Homebuying Incentive Programs

Baltimore City offers a variety of incentive programs to homebuyers. Each program has specific qualifications, managed by different city departments or nonprofits. If you are interested in any of these programs click on the headings below for details. If you think you qualify, contact the program administrator listed. Live Baltimore does not manage any of these incentive programs, but we can help you review your options and put you in touch with the organizations that do.

Homeownership Counseling

Don't forget, all homebuying incentive programs require a Homeownership Counseling Certificate prior to entering into your sales contract! Check out our Homeownership Counseling Resources page to find a City-certified counseling agency to earn your Homeownership Counseling Certificate.

Home Purchase Loans

Click on the program names for more details.

•  Direct Purchase Program
• Good Neighbor Next Door (Teacher Next Door / Officer Next Door) Program
• Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc.(HNI) Purchase/Rehabilitation Loan
• Homeownership for Individuals with Disabilities Program
• Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program
• Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, Inc.
• State of Maryland Mortgage Program (CDA)

Downpayment & Closing Costs

These are programs that offer assistance with downpayment and closing costs. Each program varies. Click on the program names for more details.

• Buying Into Baltimore
• Homeownership Assistance Program through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
• Community Partners Incentive Program (CPIP)
• Coppin Heights Live Near Your Work Program
• Downpayment and Settlement Expense Loan Program (DSELP)
• Eastside Early Homebuyers Grant (EEGP)
• Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBA) First Time Homebuyers
• Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBA) Community Stability
• Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBA) Foreclosure Recovery (New)
• Park Heights Renaissance Community Closing Cost Assistance Program

Employer-Based Assistance

If your employer participates in one of these state or city programs, you may be eligible for one of the employer assistance programs below. And don't forget that if you are a Firefighter, EMT, Teacher, or Police Officer, you may be eligible for the federal government's "Good Neighbor Next Door" purchase program. Click on the program names for more details.

• Baltimore City BRAC Homeownership Incentive
• Baltimore City Employee Homeownership Program
• Good Neighbor Next Door (Teacher Next Door / Officer Next Door) Program (see description under Home Purchase Loan Programs)
• House Keys 4 Employees
• Live Near Your Work
• Smart Keys 4 Employees

Renovation / Rehabilitation Loans & Programs

Now that you're in your dream house, there may be a few things which need to be fixed. Review these loan programs for everything from emergency roof repair to lead abatement. Click on the program names for more details.

• Acquisition / Rehabilitation Program
• Baltimore City Lead Abatement Action Program (LAAP)
• Deferred Loan Program
  Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Accessibility 
• Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Energy Efficiency/Weatherization
• HUD 203K Rehabilitation Loan Program
• Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP)
• Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program
• Maryland Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program
• OHEP: Weatherization Program
• SCOPE / Project 5000
• Senior Roof Repair Program
• Vacants to Value

Historic Preservation

Baltimore has amazing historic homes and the city and state want to help you preserve them. Learn how to determine if your house is historic, and check out these great tax incentive programs before you do any renovation work! Click on the program names for more details.

• City of Baltimore Historic Restoration and Rehabilitation Property Tax Credit
• State of Maryland Heritage Preservation Tax Credit Program

Homeowner Tax Incentives

These programs can help ease the burden of property taxes for eligible homeowners. Click on the program names for more details.

• Arts & Entertainment District Property Tax Credit
• Home Improvement Property Tax Credit
• Homeowner's Tax Credit
• Homestead Property Tax Credit
• Green Tax Credits - Federal Programs
• Newly Constructed Dwelling Tax Credit
• Renter's Tax Credit