Maryland Down Payment Assistance Eligibility (2026)
Maryland's requirements are a 640 credit score, income under the Maryland Mortgage Program limit for your jurisdiction, and a primary residence. Here is what qualifies you, and how first-time and repeat rules differ.
Who qualifies for Maryland down payment assistance
The core gates are a 640 credit score, income under the Maryland Mortgage Program limit for your jurisdiction, and a home you will live in as your primary residence. Maryland sets income and sales-price limits county by county and by household size, and they change, so we confirm your specific figures before you shop. Homebuyer education is required. The DPA pairs with a conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA first mortgage.
First-time vs. repeat buyers
This is where Maryland is more flexible than most. The 1st Time Advantage line is for first-time buyers, defined as not having owned a primary home in the last three years, though that is waived in targeted areas and for qualifying veterans. The Flex line serves repeat buyers with the same DPA menu. So if you have owned before, you are not shut out, you use Flex. See the Flex page for the repeat-buyer path.
HomeStart and the income tiers
The one product with a stricter income rule is HomeStart, its 6% down payment assistance is reserved for households with income at or below 50% of the area median. The other DPA options follow the standard Maryland Mortgage Program income limits, which run higher and vary by jurisdiction, higher in the DC suburbs, lower in rural counties. Because the numbers move, we check your household income against the current figure for your county. See the program overview.
Maryland Mortgage Program income limits by county (2026)
Maryland Mortgage Program income limits for 2026 run from $137,100 in most rural counties up to $232,540 in the DC suburbs, set by household size and jurisdiction, effective for loans reserved on or after June 24, 2026 (MMP Directive 2026-04). A home in a "targeted" census tract carries a higher limit and waives the first-time-buyer rule.
| Jurisdiction | 1–2 person household | 3+ person household |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, Prince George’s, Frederick, Charles (DC suburbs) | $199,320 | $232,540 |
| Calvert | $190,320 | $222,040 |
| Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard (non-targeted) | $140,759 | $161,873 |
| Baltimore City (entirely a targeted area) | $164,520 | $191,940 |
| Targeted census tracts statewide | $164,520 | $191,940 |
| Most other / rural counties (Cecil, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico…) | $137,100 | $157,665 |
What a targeted area means for you: if the home sits in a targeted census tract, the income limit jumps to $164,520 for a 1–2 person household or $191,940 for 3 or more, and you do not have to be a first-time buyer. HomeStart’s 6% assistance is separate and stricter, capped at 50% of area median income. We check your household income against the exact figure for your county and household size before you shop.
Common questions
What credit score do I need for Maryland down payment assistance?
The Maryland Mortgage Program requires a 640 minimum credit score. You also need income under the limit for your jurisdiction and a home that will be your primary residence.
What are the 2026 Maryland Mortgage Program income limits?
For 2026 (effective June 24, 2026), Maryland Mortgage Program income limits range from $137,100 for a 1–2 person household in most rural counties up to $232,540 for a 3+ person household in the DC suburbs (Montgomery, Prince George’s, Frederick, Charles). Baltimore-metro non-targeted limits are $140,759 (1–2) and $161,873 (3+); targeted census tracts carry $164,520 and $191,940. See the county table above. HomeStart’s 6% option is separate and capped at 50% of area median income.
Can repeat buyers qualify for the Maryland Mortgage Program?
Yes. The Flex line serves repeat buyers with the same DPA menu as the first-time line. 1st Time Advantage is for first-time buyers (waived in targeted areas and for veterans).
Ready to see your options?
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