New $25K Down Payment Assistance Available for First-Time Homebuyers

There’s good news for aspiring homeowners across Massachusetts—including here in the Northern Berkshires. MassHousing has expanded its homebuyer assistance program, making up to $25,000 in interest-free down payment support available to more first-time buyers.

Announced this week by the Healey administration, this expanded program is designed to help address one of the biggest barriers to homeownership: upfront costs.

What’s new?
Eligible buyers can now access up to $25,000 at 0% interest with deferred repayment, which can be used for:

• Down payments

• Closing costs

• Mortgage insurance

• Interest rate buy-downs

This is a significant shift from previous versions of the program, which included interest-bearing loans.

Who qualifies?
The program is open to first-time homebuyers earning up to 135% of area median income. In the Berkshires, that includes households earning up to approximately $137,565, expanding access to many middle-income residents who may have previously been priced out.

Key timing:
To qualify, buyers must lock in a MassHousing mortgage between April 27 and July 31, 2026.

Why it matters locally
With housing affordability a growing concern in North Adams and across the region, this program offers a meaningful opportunity for residents to stay, invest, and build equity in their community.

Since 2023, MassHousing has helped more than 5,900 households across the state become homeowners, with down payment assistance playing a critical role for the vast majority of buyers.

Learn more
Interested buyers can explore eligibility and application details at MassHousing’s website or connect with a participating lender.

For North Adams residents thinking about making the leap into homeownership, this expanded program could make that first step more attainable than ever.