment on the assistance loan
- Forgiveness of 10% per year over 10 years
- An eight-hour homebuyer education course
- No published purchase-price limit
- Eligible single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums throughout Prince George’s County
Can These Programs Be Combined With the Maryland Mortgage Program?
Prince George’s County states that eligible participants may be able to combine County assistance with resources available through the Maryland Mortgage Program. Whether multiple programs can be layered depends on the specific first mortgage, investor and insurer requirements, income limits and the rules of each assistance provider.
Before assuming that two sources of assistance can be combined, the lender should review the complete structure and confirm that every program permits the layering.
What Happens If You Sell or Refinance?
These assistance loans are forgivable only when the applicable requirements are satisfied. Selling, transferring, refinancing or no longer occupying the property before the forgiveness period ends may trigger repayment of some or all of the remaining balance.
Buyers should understand the second mortgage before closing, including how it could affect a future sale or refinance.
How to Apply
Homebuyers cannot apply directly to the County. The buyer must work with an approved certified lender and complete the required homebuyer education.
Before making an offer, it is helpful to confirm:
- Which program matches the buyer’s income, occupation and property location
- Whether funding is currently available
- The buyer’s estimated assistance amount
- The required first mortgage and lender approval
- The purchase-price and property eligibility rules
- The expected timeline for counseling, approval and settlement
Buying a Home in Prince George’s County?
The Chris Jordan Mortgage Team can help you compare mortgage and assistance options, estimate your monthly payment and total cash requirement, and prepare for the purchase process. For statewide alternatives and additional local programs, see our Maryland down payment assistance guide.
Questions about Prince George’s County down payment assistance?
Call us at (240) 670-5090 or email us at CJMT@mainstreethl.com.
Ready to explore your options? Start your prequalification online.
Program funding, guidelines and availability are subject to change. All loan programs are subject to borrower, property and program eligibility requirements.
