See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 4, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Lawrence, MA (2026)
Lawrence is a Gateway City in Essex County along the Merrimack River, known for its rich immigrant heritage and growing community. With a median home price around $475,000, Lawrence is one of the more affordable communities in the greater Boston area. The City of Lawrence offers a First Time Homebuyer Program providing up to $25,000 (or 5% of the purchase price) as a zero-interest forgivable loan for down payment and closing costs. 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. 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 builds affordable homes for families earning up to 80% AMI. By combining city, state, and nonprofit programs, eligible Lawrence buyers can stack significant assistance toward homeownership.
City Programs in Lawrence
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence First Time Homebuyer Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to 5% of the purchase price, not to exceed $25,000 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of the purchase price, not to exceed $25,000
- 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 Lawrence First Time Homebuyer Program requires low-to-moderate income (up to 80% AMI). Gateway City income limits allow earnings up to approximately $153,900 for MassHousing programs.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Enroll in a HUD-approved first-time homebuyer course. ACT Lawrence at 15 Union Street offers courses (978-685-6274). Lawrence Community Works at 168 Newbury Street provides an 11-hour seminar for $50 (978-685-3115). Community Action for Family (CAF) at 375 Common Street also offers HUD-approved counseling (978-332-7108).
Step 3: 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 4: Apply for the Lawrence FTHB Program. Bring your pre-approval letter to the Community Development Department at 12 Methuen Street, Lawrence, MA for an intake session. Contact Marlene Ferrer at 978-620-3531 for details.
Step 5: 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.
Step 6: Find a home in Lawrence and close. You must purchase an owner-occupied property within Lawrence city limits. Coordinate assistance funds at closing with your lender and the Community Development Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Lawrence?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What are the income limits for Lawrence homebuyer programs?+−
What is a Gateway City and how does it help Lawrence buyers?+−
Where can I take homebuyer education in Lawrence?+−
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