See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 4, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Billerica, MA (2026)
Billerica is a suburban town in Middlesex County about 25 miles northwest of Boston, offering a blend of residential neighborhoods, good schools, and convenient access to Route 3 and Interstate 495. With a median home price around $690,000, purchasing a home in Billerica requires significant financial planning, but several state-level assistance programs can help. MassHousing offers up to $30,000 in down payment assistance for first-time buyers, and the ONE Mortgage Program provides affordable 30-year fixed-rate loans with just 3% down and no PMI. First-generation buyers may qualify for up to $20,000 through the MAHA STASH First-Gen Home Program. While Billerica does not currently have a city-funded down payment assistance program, the combination of state and federal programs can provide substantial help, and organizations like Community Teamwork and the Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership offer free homebuyer education and counseling to guide residents through the process.
State Programs in Massachusetts
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MassDREAMS Down Payment Assistance Grant | Grant | Up to $50,000 for buyers earning up to 100% AMI; up to $35,000 for buyers earning 100-135% AMI | Yes | View → |
| MassHousing Down Payment Assistance | Deferred Loan | Up to $30,000 (below 60% AMI at 0% deferred); up to $25,000 (60-80% AMI at 2%); up to $25,000 (80-135% AMI at 3%) | Yes | View → |
| ONE Mortgage Program | Zero-Interest Loan | 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with 3% down payment and no PMI; qualified borrowers below 80% AMI receive an additional subsidy to lower monthly payments | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $50,000 for buyers earning up to 100% AMI; up to $35,000 for buyers earning 100-135% AMI
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $30,000 (below 60% AMI at 0% deferred); up to $25,000 (60-80% AMI at 2%); up to $25,000 (80-135% AMI at 3%)
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with 3% down payment and no PMI; qualified borrowers below 80% AMI receive an additional subsidy to lower monthly payments
- First-time only:
- Yes
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable mortgage with housing costs capped at 30% of gross monthly income | No | View → |
| MAHA STASH First-Gen Home Program | Grant | Up to $10,000 grant in Boston; up to $20,000 in other Massachusetts cities | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable mortgage with housing costs capped at 30% of gross monthly income
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $10,000 grant in Boston; up to $20,000 in other Massachusetts cities
- First-time only:
- Yes
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Most programs require household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income. For the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area (which includes Billerica in Middlesex County), review the specific income limits for each program you plan to apply for. MassHousing DPA extends to buyers earning up to 135% AMI.
Step 2: Complete a homebuyer education course. This is required for MassHousing DPA, the ONE Mortgage Program, and most other assistance programs. Community Teamwork offers first-time homebuyer seminars for residents in the Greater Lowell area including Billerica. The Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership at 978-459-8490 also provides comprehensive homebuyer education and one-on-one counseling.
Step 3: Apply for MassHousing Down Payment Assistance. MassHousing provides up to $30,000 for buyers below 60% AMI (at 0% deferred interest) or up to $25,000 for those earning 60-135% AMI. Contact MassHousing at 888-843-6432 or work with a MassHousing-approved lender.
Step 4: Explore the ONE Mortgage Program. This state program offers 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with just 3% down and no PMI, making it one of the most affordable mortgage options in Massachusetts. Over 40 lenders participate. Visit mass.gov for the list of participating lenders.
Step 5: Get pre-approved for your mortgage. Work with a participating lender who can help you combine the ONE Mortgage with MassHousing DPA or other programs. IC Credit Union and other local lenders offer competitive first-time homebuyer rates in the area.
Step 6: Find a home and submit your applications. Once you have an accepted offer, finalize your DPA applications with your lender. Plan for a closing timeline of 45-60 days to allow for program processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Billerica?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
Does Billerica have its own down payment assistance program?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Can I qualify for Habitat for Humanity in Billerica?+−
Is Billerica eligible for MassDREAMS?+−
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