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By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 5, 2026

Homebuyer Programs in Milford, MA (2026)

Population: 28,580 | Median home price: $520,000 | Est. closing costs: $10,500 - $15,500

Skyline of Milford, MA

Milford is a town of about 28,600 residents in Worcester County, Massachusetts, located roughly 35 miles southwest of Boston in the southern MetroWest region. With a median home price around $520,000, homeownership is a significant financial commitment, but several state-level programs can help. While Milford does not currently offer town-funded down payment assistance, buyers here benefit from strong Massachusetts programs. MassHousing provides up to $30,000 in down payment assistance, and the ONE Mortgage Program offers affordable 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with just 3% down and no PMI. The MAHA STASH program provides up to $20,000 in grants for first-generation homebuyers. By combining state and federal programs, Milford buyers could receive substantial assistance toward their home purchase.

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

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

How to Apply

Step 1: Check your eligibility. Most programs require household income at or below 80-135% of the area median income for Worcester County. MassHousing's income limit for Worcester County is approximately $165,645. Review the requirements for MassHousing DPA and the ONE Mortgage to see which programs fit your situation.

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Massachusetts requires a HUD-approved homebuyer education course for most assistance programs. RCAP Solutions serves as the regional Housing Consumer Education Center for Worcester County and offers workshops and one-on-one counseling. They can be reached during business hours at their Worcester office.

Step 3: Contact a housing counselor. RCAP Solutions provides free pre-purchase counseling to help you navigate available programs, build a budget, and prepare for homeownership. Their HCEC office is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Work with a MassHousing-approved lender or a ONE Mortgage participating lender to get pre-approved. Ask specifically about layering DPA programs to maximize your assistance. You can call MassHousing at 888-843-6432 for guidance.

Step 5: Find a home in Milford within program limits. Search for homes that fall within the purchase price limits set by your chosen programs.

Step 6: Submit your assistance applications. Once you have a signed purchase and sales agreement, submit your DPA applications through your lender. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, so plan your closing timeline accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in Milford?+
Milford buyers can access several state and federal programs. MassHousing offers up to $30,000 in down payment assistance as a deferred loan for buyers earning up to 60% of AMI, and up to $25,000 for buyers earning up to 135% of AMI. The MAHA STASH First-Gen Home Program provides up to $20,000 in grants for first-generation homebuyers. The ONE Mortgage Program allows just 3% down with no PMI. These programs can often be combined for significant total assistance.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+
Most state programs require first-time buyer status, defined as not having owned a home in the past three years. MassHousing DPA and the ONE Mortgage both require first-time buyer status. The MAHA STASH program specifically requires first-generation homebuyer status, meaning neither you nor your parents have owned a home in the US. Federal programs like FHA and VA loans do not require first-time buyer status.
Does Milford have its own town-funded down payment assistance?+
Milford does not currently offer a town-funded down payment assistance program. However, buyers here have access to strong state-level programs including MassHousing DPA (up to $30,000), the ONE Mortgage Program (3% down, no PMI), and the MAHA STASH program (up to $20,000 for first-generation buyers). These state programs are available for purchases anywhere in Massachusetts, including Milford.
Am I eligible for the MassDREAMS grant in Milford?+
MassDREAMS offers up to $50,000 in grants but is restricted to buyers who currently reside in one of 29 designated communities in Massachusetts. Milford is not on that list, so you would need to currently live in a qualifying community like Worcester, Boston, or another Gateway City to be eligible. However, MassHousing DPA (up to $30,000) is available statewide with no residency restriction beyond purchasing in Massachusetts.
What homebuyer education is required?+
Most Massachusetts assistance programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. RCAP Solutions serves as the regional Housing Consumer Education Center for Worcester County and offers MassHousing-approved and HUD-certified workshops along with one-on-one counseling. After completing a course, you receive certification that qualifies you for various DPA programs and special mortgage products.
What is the maximum home price I can pay using these programs?+
Purchase price limits vary by program and are updated periodically. MassHousing sets limits based on property type and location for Worcester County. The ONE Mortgage Program has its own property price caps. Contact a MassHousing-approved lender or call MassHousing directly at 888-843-6432 for the most current limits in the Milford area.

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