Maryland has one of the strongest first-time buyer support systems in the country — and Prince George's County stacks the most generous local layer on top. Most first-time buyers here put down 3–5% and combine multiple programs to bring less than $10K to closing.
Every program below links directly to the administering state or county agency.
Sample monthly payment based on a $400,000 home, 30-year fixed at current MD rates, including taxes & insurance estimates. Your actual payment will differ.
≈ $2,900/mo
Federally insured loans with flexible credit guidelines — the most-used entry point for first-time buyers.
Best for · Buyers building credit or with limited savings
≈ $2,800/mo
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs allowing as little as 3% down for qualified borrowers with stable income and good credit.
Best for · Buyers with 680+ credit and steady income
≈ $2,650/mo
Zero-down loans for active military, veterans, and qualifying spouses. PG County has one of the highest VA loan volumes in Maryland.
Best for · Active duty, veterans, eligible spouses
≈ $2,700/mo
Zero-down loans available in eligible parts of southern PG County. More areas qualify than most buyers realize.
Best for · Buyers in eligible southern PG zip codes
Prince George's County's flagship assistance program. A 0% interest, deferred-payment loan toward down payment and closing costs that is fully forgiven after 10 years of owner-occupancy. Updated December 2025 with expanded benefits and higher income limits.
Eligibility · First-time buyer purchasing in Prince George's County; household income within HUD limits
Prince George's County Department of Housing & Community Development
Official program pageMaryland's lowest 30-year fixed rate for first-time homebuyers, available as Direct (no DPA), 6000 ($6,000 DPA loan), or 3% Loan (DPA equal to 3% of the first mortgage). Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA all eligible.
Eligibility · First-time buyer (or no ownership in past 3 years); under MMP income/purchase price limits
Maryland DHCD — Community Development Administration
Official program pageMMP's flexible product line for first-time and repeat buyers. Pair an MMP first mortgage with a $6,000 DPA loan, $5,000 grant variant, or a deferred 3% DPA loan. May be layered with Partner Match.
Eligibility · Any Maryland homebuyer meeting MMP income/credit limits
Maryland DHCD — Community Development Administration
Official program pageBuy a home and pay off student debt at closing. As of June 2026, the SmartBuy student-debt payoff loan limit increased to $25,000 — paid directly to your loan servicer through the Maryland Mortgage Program.
Eligibility · First-time buyer (or buying in a HUD-targeted area) with qualifying student loans
Maryland DHCD — Community Development Administration
Official program pageWhen your employer, builder, developer, community organization, or lender contributes toward your purchase, the State of Maryland matches it dollar-for-dollar up to $2,500 — stacked on top of any MMP DPA.
Eligibility · Using an MMP first mortgage with an eligible partner contribution
Maryland DHCD — Community Development Administration
Official program pageA Partner Match variant for employees of participating Maryland employers — state agencies, hospitals, universities, school systems, and major private employers. Your employer's contribution is matched by the state.
Eligibility · Employee of an HK4E-participating Maryland employer
Maryland DHCD — Community Development Administration
Official program pageA specialty MMP product for homebuyers with a disability, or a household member with a disability — offering a deeply discounted first mortgage and a larger zero-interest, deferred down payment loan.
Eligibility · Borrower or household member with a documented disability
Maryland DHCD — Community Development Administration
Official program pageA Mortgage Credit Certificate converts a portion of your annual mortgage interest into a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit. Note: closed to new reservations — re-issued only on refinance of an existing MCC.
Eligibility · Existing MCC holders refinancing their loan
Maryland DHCD — Community Development Administration
Official program pageThe Maryland Mortgage Program first mortgage (1st Time Advantage or Flex) unlocks every layered assistance program.
Flex 6000 or 1st Time Advantage 6000 covers most of a 3.5% FHA down payment with no monthly payment.
PG County's program adds up to $50,000 — forgiven after 10 years of owner-occupancy.
Partner Match, HK4E, or SmartBuy (student debt) stack on top for the final boost.
I need 20% down to buy.
Most first-time PG County buyers put 3–5% down — and many bring less than $10K of their own funds to closing.
Assistance programs hurt my offer.
Sellers don't care which loan you use. They care about a clean, well-priced, on-time contract.
I should wait until rates drop.
Rates move both ways. The right house in your timeline matters more than a half-point on the rate.
MD Department of Housing & Community Development
Statewide first-mortgage and DPA programs administered by the Community Development Administration (CDA).
PG County Department of Housing & Community Development
County-funded forgivable assistance — up to $50,000 toward down payment and closing costs.
Maryland DHCD
Official directory of lenders who can originate MMP loans. Only these lenders can reserve grant funds for you.
Maryland DHCD
All MMP first-time buyers must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course before settlement.
PG County DHCD
Current guidelines, lender list, housing counseling agencies, and borrower affidavits.
Maryland DHCD
County-by-county income caps and purchase-price ceilings that determine your eligibility.
Program details, amounts, and income limits change frequently. Links go to the administering agency for the most current info. Confirm terms with an MMP-approved lender before relying on any program detail.
Every buyer's situation is unique. A 15-minute call can map out exactly which programs you stack to minimize what you bring to closing.
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