Philadelphia First-Time Homebuyer Grant: Philly First Home Eligibility and Steps

What is Philly First Home?

Philly First Home is a City of Philadelphia homebuyer assistance program administered through the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC). Eligible first-time buyers may receive help with a down payment, closing costs, or both when purchasing an eligible home in Philadelphia.

The program may provide up to $10,000 or 6% of the home purchase price, whichever is less. Assistance depends on current program rules and available funding, so it is not guaranteed.

Who may qualify?

According to the City and PHDC program information, a buyer generally must:

• Be a first-time homebuyer, which includes someone who has not owned a home during the previous three years.
• Meet the current household income limits. Limits are tied to household size and can change.
• Purchase an eligible single-family home or duplex within Philadelphia. Condominiums are not eligible under the published city rules.
• Use the property as a primary residence.
• Complete free, City-funded one-on-one homeownership counseling before signing an Agreement of Sale.

Understand the 15-year condition

Philly First Home is structured as forgivable assistance. The buyer must live in the home for 15 years. Selling or refinancing before that period ends may require repayment, so ask the housing counselor to explain the current agreement before committing to a purchase.

Start with counseling—not a purchase contract

The required first step is to contact a City-funded, HUD-approved housing counseling agency. The counselor reviews household income, income sources, household size, readiness to buy, and current program availability. Because counseling must occur before the Agreement of Sale is signed, buyers should begin early.

1. Contact a participating housing counseling agency listed by the City or PHDC.
2. Complete the required one-on-one counseling.
3. Confirm current income limits, funding availability, eligible property types, and whether other assistance can be combined.
4. Work with a participating lender to review mortgage qualification and any compatible state programs.

Can it be combined with Pennsylvania programs?

Philadelphia buyers may also ask about Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency programs such as K-FIT or Keystone Advantage. Each option has separate mortgage, credit, income, occupancy, and repayment rules. Combining assistance is not automatic; the housing counselor and participating lender must confirm compatibility for the specific transaction.

Where to verify current details

Program rules and funding can change. Review the official City of Philadelphia first-home guidance and the PHDC Philly First Home page. You may also contact Philadelphia's Division of Housing and Community Development at 215-686-9749.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of grant approval. Assistance is subject to funding availability, program eligibility, property eligibility, lender approval, and current agency rules. Verify all terms with PHDC, a participating housing counselor, and your lender before signing an Agreement of Sale.