Maine first-time home buyer programs
MaineHousing lists 3 programs that help buyers in Maine with the down payment or closing costs. Amounts and terms are shown as the agency publishes them.
- Programs from the agency
- 3
- Biggest amount listed
- $14,000
- First-time buyers only
- Every program
- Income caps
- Up to $159,965
Down payment assistance programs in Maine
| Program | Amount | Grant or loan | Income limit | First-time buyers only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advantage. With a MaineHousing standard First Home Loan; credit score 640+; homebuyer course; price limit varies by location and property type. | Up to $5,000 | Grant | Income limits vary by household size and location. Agency income chart | Yes, with exceptions |
| Multi-Unit Advantage. Only for buyers of two- to four-unit properties. With a MaineHousing First Home Loan from an approved lender; credit score 640+; homebuyer course; price limit varies by location and property type. | Up to $14,000 | Grant: No second mortgage required; your loan amount does not go up. | Income limits vary by household size and location. Agency income chart | Yes, with exceptions |
| First Generation Program. Only for borrowers who never lived in a home owned by their parents or legal guardians, or who were in foster care as children. With a MaineHousing First Generation Program fixed-rate mortgage from an approved MaineHousing lender; credit score 640+; homebuyer course; price limit varies by location and property type. | Up to $10,000 | Grant | Varies by county and household size, up to $159,965 Agency income chart | Yes |
Usually, "first-time buyers only" means you haven't owned a home during the past three years, though every program sets a rule of its own. The name of each program links to a MaineHousing page that says whether applications are open right now. The agency also maintains its own list of participating lenders. Compare down payment assistance programs across all states, or ask a lender that works with Maine's programs.
How do you repay Maine's programs?
- Grant: money you never pay back, used for the down payment or closing costs.
How does your income compare with Maine's caps?
Every program has its own income cap, which the table shows, and the exact chart is on that program's agency page. Use the HUD income limits lookup (FY2026) to find the figure for your county and household size. If a program relies on its own county chart or Freddie Mac's, the result can differ from HUD's number, and the agency's chart decides.
Talk to a lender that works with Maine programs
These programs are paid out through the agency's approved lenders, so the lender is your next step. Tell us where you're buying and a lender that works with Maine's programs can explain which ones fit you.
Rather not call? Send your details and the lender will reach you.