Prince George's Pathway to Purchase changed in July 2026: what it means

Pathway to Purchase (P2P) is still a 0% deferred loan of up to $50,000 for down payment and closing costs, with no monthly payment. The big change is forgiveness. Under the county's July 2026 guidelines, nothing is forgiven in the first 5 years, then 10% is forgiven each year until the loan is gone after 15 years.

The Maryland Mortgage Program's Pathway page still describes the older 10-year forgiveness schedule. The county's July 2026 guidelines use the 15-year schedule, and the county documents you sign at closing control.

You repay part of the loan if you sell, transfer, do a cash-out refinance, or stop living in the home within 15 years. A rate-and-term refinance can be allowed through subordination as long as you still live in the home.

• Less than 6 years in the home: 100%
• 6 years: 90%
• 8 years: 70%
• 10 years: 50%
• 12 years: 30%
• 14 years: 10%
• 15 years or more: 0% (fully forgiven)

• Up to $50,000, anywhere in Prince George's County. All ZIP codes are eligible.
• Household income at or below 80% of area median income ($132,900 for a household of 4), counting every adult in the home.
• Price limits of $448,000 for a resale and $485,000 for new construction.
• First-time buyer rule: no ownership of residential real estate anywhere in the past 3 years.
• An 8-hour class from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, finished before your lender submits the application.
• You apply through an approved lender, not directly with the county.

• Critical Workforce Housing Assistance Program: up to $50,000 or 25% of the price, whichever is less, for first-time buyers up to 120% of area median income who work full time as PGCPS teachers, nurses at a facility in the county, or county police, fire, EMS, corrections, dispatch, or sheriff staff. Forgiven 10% per year over 10 years.
• Homeownership Equity Program: up to $30,000 for first-time buyers up to 120% of area median income who also fit a priority group, buying inside the Capital Beltway (I-495). Forgiven 20% per year over 5 years, with a $1,000 minimum buyer contribution.

If you expect to stay in the home for many years, the program still works the way it always has: no monthly payment, and the loan goes away over time. If you might move within the first 5 years, plan on repaying the full amount from your sale proceeds.

Funding is limited and the county does not publish a remaining balance, so confirm with your lender that funds are available before you count on them. You can also email PathwaytoPurchase@co.pg.md.us or call 301-883-5456. My team and I can help you find homes that fit the price and income limits, in English or Spanish.