Are you planning to buy your first home in Montgomery County, PA? There’s great news for you! If you meet certain requirements, you could qualify for a grant to help with your purchase. Here’s everything you need to know about the program.
What Is This Grant?
This grant is designed to help first-time homebuyers—or anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years—cover part of their home purchase costs. If you qualify, the grant will be forgiven after 15 years, meaning you won’t have to pay it back as long as you meet the requirements.
Who Qualifies?
- First-time homebuyers, or anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the past three years.
- You must intend to occupy the property as your primary residence (not as an investment property).
- You must currently reside in or be employed full-time within Montgomery County at the time of application and closing.
- You must complete the required counseling program prior to executing any contract of sale for the purchase of real estate.
- You must have a minimum of $3,000 in liquid assets at the time of application.
- You must have a minimum down payment of 3%. No gift money is permitted toward the first 3%.
- Your household income must fall below certain limits (see below).
Income Limit
Your total household income must be below these limits based on your family size:
| Family Size | Income Limit |
| 1 Person | $80,300 |
| 2 Person | $91,800 |
| 3 Person | $103,300 |
| 4 Person | $114,700 |
If your income is below 60% or 80% of the limit, you can qualify for additional grants.
| Family Size | 60% of the Income Limit | 80% of the Income Limit |
| 1 Person | $48,180 | $64,250 |
| 2 Person | $55,080 | $73,400 |
| 3 Person | $61,980 | $82,600 |
| 4 Person | $68,820 | $91,750 |
Example: If there are 3 people in your household and your gross annual income is $75,000, then you are below 80% of the income limit.
Grant Amounts
- Base Grant:
- You can receive up to 10% of the estimated sales price, capped at $10,000.
- Additional Grant (Based on Income):
- If your income is below 80% of the limit, you can get an extra $30,000, for a total of $40,000.
- If your income is below 60% of the limit, you can get an extra $60,000, for a total of $70,000.
Example: If you’re buying a $300,000 house and your income is below 60% of the limit, you could qualify for a $70,000 grant. This includes the $10,000 base grant plus the $60,000 additional grant.
Grant Terms
- The grant will be forgiven after 15 years.
- Repayment is required if the home is sold, conveyed, granted, or transferred before the 15-year forgiveness period.
- If the property is used as an investment (rather than as a primary residence), repayment will be required.
- Zero percent interest rate on the grant.
Example: If you sell the home within 5 years, you will need to repay the full grant amount at the time of sale.
This grant is a fantastic opportunity to make buying your first home more affordable. Be sure to check if you qualify and begin preparing your application!
Are you ready to apply?
Before you apply, be sure to review these articles:
- Key Requirements for the Montgomery County, PA First-Time Homebuyer Grant
- How to Calculate the Sales Price for the Montgomery County PA First Time Homebuyers Program
- What Happens After You Apply for the First-Time Homebuyer Program in Montgomery County, PA
Need More Information?
Visit the official county website for additional details: Montgomery County First-Time Homebuyer Grant.
Note: This article was revised in February 2025.