Bethlehem Homebuyer Assistance Program (BHAP)

Administered by: City of Bethlehem / Community Action Lehigh Valley · City · Forgivable Loan

Funding status: Active

How much assistance

Up to 10% of purchase price plus closing costs (Forgivable Loan)

Forgiven over a 10-year term. No monthly payment required.

Eligibility

  • Income limits: At or below 80% of Area Median Income
  • First-time buyer required: Yes — Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years.
  • Geographic restrictions: Property must be located within the City of Bethlehem.
  • Homebuyer education required: Yes

How to Apply for Bethlehem Homebuyer Assistance Program (BHAP)

Step 1: Contact the Bethlehem RDA at 610-865-7055 or Community Action Lehigh Valley at 484-893-1063. Applicants must provide $1,000 toward the purchase and pay a $275 non-refundable fee for one-on-one pre-purchase counseling with a HUD-certified Housing Counselor. Must have a signed Agreement of Sale for a property in Bethlehem before applying.

Visit program website

Notes

Funded through City of Bethlehem HOME Investment Partnership funds. Purchase price limit: property value cannot exceed 95% of the HUD median sale price for the county where the property is located. Applicants must also attend a first-time homebuyer seminar and at least one counseling session.

Cities Where This Program Is Available