Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development Launches Two New Financial Assistance Programs to Expand Homeownership Opportunities

By ALEXIS R. YEOMAN
Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development

LARGO, Md. (July 1, 2026)—The Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is expanding access to homeownership with the launch of two new financial assistance programs designed to help first-
 
time homebuyers overcome one of the greatest barriers to purchasing a home—down payment and closing costs. The Homeownership Equity Program and the Critical Workforce Housing Assistance Program complement the County’s successful Pathway to Purchase program, creating additional pathways to affordable homeownership for eligible homebuyers.

“Homeownership remains one of the most effective ways for families to build generational wealth and achieve long-term financial stability,” said Jonathan R. Butler, Director of the Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development. “These new programs reflect the County’s continued commitment to expanding access to homeownership by providing meaningful financial assistance to residents and the critical workforce professionals who serve our communities every day.”

Each program has its own eligibility requirements and financing guidelines. To apply, prospective homebuyers must first obtain a mortgage through an approved participating lender. The lender will then submit the application for financial assistance to DHCD on the buyer’s behalf.

Homeownership Equity Program

The Homeownership Equity Program is designed to increase homeownership opportunities for moderate-income County residents while encouraging investment in communities located inside the Capital Beltway. Eligible applicants must be first-time homebuyers and Prince George’s County residents who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Public sector employees;

• Former renters from designated ZIP codes or neighborhoods inside the I-495 Capital Beltway; or

• Multi-generational caregivers.

Qualified buyers may receive up to $30,000 per buyer for down payment and closing cost assistance through a zero-percent interest loan that is forgiven at 20 percent annually over five years, helping participants build equity while reducing long-term housing costs. Eligible homebuyers cannot exceed 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). See chart below.

Critical Workforce Housing Assistance Program

The Critical Workforce Housing Assistance Program supports the recruitment and retention of essential workers by helping them purchase homes in the communities where they live and serve. Eligible professionals include:
 
• Full-time teachers employed by Prince George’s County Public Schools;

• Full-time nurses employed by Prince George’s County hospitals or medical offices; and

• Full-time first responders, including firefighters, emergency medical technicians, correctional officers, police officers, public safety dispatchers, and deputy sheriffs employed by Prince George’s County Government.

Qualified first-time homebuyers may receive up to $50,000, or 25 percent of the home’s purchase price (whichever is less), in the form of a zero-interest deferred loan to assist with down payment and closing costs. The loan is “forgiven” 10% per year for 10 years. If the homeowners live in the home for 10 years, they do not have to repay the loan. Eligible homebuyers cannot exceed 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). See chart below.

Pathway to Purchase Continues 

The County’s flagship Pathway to Purchase program will continue to provide up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible first-time homebuyers with household incomes at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). Assistance is provided as a zero-interest deferred loan that encourages long-term homeownership by offering loan forgiveness after sustained occupancy.

Together, these three homebuyer assistance programs provide targeted solutions that expand access to affordable homeownership, help residents build equity, strengthen neighborhoods, and support a more stable and prosperous Prince George’s County.

For eligibility requirements and complete program information, visit the County’s homebuyer assistance program webpage https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/housing-community-development/first-time-home-buyers-assistance-programs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery or contact an approved participating mortgage lender: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/default/files/media-document/PATHWAY%20TO%20PURCHASE%20Participating%20Lenders%20-%204-20-2026.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.

TOP OF PAGE