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By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 3, 2026

Homebuyer Programs in Brockton, MA (2026)

Population: 106,000 | Median home price: $485,000 | Est. closing costs: $9,500 - $14,500

Skyline of Brockton, MA

Brockton is the largest city in Plymouth County and one of Massachusetts' designated Gateway Cities, with a median home price of approximately $485,000. Brockton's Gateway City status unlocks expanded state assistance through MassHousing, with income limits extending to 135% of area median income. The city offers the Brockton First Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program, providing up to $15,000 as a forgivable loan to help with down payment and closing costs. At the state level, MassHousing provides up to $30,000 in down payment assistance as a 0% deferred loan, and the ONE Mortgage program offers 30-year fixed-rate loans with just 3% down and no PMI. First-generation homebuyers can access the FHLBank Boston Lift Up Homeownership grant for up to $40,000 and the MAHA STASH program for up to $20,000. South Shore Habitat for Humanity also serves eligible buyers in the Brockton area with affordable homeownership opportunities.

City Programs in Brockton

Brockton First Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program
Type:
Deferred Loan
Amount:
Up to $15,000 (0% interest deferred loan); or up to $12,000 calculated as 3.5% of purchase price through the BRA
First-time only:
Yes

State Programs in Massachusetts

MassDREAMS Down Payment Assistance Grant
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
MassHousing Down Payment Assistance
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
ONE Mortgage Program
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

FHA Loans
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
Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD)
Type:
Government Property Sale Program
Amount:
50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
First-time only:
Yes
Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac)
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
HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae)
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
HUD $100 Down Program
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
USDA Rural Development Loans
Type:
Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
Amount:
100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
First-time only:
No
VA Loans
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

FHLBank Boston Lift Up Homeownership
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Up to $40,000 grant
First-time only:
Yes
MAHA STASH First-Gen Home Program
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Up to $10,000 grant in Boston; up to $20,000 in other Massachusetts cities
First-time only:
Yes
South Shore Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program
Type:
Zero-Interest Loan
Amount:
Affordable 30-year mortgage with payments not exceeding 30% of monthly income
First-time only:
No

How to Apply

Step 1: Check your eligibility. The Brockton FTHB program requires household income at or below 80% AMI and first-time buyer status (no homeownership in the past 3 years). As a Gateway City, MassHousing DPA extends to 135% AMI.

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. You must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course before applying for city DPA. NeighborWorks Housing Solutions in Brockton offers classes and can be reached at 508-587-0950. Brockton Area Multi-Services Inc. (BAMSI) and South Shore Community Action Council are additional local resources.

Step 3: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Work with a MassHousing-approved lender for state DPA, or a ONE Mortgage participating lender for the ONE program. Contact MHP at 1-800-752-7131 for a participating lender list.

Step 4: Find a home in Brockton. The city DPA program requires the property to be located within Brockton city limits. The home must pass a city housing inspection and meet habitability standards.

Step 5: Apply for down payment assistance. Submit your application through NeighborWorks Housing Solutions or the City of Brockton's Department of Planning and Economic Development. You will need proof of income, tax returns, bank statements, and your pre-approval letter.

Step 6: Close on your home. The city will coordinate disbursement of the forgivable loan at closing. If you remain in the home as your primary residence for the required period, the loan is fully forgiven.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in Brockton?+
The Brockton First Time Homebuyer program provides up to $15,000 as a forgivable loan. MassHousing offers up to $30,000 as a 0% deferred loan for buyers under 60% AMI, or up to $25,000 for buyers earning up to 135% AMI (Brockton qualifies as a Gateway City). First-generation buyers can also access the FHLBank Boston Lift Up grant ($40,000) and MAHA STASH ($20,000). Contact NeighborWorks Housing Solutions at 508-587-0950 to explore your options.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+
Most Brockton programs require first-time buyer status, defined as not having owned a home in the past 3 years. The MAHA STASH and FHLBank Boston Lift Up programs specifically target first-generation homebuyers, meaning neither the buyer nor their parents have owned a home in the United States.
What does it mean that Brockton is a Gateway City?+
Brockton is one of Massachusetts' 26 designated Gateway Cities. For homebuyers, this means MassHousing extends its DPA income eligibility to 135% of area median income, compared to 100% AMI in non-Gateway communities. This significantly expands the number of Brockton households that qualify for state-level assistance.
What homebuyer education is required?+
All Brockton city DPA applicants must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. NeighborWorks Housing Solutions in Brockton is the primary provider and can be reached at 508-587-0950. You can also search for approved courses at hud.gov or through the Massachusetts Homeownership Collaborative.
Is the Brockton DPA a grant or a loan?+
The Brockton First Time Homebuyer DPA is structured as a forgivable loan of up to $15,000. If you remain in the home as your primary residence for the required period, the loan is fully forgiven. If you sell, refinance, or move out before the forgiveness period ends, you will need to repay a prorated portion of the assistance.

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