First-time home buyer programs in Baltimore
2 programs run by local housing agencies help buyers in Baltimore with the down payment, and the statewide Maryland programs work here too.
- Programs available locally
- 2
- Highest amount
- $5,000
- Loan or grant
- Loan that may be forgiven
Assistance with a down payment in Baltimore
| Program | Amount | Loan or grant | Income limit | First-time buyers only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Time Homebuyers Incentive Program (FTHIP). Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development, Office of Homeownership runs this program. | Usually $10,000 to $20,000+, covering 50% of the down payment required, GAP funding and an interest rate buydown of up to 2.5%. Certain cases add a $5,000 bonus. | Loan that may be forgiven | Eligibility depends on your household income being at or below the 80% area median income level. | Yes |
| Buying Into Baltimore. This program is run by Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development, Office of Homeownership, with Live Baltimore. | Up to $5,000 | Loan that may be forgiven | Your household income has no limit. | No |
Who is eligible for First-Time Homebuyers Incentive Program (FTHIP)?
- You buy a home in Baltimore City.
- Eligibility depends on your household income being at or below the 80% area median income level.
- You're required to be a first-time buyer.
- You must take a homebuyer education course.
- There is no stated sales price limit. For a single-family home, your mortgage amount cannot go above the FHA limit of $731,400.
- You need at least $1,000 of your own money.
- You must live there as your primary residence.
Most of this money is a loan, and you don't have to repay it if you stay there for five years.
The program writes off a forgivable loan after you keep the home for the number of years it sets.
Use the City's Neighborly applicant portal, where your housing counselor and lender must finish the online application. See Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development, Office of Homeownership's page for First-Time Homebuyers Incentive Program (FTHIP) for the full rules.
Who is eligible for Buying Into Baltimore?
- You buy a home in Baltimore City as a Live Baltimore Trolley Tour homebuyer.
- Your household income has no limit.
- You don't need to be a first-time buyer.
- You must take a homebuyer education course.
- There is no stated sales price limit. For a single-family home, your mortgage amount cannot go above the FHA limit of $731,400.
- You must attend and finish the Live Baltimore Trolley Tour.
- Among eligible applicants, twenty homebuyers are chosen by lottery.
The program describes it as a 5-year forgivable loan given by lottery after you attend a Live Baltimore Trolley Tour.
Once you've attended a Live Baltimore Trolley Tour, use the City's applicant portal to apply. See Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development, Office of Homeownership, with Live Baltimore's page for Buying Into Baltimore for the full rules.
Maryland's statewide programs work in Baltimore too
All first-time home buyer programs in Maryland, from Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The income figure for Baltimore city appears in our HUD income limits lookup.
Contact a lender to ask about buying in Baltimore
Tell us where you're buying and a lender that works with Maryland's programs can tell you which of these fit you, and which you can combine.
Prefer not to call? After you send your details, the lender will reach you.