See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 5, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Auburn, ME (2026)
Auburn is a growing city in Androscoggin County, Maine, located along the Androscoggin River across from its twin city of Lewiston. With a median home price around $328,000, Auburn offers more accessible pricing compared to southern Maine markets while remaining within commuting distance of Portland. Homebuyers in Auburn can take advantage of the Auburn HOMEBuyer Program, which provides a $5,000 grant toward down payment and closing costs for income-qualifying households. The Lewiston-Auburn Homebuyer Loan Program offers a 2:1 matched savings plan, and the state-level MaineHousing Advantage program adds another $5,000 in assistance. First-generation homebuyers may also qualify for the MaineHousing First Generation Program, which offers a $10,000 grant plus a below-market interest rate. By combining local, state, and federal programs, Auburn buyers can potentially stack over $20,000 in total assistance.
City Programs in Auburn
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn HOMEBuyer Program | Grant | $5,000 grant toward down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| Lewiston-Auburn Homebuyer Loan Program | Forgivable Loan | 2:1 matched savings; half as grant, half as 0% forgivable loan | No | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- $5,000 grant toward down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- 2:1 matched savings; half as grant, half as 0% forgivable loan
- First-time only:
- No
State Programs in Maine
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MaineHousing Advantage | Grant | $5,000 | Yes | View → |
| MaineHousing First Generation Program | Grant | $10,000 grant plus 1% below-market interest rate | Yes | View → |
| MaineHousing First Home Loan Program | Deferred Loan | Low fixed-rate 30-year mortgage with little or no down payment | Yes | View → |
| MaineHousing Salute ME | Deferred Loan | 0.50% interest rate discount on MaineHousing First Home Loan rate | No | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- $5,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- $10,000 grant plus 1% below-market interest rate
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Low fixed-rate 30-year mortgage with little or no down payment
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- 0.50% interest rate discount on MaineHousing First Home Loan rate
- First-time only:
- No
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
Nonprofit Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Concepts Self-Help Homeownership Program | Deferred Loan | Opportunity to build a new affordable home with sweat equity | No | View → |
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Opportunity to build a new affordable home with sweat equity
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Most programs require household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income for Androscoggin County. The Auburn HOMEBuyer Program also requires a minimum income of $25,000 and cash assets below $15,000.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. MaineHousing requires a hoMEworks-approved homebuyer education course before closing. Community Concepts in Lewiston offers HUD-approved courses and can be reached at (800) 866-5588.
Step 3: Contact Auburn Community Development. Reach out to the City of Auburn Community Development Department to apply for the Auburn HOMEBuyer Program and confirm current funding availability.
Step 4: Open a matched savings account. For the Lewiston-Auburn Homebuyer Loan Program, open a savings account and contribute at least $25 per month for a minimum of six months. The city matches your savings 2:1.
Step 5: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Connect with a MaineHousing-approved lender to apply for the First Home Loan Program, which offers low fixed-rate 30-year mortgages with the Advantage down payment assistance option.
Step 6: Find a home within program limits. The property must be located within Auburn city limits for the Auburn HOMEBuyer Program and must pass a property inspection. Check MaineHousing purchase price limits for your county.
Step 7: Submit your applications and close. Work with your lender and housing counselor to submit all program applications. Allow extra time for inspections and program processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Auburn?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What is the maximum home price I can pay?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Can I build my own home through a local program?+−
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