This program offers first-time homebuyers the opportunity to buy a City-funded new or rehabilitated single-family, two-family, or condo unit. Properties are offered by affordable housing lottery, or on a first-come, first-served basis.

What are the benefits?

• Purchase a new or rehabilitated home at an affordable price
• Receive financial assistance to help with the purchase

Who is eligible?

• Must be a first-time homebuyer
• 1st Home property must serve as primary residence
  
• Must be a graduate of Homebuying 101
• Must be able to pay partial closing costs, contribute at least 1.5% of savings toward the purchase price, and be able to obtain mortgage financing 
• Must not have assets exceeding $75,000 (view Asset Limitation Policy )
• Must have a household income that does not exceed either 80% CDBG or 120% of Area Median Income as determined by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

What types of properties are eligible?

• Certain single- and two-family homes and condos that have received funding from the Department of Neighborhood Development. Visit our Affordable Housing webpage to see current listings.

How do I apply and what happens next?

1. Apply to participate in the program
   Complete the Boston Home Center’s 1st Home application and submit all required documentation. You may be asked to complete the No Income Afffadavit and the No Child Support Affadavit. All applicants who have submitted a complete application at least two weeks prior to a lottery will be placed in each and every lottery for which they appear eligible and qualified.  Lotteries are usually conducted when a development is 80% complete.  Eligible applicants will be given written notification of the lottery date and place.
   
   
2. Graduate from an approved homebuyer education program
   You may sign up for Homebuying 101 through the Boston Home Center, or through one of our approved partner agencies. You must complete the class prior to purchasing a home.
   
   
3. Receive confirmation that your application has been reviewed and that you are a qualified 1st Home buyer
   After your application has been reviewed, you will receive a letter from the Boston Home Center indicating your qualification status and providing information about next steps.
   
   
4. Qualified applicants will be notified and automatically entered into any upcoming lottery
   If an applicant meets requirements of a specific housing lottery, the Boston Home Center will automatically enter them to participate. Eligible participants will be notified of the lottery date and location, although participants do not need to be present for the drawing.
   
   

Have questions?

For more information about the 1st Home program, call:

The Boston Home Center
Department of Neighborhood Development
Phone: 617.635.HOME (4663)
Email: HomeCenter.DND@cityofboston.gov

* Dollar amounts and financial assistance offers represent conditional and/or deferred loans. Primary mortgage/refinance/rehabilitation loans must be secured by the applicant.

Some programs cannot be combined.

Income eligibility and other restrictions may apply, including repair types and property location.

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