See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 4, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Newton, MA (2026)
Newton is an affluent suburban city in Middlesex County, just west of Boston, known for its excellent schools and tree-lined neighborhoods. With a median home price around $1,485,000, buying here is a significant investment, but several assistance programs can help. The City of Newton offers downpayment and closing cost assistance for deed-restricted affordable properties through its CPA-funded Homebuyer Assistance Program, available to households earning up to 80% of Boston-area median income. Statewide, 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. By combining state and local resources, eligible buyers in Newton can stack meaningful assistance toward homeownership.
City Programs in Newton
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newton Homebuyer Assistance Program | Grant | Varies; provides downpayment and closing cost assistance for deed-restricted affordable homes | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Varies; provides downpayment and closing cost assistance for deed-restricted affordable homes
- 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 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:
- 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. Review income limits for programs you are interested in. The Newton Homebuyer Assistance Program requires household income at or below 80% of Boston-area AMI. MassHousing DPA is available to buyers earning up to 135% AMI.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. A first-time homebuyer course is required for most programs. Contact NeighborWorks Housing Solutions at (508) 587-0950 or the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA) for approved courses in the greater Boston area.
Step 3: Monitor Newton affordable housing listings. Visit the City of Newton's Current Affordable Housing Opportunities page for deed-restricted properties as they become available. Apply through the affordable housing lottery if a unit is listed.
Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Contact a MassHousing-approved lender or a ONE Mortgage participating lender to determine your borrowing power and which state programs you qualify for.
Step 5: Apply for assistance programs. If selected through Newton's lottery, apply for the city's Homebuyer Assistance Program through the Housing and Community Development office. Separately, apply for MassHousing DPA or MassDREAMS through your lender.
Step 6: Find a home and close. Work with your lender and the City of Newton to coordinate assistance funds at closing. Expect the process to take several weeks once your application is submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Newton?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What are the income limits for Newton homebuyer programs?+−
Are there affordable homes available in Newton despite the high prices?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Free eligibility check
Buying a home in Newton? 13 programs could help.
How soon are you looking to buy?