City of Boston First-Time Homebuyer Grant
The City of Boston First-Time Homebuyer Grant may provide eligible buyers up to $50,000 toward a down payment, plus closing-cost help when applicable, on a primary home in Boston.
See If You May QualifyFree eligibility check · No credit pull · Program approval is made by the City
What Is the City of Boston First-Time Homebuyer Grant?
The City of Boston Mayor's Office of Housing, through the Boston Home Center, offers income-eligible first-time buyers financial assistance toward a home purchase in Boston.
The amount is based on the home's purchase price, household income as a percentage of Area Median Income (AMI), whether the home is deed-restricted, and closing costs when applicable. The City's current program page describes the assistance as a grant.
How Much Assistance May Be Available?
The City currently lists three award structures.
Up to $50,000
Below 100% AMI: 3% of the purchase price, up to $50,000, plus closing costs when applicable.
Up to $35,000
101%–135% AMI: 2% of the purchase price, up to $35,000.
2% of price
Deed-restricted homes: The grant is 2% of the purchase price.
Core Eligibility Requirements
Applicants generally need to meet all of these City requirements.
First-time buyer: You generally have not owned a principal residence during the previous three years. Limited exceptions may apply.
Boston property: Purchase a one- to three-family home or eligible condominium within the City of Boston.
Primary residence: Move into the home and continuously occupy it as your principal residence.
Homebuyer education: Graduate from a CHAPA-approved Homebuying 101 course before receiving assistance.
Participating lender: Obtain first-mortgage pre-approval from a Boston Home Center participating lender using an eligible loan.
Income limit: Household income must be below the applicable 135% AMI limit for your household size.
Asset limit: Household assets must be below $100,000, and the City may deny assistance when assets show no demonstrated need.
Property occupancy: A multi-family purchase must have at least one vacant unit so the buyer can move in without displacing a tenant or owner.
2026 Boston Homeownership Income Limits
Effective May 1, 2026, according to the City's June 15, 2026 homeownership limits table.
| Household Size | 100% AMI | 135% AMI Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $120,000 | $162,000 |
| 2 persons | $137,150 | $185,150 |
| 3 persons | $154,300 | $208,250 |
| 4 persons | $171,400 | $231,400 |
| 5 persons | $185,150 | $249,950 |
| 6 persons | $198,850 | $268,400 |
Income generally includes the gross annual income of everyone who will occupy the home. Limits change annually; the City makes the final calculation and eligibility determination.
How the Application Process Works
1. Check the basics: Compare your household, income, assets, and target property with the current program rules.
2. Complete Homebuying 101: Finish a CHAPA-approved course and keep your completion certificate.
3. Get pre-approved: Work with a Boston Home Center participating lender and an eligible first mortgage.
4. Gather documents: Expect income, tax, bank, asset, identity, course, pre-approval, and property documentation.
5. Apply to the City: Submit a complete Boston Home Center application for review and final approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really a grant?
The City's current program page calls the assistance a grant. Buyers should still review the City's award, mortgage, occupancy, and closing documents carefully because program conditions apply.
Do I have to live in Boston already?
The general First-Time Homebuyer Program page requires the property to be in Boston but does not list current Boston residency as a condition. ONE+Boston is a separate program with its own residency rules.
What counts toward the $100,000 asset limit?
The 2026 application lists cash and financial accounts, real-estate equity, investments, cryptocurrency, cash-app funds, and gifts. Government-approved retirement funds, Roth IRAs, and college savings plans are generally excluded unless liquidated for the purchase.
Can I buy a multi-family home?
Yes. The City allows eligible one-, two-, and three-family properties. At least one unit must be vacant for the buyer, and the purchase cannot displace a tenant or previous owner.
Can I combine this with another program?
Potentially, but compatibility depends on the first mortgage and each assistance program's rules. A participating lender and the Boston Home Center must confirm the final structure.
What happens after closing?
The City's January 2026 application states that the home must remain your primary residence and that the required Homeowner 201 class must be completed within six months after closing.
Primary Government Sources
Program details were reviewed against current City materials on August 13, 2026.
This website is operated by Next Wave Mortgage, LLC and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the City of Boston, the Mayor's Office of Housing, the Boston Home Center, HUD, or any other government agency. Information is educational and is not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of assistance. Program funds, limits, guidelines, and eligibility are subject to change and final administrator approval.