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By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 4, 2026

Homebuyer Programs in Woburn, MA (2026)

Population: 41,900 | Median home price: $750,000 | Est. closing costs: $15,000 - $22,500

Skyline of Woburn, MA

Woburn is a city in Middlesex County about 10 miles north of Boston, offering convenient access to Interstate 93 and Route 128 along with a mix of residential neighborhoods and a growing commercial corridor. With a median home price around $750,000, purchasing in Woburn requires solid financial planning, but several assistance programs can help. MassHousing offers up to $30,000 in down payment assistance for first-time buyers, and the ONE Mortgage Program provides affordable 30-year fixed-rate loans with just 3% down and no PMI. First-generation homebuyers may qualify for up to $40,000 through the FHLBank Boston Lift Up Homeownership program or up to $20,000 through the MAHA STASH First-Gen Home Program. While Woburn does not currently offer a city-funded down payment assistance program, the city does periodically offer affordable homeownership units through lottery at below-market prices. By combining state and nonprofit resources, Woburn homebuyers can access meaningful assistance toward their 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

FHLBank Boston Lift Up Homeownership
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Up to $40,000 grant
First-time only:
Yes
Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston Homeownership Program
Type:
Zero-Interest Loan
Amount:
Affordable mortgage with monthly housing costs capped at 30% of gross monthly income
First-time only:
No
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% of Area Median Income. For the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area (which includes Woburn in Middlesex County), MassHousing DPA extends to buyers earning up to 135% AMI ($205,335 in eastern Massachusetts). Review income limits for each program.

Step 2: Complete a homebuyer education course. This is required for MassHousing DPA, the ONE Mortgage Program, and most other assistance programs. NeighborWorks Housing Solutions offers first-time homebuyer classes at locations across their service area, with both online and in-person options. Call them or visit nhsmass.org to register.

Step 3: Apply for MassHousing Down Payment Assistance. MassHousing provides up to $30,000 for buyers below 60% AMI (at 0% deferred interest) or up to $25,000 for those earning 60-135% AMI. Contact MassHousing at 888-843-6432 or work with one of their 80+ approved lenders.

Step 4: Explore the FHLBank Boston Lift Up Homeownership program. First-generation homebuyers earning up to 120% AMI may qualify for up to $40,000 in grant assistance toward down payment and closing costs. You cannot apply directly to FHLBank Boston -- contact a participating member bank or credit union to access this program.

Step 5: Get pre-approved for your mortgage. Work with a participating lender for the ONE Mortgage Program (3% down, no PMI) or a MassHousing first mortgage. Your lender can help you determine the best combination of programs for your situation.

Step 6: Find a home and submit your applications. Once you have an accepted offer, finalize your DPA applications with your lender. Also watch for affordable homeownership lottery opportunities from the City of Woburn, which periodically offers below-market units. Plan for a closing timeline of 45-60 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in Woburn?+
Woburn buyers can combine multiple programs. MassHousing offers up to $30,000 for buyers below 60% AMI, or up to $25,000 for those earning 60-135% AMI. First-generation homebuyers may qualify for up to $40,000 through the FHLBank Boston Lift Up Homeownership program or up to $20,000 through the MAHA STASH program. The ONE Mortgage Program also reduces your required down payment to just 3% with no PMI.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+
Yes, most programs require first-time homebuyer status, generally defined as not having owned a home in the past three years. This applies to MassHousing DPA, the ONE Mortgage Program, and Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston. The FHLBank Boston Lift Up program specifically targets first-generation homebuyers who have never owned a home and whose parents have not owned a home.
Does Woburn have its own down payment assistance program?+
Woburn does not currently offer a city-funded down payment assistance program. However, the city periodically offers affordable homeownership units through lottery at below-market prices through developments like Highland at the Vale. Buyers have access to strong state programs including MassHousing DPA (up to $30,000) and the ONE Mortgage (3% down, no PMI), as well as the FHLBank Boston Lift Up grant (up to $40,000) for first-generation buyers.
What is the FHLBank Boston Lift Up Homeownership program?+
The Lift Up Homeownership program from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston provides up to $40,000 in grant assistance toward down payment and closing costs for first-generation homebuyers earning up to 120% of Area Median Income. You must apply through a participating member bank or credit union -- you cannot apply directly to FHLBank Boston. Contact local lenders to ask if they participate in this program.
What homebuyer education is required?+
Most programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. NeighborWorks Housing Solutions offers first-time homebuyer classes with both online and in-person options across their service area. Visit nhsmass.org or call to register. The Massachusetts Homeownership Collaborative at mymasshome.org also lists approved education providers.
Is Woburn eligible for MassDREAMS?+
No. Woburn is not one of the 29 Massachusetts communities designated for the MassDREAMS grant program. Woburn buyers should focus on MassHousing DPA (up to $30,000), the FHLBank Boston Lift Up program (up to $40,000 for first-generation buyers), and the ONE Mortgage Program as their primary assistance sources.

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