Gaithersburg Homebuyer Assistance Loan Program (GHALP)
How much assistance
Up to $40,000 (Deferred Loan)
Zero-interest deferred loan secured by a promissory note and second deed of trust. No monthly payments required. Repayment is due upon sale, transfer, refinance, or when the property is no longer the borrower's primary residence.
Eligibility
- Income limits: Household income at or below 100% of Area Median Income (AMI). Priority populations (K-12 school employees, City of Gaithersburg employees, police officers, fire safety employees, veterans) may qualify at up to 120% AMI.
- First-time buyer required: Yes — Must have never owned a home or must not have owned a home for at least 3 years prior to settlement date.
- Geographic restrictions: Must purchase within the City of Gaithersburg corporate limits. Must have lived or worked in Gaithersburg for at least 1 year prior to application (waived for priority populations: K-12 school employees, City employees, police, fire safety, veterans).
- Homebuyer education required: Yes
How to Apply for Gaithersburg Homebuyer Assistance Loan Program (GHALP)
Step 1: Fill out the DPA Pre-Application form (available in English and Spanish) and email it to housing@gaithersburgmd.gov. If you pre-qualify, you must complete a HUD-approved first-time homebuyer counseling class. Then work with a Maryland Mortgage Program approved lender to apply for the loan alongside your first mortgage.
Notes
Priority populations include K-12 public and private school employees, City of Gaithersburg full-time or permanent part-time employees, police officers, fire safety employees, and veterans. These groups receive a higher income limit (120% AMI) and are exempt from the 1-year residency/employment requirement.