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Maryland Mortgage Program

Down Payment Assistance

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Most Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) loan products for first-time and repeat homebuyers offer down payment assistance. The state also offers specialty loan products that target assistance for certain borrowers and offer assistance.

In addition to meeting MMP loan eligibility requirements, some loan products that offer down payment assistance may have additional criteria. An MMP-approved lender can help you determine which loan option and down payment assistance is the best fit for you.

Some down payment assistance is offered by organizations outside the Maryland Mortgage Program. If you're using one of these programs, check directly with the provider to see if you qualify.

Eligible loan products

MMP 1st Time Advantage product line

To take advantage of the MMP 1st Time Advantage product line, the borrower must be a first-time homebuyer and meet all other MMP eligibility requirements.

To learn about the loans and down payment assistance available through this product line, read about MMP 1st Time Advantage.

MMP Flex product line

To take advantage of the MMP Flex product line, the borrower can be a first-time or repeat homebuyer and meet all other MMP eligibility requirements. 

To learn about the loans and down payment assistance available through this product line, read about MMP Flex Loans.

Specialty loans

There are also specialty loan products through the Maryland Mortgage Program that target assistance for certain borrowers:

  • Montgomery County Specialty Programs offer eligible borrowers in Montgomery County down payment assistance.
  • Maryland SmartBuy is a loan product with down payment assistance offered through the State of Maryland for homebuyers with eligible student debt​​.
  • ​FHA 203K Limited Loan​ is a product that allows ​for additional financing for repair/modernization as part of the home purchase.
  • HomeAbility​ is a product that is designed to assist homebuyers with disabilities.

Non-state down payment assistance

Many organizations offer homebuyers grants, loans and other assistance, including:

  • Employers making an investment in the long-term sustainability of their workforce.
  • Home builders and real estate developers who give financial and other incentives to encourage purchase of their properties.
  • Community organizations and local governments that encourage homeownership as a way of building sustainable neighborhoods, as well as attracting new residents to their community.

If you're using the Maryland Mortgage Program's 1st Time Advantage 6000 or the Flex 6​000 loan products to purchase your home, any financial assistance you receive from one or more MMP approved Partner is matched (up to $2,500) as additional down payment assistance. ​​​​​​

There are many organizations that have already been certified as Partners, and you can search our Partner Match Listings to find Partners that can help you. ​

Down payment assistance offered by location

To help make homeownership more attainable, many Maryland counties and cities also offer local down payment and settlement assistance programs. These programs provide financial support to qualified buyers, often in the form of grants or low-interest loans, to help cover your down payment and closing costs.

Read more about down payment assistance programs organized by county to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.