See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 4, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Chelmsford, MA (2026)
Chelmsford is a suburban town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, located in the Greater Lowell area and known for its strong schools and family-friendly neighborhoods. With a median home price around $615,000, the town does not currently offer a municipal down payment assistance grant, but buyers here can take advantage of several state and nonprofit programs. At the state level, MassHousing provides up to $30,000 in down payment assistance for buyers earning up to 60% of AMI, and up to $25,000 for buyers earning up to 135% AMI. The ONE Mortgage Program offers affordable 30-year fixed-rate loans with just 3% down and no PMI. Locally, the Chelmsford Housing Authority manages a deed-restricted affordable housing resale program for first-time buyers earning below 80% AMI, and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell builds affordable homes in 16 communities including Chelmsford. By combining state programs, eligible Chelmsford buyers can access significant financial assistance toward homeownership.
City Programs in Chelmsford
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelmsford Affordable Housing Resale Program | Deferred Loan | — | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- First-time only:
- Yes
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 → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable mortgage with housing costs capped at 30% of gross monthly income
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Review income limits for state programs. MassHousing DPA is available to first-time buyers earning up to $205,335 in Middlesex County. The Chelmsford Affordable Housing Resale Program requires household income below 80% AMI.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. The Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership in Lowell is a HUD-approved counseling agency offering classes through their Project Genesis program, a 10-hour series over 4 evening or 2 Saturday sessions. Contact them at (978) 459-8490 or visit mvhp.org. Most assistance programs require homebuyer education.
Step 3: Contact the Chelmsford Housing Authority. If you are interested in purchasing a deed-restricted affordable home in Chelmsford, contact the CHA at 978-256-7425 ext. 10 or lottery@chelmsfordha.com. They maintain a wait list for affordable homes at multiple developments throughout town.
Step 4: Explore Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell. If your household income is between 30% and 60% AMI, Habitat builds affordable homes in Chelmsford and 15 other communities. Visit lowellhabitat.org or contact them for information on upcoming builds and applications.
Step 5: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Work with a MassHousing-approved lender to access state DPA of up to $30,000, or explore the ONE Mortgage Program for a low-rate, no-PMI loan with just 3% down. Call 1-800-752-7131 or email onemortgage@mhp.net for ONE Mortgage details.
Step 6: Find a home and apply. For market-rate homes, finalize your MassHousing DPA application once you have a signed Purchase and Sales Agreement. For deed-restricted homes, the CHA will notify you when units become available based on your wait list position.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Chelmsford?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to get assistance in Chelmsford?+−
What is the Chelmsford Affordable Housing Resale Program?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Can I use Habitat for Humanity in Chelmsford?+−
Free eligibility check
Buying a home in Chelmsford? 12 programs could help.
How soon are you looking to buy?