Pathway to Purchase
First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program
If you are a first-time home buyer, you could be eligible for up to $50,000 in down payment and closing costs toward the purchase of your first home in Prince George's County.
The Pathway to Purchase First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program is Prince George’s County’s flagship homeownership initiative, designed to help eligible residents overcome one of the greatest barriers to purchasing a home—the upfront costs of a down payment and closing costs. Administered by the Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the program provides up to $50,000 in financial assistance to qualified first-time homebuyers in the form of a zero-interest deferred loan, making homeownership more attainable for individuals and families seeking to establish roots in Prince George’s County.
The program is intended for individuals who have not owned a home within the past three years and who plan to occupy the property as their primary residence. Assistance can be used toward down payment and closing costs for the purchase of eligible homes throughout Prince George’s County, helping homebuyers bridge the affordability gap and compete more effectively in today’s housing market. The deferred loan carries no monthly payments and no interest, providing buyers with significant financial relief during the critical early years of homeownership. The loan is forgiven after the homeowner occupies the property for fifteen (15) years; however, repayment may be required if the home is sold, transferred, refinanced, or no longer used as the owner’s primary residence before the forgiveness period is complete.
Pathway to Purchase is a powerful wealth-building tool that enables residents to transition from renting to owning. Homeownership provides families with the opportunity to build equity, create generational wealth, and achieve long-term financial stability while strengthening neighborhoods and fostering community investment. The program is particularly impactful for households that may have sufficient income to sustain a mortgage but struggle to accumulate the savings needed for a down payment and closing costs.
The program’s success demonstrates the County’s commitment to expanding homeownership opportunities. In Fiscal Year 2026, DHCD awarded more than $1.2 million in assistance to 33 homebuyers, a significant increase from the previous year, helping more residents realize the dream of homeownership. Additionally, eligible participants may be able to leverage other homeownership resources, including assistance available through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Maryland Mortgage Program, further enhancing affordability and reducing barriers to purchase.
As part of Prince George’s County’s broader housing strategy, the Pathway to Purchase First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program supports neighborhood revitalization, promotes economic mobility, and advances housing equity. By investing in residents and expanding access to homeownership, DHCD continues to fulfill its mission of creating pathways to safe, quality, and affordable housing while ensuring that more families can build a stronger future in Prince George’s County—because Everyone Belongs.
Specific information about the Pathway to Purchase First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program
|
Program Feature |
Pathway to Purchase |
|---|---|
|
Program Purpose |
Expand access to affordable homeownership for low-moderate-income first-time homebuyers |
|
Target Population |
Low-moderate-income County residents |
|
Eligible Occupations / Groups |
Applicants must be first-time homebuyers
|
|
Income Limit |
Up to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) |
|
Type of Assistance |
Down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a zero-interest deferred loan |
|
Maximum Assistance |
Up to $50,000 per buyer |
|
Loan Structure |
- Zero percent interest - Deferred payment second mortgage -No Forgiveness Years 1-5 and then forgiven 10% per year for the next 10 years (fully forgiven if owner occupies the home for the fifteen-year period) |
|
Buyer Contribution |
N/A |
|
Homebuyer Education |
8-hour homebuyer education course required |
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Eligible Property Types |
Single-family homes, townhomes, or condominiums located within the County |
|
Purchase Price Limits |
New Construction: $485,000
Resale: $448,000 |
|
Occupancy Requirement |
Must remain owner-occupied for the forgiveness period |
|
Application Process |
Must qualify through an approved certified lender |
List of Approved Certified Lenders
Question/Inquiries related to the Pathway to Purchase Program can be emailed to:
PathwaytoPurchase@co.pg.md.us or Call 301-883-5456