See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 4, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Haverhill, MA (2026)
Haverhill is a Gateway City in Essex County along the Merrimack River in northeastern Massachusetts, offering a mix of historic neighborhoods and growing economic development. With a median home price around $550,000, Haverhill is more affordable than many Greater Boston communities. The City of Haverhill offers a First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program providing up to $15,000 as a 0% interest forgivable loan for buyers purchasing in the Mount Washington or Lower Acre neighborhoods. At the state level, buyers can access MassHousing Down Payment Assistance of up to $30,000, the MassDREAMS grant of up to $50,000, and the ONE Mortgage Program with just 3% down and no PMI. As a Gateway City, Haverhill buyers benefit from expanded income eligibility on MassHousing programs. First-generation homebuyers may also qualify for up to $20,000 through the MAHA STASH First-Gen Home Program, and Essex County Habitat for Humanity serves the Haverhill area. By combining these resources, eligible buyers can stack significant assistance toward homeownership.
City Programs in Haverhill
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haverhill First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to $15,000 for downpayment and/or closing costs | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000 for downpayment and/or closing costs
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essex County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable 30-year mortgage with no traditional down payment required; sweat equity replaces down payment | Yes | 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 30-year mortgage with no traditional down payment required; sweat equity replaces down payment
- First-time only:
- Yes
- 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. The Haverhill First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program requires household income at or below 80% AMI. As a Gateway City, MassHousing income limits allow earnings up to 135% AMI for state programs.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Community Action Inc. (CAI) at 3 Washington Square, 4th Floor, Haverhill provides first-time homebuyer education courses and counseling. Contact them to enroll.
Step 3: Save for your contribution. The Haverhill program requires a minimum of 1.5% of the purchase price from your own savings.
Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Contact a MassHousing-approved lender or ONE Mortgage participating lender to determine your borrowing power and program eligibility.
Step 5: Apply for the Haverhill DPA. Contact the Community Development Department at Haverhill City Hall, 4 Summer Street, Haverhill MA 01830. Call 311 (within city limits) or 978-358-1311. Note: the city program is limited to properties in the Mount Washington and Lower Acre neighborhoods.
Step 6: Apply for state programs. Work with your lender to apply for MassHousing DPA or MassDREAMS. First-generation buyers should contact MAHA about the STASH program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Haverhill?+−
Do I have to buy in a specific neighborhood to get Haverhill city assistance?+−
What are the income limits for Haverhill homebuyer programs?+−
What is a Gateway City and how does it benefit Haverhill buyers?+−
Where can I take homebuyer education in Haverhill?+−
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