Down payment assistance in Maryland
Maryland's primary statewide down payment assistance program, run by Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Numbers and eligibility reflect the program's published 2025 guidelines.
Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) DPA
Multiple stackable products- Maximum assistance
- $6,000 zero-percent deferred loan, plus partner-match grants
- Income limit
- Up to $211,500 (varies by county)
- Home price limit
- Up to $725,000 in DC suburbs
- First-time buyer
- Preferred (some products)
- Eligible loan types
- FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
- •Multiple stackable products: 1st Time Advantage, Flex 6000, partner-match grants.
- •Counties and employers (e.g., MMP Maryland Smart Buy) add extra DPA layers.
How Maryland DPA fits into your purchase
Down payment assistance reduces the cash you need at the closing table. Maryland's Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) DPA pairs with the standard FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgage from a participating lender; the DPA flows through the same closing.
Two things to budget for: most state DPA requires a homebuyer-education course (typically online, 6-8 hours, ~$75) and you usually have to use a lender on the agency's approved list. The agency keeps the list public on its website.
Common questions
Maryland's primary statewide DPA is Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) DPA from Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. $6,000 zero-percent deferred loan, plus partner-match grants. Many Maryland cities and counties also run additional DPA layered on top.
Some product variants are first-time-buyer only; others are open to repeat buyers. Check the agency page for the current matrix.
Yes. Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) DPA works with these loan types: FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional. The DPA is layered behind your first mortgage as a separate lien (or grant), and both close together.
Yes. A second-mortgage DPA has a monthly payment, and that payment is included in your debt-to-income ratio when the lender qualifies you.
Deferred and second-mortgage DPAs are generally repaid in full when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.