First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Montgomery County, PA (2026)

Buying your first home in Norristown, King of Prussia, Pottstown, Lansdale, Abington or anywhere else in Montgomery County? The county runs one of the most generous first-time homebuyer programs in Pennsylvania. Here is how it works in 2026, who qualifies and how to stack it with state and FHA programs.

Key takeaway: Montgomery County’s First Time Homebuyers Program provides $40,000 for households below 80% of area median income and $20,000 for households between 80% and 100%, at 0% interest, according to the county’s 2026 program page.

How the Montgomery County First Time Homebuyers Program works

• Who runs it: the Montgomery County Office of Housing and Community Development, funded through the county’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
• What you get: $40,000 (below 80% AMI) or $20,000 (80% to 100% AMI) toward down payment and closing costs.
• Interest: 0%. The county calls it a grant, but you repay it if you sell or transfer the home, stop living in it, or turn it into a rental within 15 years of purchase.
• Your own money: at least 1% of the sales price, plus at least $1,500 in liquid assets when you apply. You cannot get help if you already have 10% or more of the price.
• Application fee: $25, non-refundable.
• Funding: first come, first served.

2026 income limits

Who qualifies

• You live or work full-time in Montgomery County when you apply and at closing.
• You are a first-time buyer, meaning you have not owned a home in the past three years.
• The home will be your primary residence.
• Your household income is within the limits above.
• You can qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA mortgage. This is where credit matters most.
• You complete a one-on-one housing counseling session before you sign an agreement of sale.

Important: You must be approved for the program before you sign a sales agreement. Apply early.

How to apply

1. Check your credit and get it mortgage-ready (most delays happen here).
2. Download the application from the Montgomery County First-Time Homebuyers page (English and Spanish).
3. Complete the required housing counseling session.
4. Get pre-approved with a participating lender.
5. Shop for a home, then sign the agreement of sale once approved.

Contact: Montgomery County Office of Housing and Community Development, P.O. Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404, 610-278-3000.

Stack it with PHFA and FHA

• PHFA Keystone Home Loan: 2026 income limits in Montgomery County are $122,700 (1-2 people) and $141,100 (3+), with a $588,800 price limit. See PA income limits.
• FHA: the 2026 FHA limit in Montgomery County is $630,200 for a single-family home. See FHA loan limits in PA.

The step most buyers miss: credit

The county money only works if a lender approves your mortgage. Collections, late payments, high card balances and errors on your credit report are the most common reasons Montgomery County buyers get stuck. Fixing them before you apply keeps you from losing your place in line.

Tip: Take the free 2-minute readiness check or request a free Mortgage Readiness Analysis. No credit pull. Our team works with buyers across Southeast Pennsylvania.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Montgomery County first-time homebuyer grant?

$40,000 for households below 80% of area median income and $20,000 for households between 80% and 100%, according to the county’s 2026 program page.

Do I have to pay back the Montgomery County homebuyer grant?

Only if you sell or transfer the home, stop living in it, or use it as an investment property within 15 years of purchase. It carries 0% interest.

Do I have to live in Montgomery County to qualify?

You must live or work full-time in Montgomery County when you apply and at closing.

What credit score do I need?

The county requires you to be creditworthy for a conventional, FHA or VA loan. FHA generally needs 580 for 3.5% down, and PHFA’s conventional loans need 660.