Maryland First-Time Homebuyer Programs 2026

Quick answer

Most Maryland help comes through the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP). 1st Time Advantage gives $6,000 or 3% to 5% of the loan toward your down payment as a 0% deferred loan. HomeStart gives 6% to lower-income buyers, SmartBuy 3.0 pays off up to $25,000 of student debt, and HomeAbility helps buyers with disabilities. Many counties add their own programs, such as up to $50,000 in Montgomery County and Prince George's County and $5,000 in Baltimore City.

1st Time Advantage: $6,000 or 3%, 4%, or 5% of the loan
SmartBuy 3.0: Up to 15% of price, max $25,000 of student debt
Montgomery & Prince George's: Up to $50,000
First-time buyer means: No ownership in the past 3 years

Statewide programs (Maryland Mortgage Program)

Program	Help available	How it's structured	Key rules
1st Time Advantage	$6,000, or 3%, 4%, or 5% of the mortgage amount	0% second loan, no monthly payment, repaid when you sell, refinance, or transfer	First-time buyers; income and price limits; homebuyer class
HomeStart	6% of the first mortgage toward the down payment	0% deferred second loan	First-time buyers at or below 50% of area median income
Flex programs	Flex 6000: $6,000; Flex 3%: 3% of the loan; Flex Direct: no assistance	0% deferred second loan	Open to repeat buyers; income and price limits
SmartBuy 3.0	Up to 15% of the price toward student loans, maximum $25,000	0% deferred loan forgiven 20% per year over 5 years	720+ credit score; at least $1,000 in student debt; approved SmartBuy lender
HomeAbility	Second loan up to 25% of the price, maximum $45,000	0% second loan, repaid at sale, refinance, or transfer	Household member with a documented disability; income at or below 80% of area median income

County and city programs

Counties often stack their own help on top of MMP. Funding is limited and opens and closes during the year, so confirm availability with a participating lender before you rely on it. Nick's team can help you check.

Area	Program	Help available
Montgomery County	Montgomery Homeownership Program	Up to $50,000 for down payment and closing costs as a 0% deferred loan, paired with an MMP first mortgage; cannot exceed 40% of household income
Prince George's County	Pathway to Purchase	Up to $50,000 as a 0% loan forgiven 10% per year, fully forgiven after 10 years; income limits and an 8-hour class
Baltimore City	Buying Into Baltimore and city incentives	$5,000 toward a home anywhere in the city; city employees can get $5,000 or $10,000; mostly forgivable after 5 years

Who counts as a first-time buyer in Maryland?

For most MMP programs, you are a first-time buyer if you have not owned a home you lived in during the past three years. Repeat buyers can still use the Flex programs.

How to use these programs, step by step

Pick an MMP-approved lender. Only approved lenders can offer these programs, and Nick's team can connect you with one.
Get pre-approved; your lender checks income limits, purchase price limits, and credit.
Take the required homebuyer education class.
Make an offer with enough time in the contract for program approval.
Assistance is applied at the closing table, reducing the cash you bring.

Frequently asked questions

How much down payment help can I get in Maryland?

Statewide, 1st Time Advantage provides $6,000 or 3% to 5% of the loan. County programs can add more, such as up to $50,000 in Montgomery County or Prince George's County. Your lender confirms what you qualify for.

Do I have to pay Maryland down payment assistance back?

Most MMP help is a 0% deferred loan repaid when you sell, refinance, or transfer the home. SmartBuy 3.0 is forgiven 20% per year over 5 years, and Prince George's Pathway to Purchase is forgiven over 10 years.

Can repeat buyers get help in Maryland?

Yes. The Flex programs, such as Flex 6000 and Flex 3%, are open to repeat buyers who meet income and price limits.

Can Maryland programs pay off my student loans?

SmartBuy 3.0 can pay off up to 15% of the purchase price, maximum $25,000, of student debt at closing. You need a 720 credit score and an approved SmartBuy lender.

Is Maryland an attorney state for closing?

No. In Maryland, settlements are typically handled by title companies. You can hire an attorney, but it is not required.

Have a question about your situation?

I'm licensed in Maryland and DC and work in English and Spanish. Call or text, or send a message and my team will be in touch shortly. I'll personally help you work out the right next step.

Ask Nick (301) 875-7182

Sources

General information, not legal, tax, or lending advice. Programs, rates, and limits change; confirm details with an approved lender or the program administrator. Facts checked October 20, 2026.

Maryland First-Time Homebuyer Programs in 2026: What You Can Get and How It Works