See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 4, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Brookline, MA (2026)
Brookline is an affluent and highly desirable community located just west of Boston, known for its excellent schools, walkable neighborhoods, and proximity to the city. With a median home price around $1,260,000, homeownership here requires significant resources, but several assistance programs can help. The Brookline Community Development Corporation offers a $10,000 grant to eligible Brookline residents for down payment or closing costs. At the state level, MassHousing provides deferred loans of up to $30,000, the MassDREAMS program offers grants of up to $50,000 for qualifying buyers, and the ONE Mortgage Program provides a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with just 3% down and no PMI. Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston also serves Brookline with affordable homeownership opportunities. By combining local and state programs, eligible buyers can access meaningful assistance even in this high-cost market.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookline CDC First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program | Grant | $10,000 | Yes | View → |
| Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable mortgage with monthly 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:
- Grant
- Amount:
- $10,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable mortgage with monthly 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% AMI, though the Brookline CDC grant targets households at or above 80% AMI. Review each program's specific income requirements.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. The Brookline Community Development Corporation offers an annual first-time homebuyer series in partnership with the Brookline Housing Authority. Contact BCDC to enroll.
Step 3: Apply for the Brookline CDC $10,000 grant by completing their first-time homebuyer program. This grant can be used toward a home purchase anywhere in Massachusetts.
Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Consider working with a MassHousing-approved lender or a ONE Mortgage participating lender to access additional down payment assistance.
Step 5: Find a home within your budget. Given Brookline's high home prices, explore condos and smaller properties that may fall within program purchase price limits.
Step 6: Submit applications for state programs. MassHousing DPA and MassDREAMS can be layered with local assistance. Work with your lender to coordinate timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Brookline?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What are the income limits for Brookline programs?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Can I use the Brookline CDC grant to buy outside of Brookline?+−
Free eligibility check
Buying a home in Brookline? 13 programs could help.
How soon are you looking to buy?