Housing Programs – City of Salem | Massachusetts grant

Housing Programs – City of Salem

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City of Salem, MA – Department of Planning & Community DevelopmentMAFirst-Time Homeowner

Funding: The First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program provides down payment assistance loans to income eligible buyers purchasing in Salem, while separate rehab and landlord programs offer financing for owner occupied and investor owned properties; specific loan sizes and terms are defined in individual program guidelines rather than as a single flat grant amount on this overview page.City housing office that uses local, state and federal funds to offer first time homebuyer down payment assistance loans, housing rehabilitation loans and landlord assistance programs alongside broader housing stability resources.RollingDeadline: Scope: Localstate

Updated: Dec 6, 2025

Summary

City of Salem housing resource hub featuring the First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program plus rehab, landlord, and housing stability programs for residents.

Benefits

down payment assistancerehabilitation loanlandlord assistancehousing stabilityhomebuyer education

Who Can Apply

homebuyerfirst-time homebuyerlow-income homebuyerhomeownerlandlordSalem resident

Eligible Locations

Low and moderate income first time homebuyers and existing owners purchasing or rehabilitating one to seven unit residential properties within Salem city limits who meet program income limits, underwriting guidelines and in the case of the First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program can provide required matching funds and agree to occupy the home as a primary residence.

Full Description

Salem’s Housing Programs page outlines a suite of local tools to address the city’s housing needs. For aspiring buyers, the First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program (FTHB) offers down payment assistance loans to low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers purchasing properties within Salem. Participants must contribute matching funds, meet income and eligibility criteria, and use the home as their primary residence. The page links directly to FTHB guidelines, applications, and checklists in English and Spanish, making it easier for residents to understand requirements and start the application process. Additional sections describe housing rehabilitation loans for owner-occupied and investor-owned properties, a temporarily waitlisted rehab program, and resources for contractors interested in bidding on city-supported projects. The site also aggregates broader housing stability resources, fair housing information, foreclosure prevention and legal support, and links to statewide tools like MassHousing, Housing Navigator MA, and MyMassHome, positioning Salem’s Department of Planning & Community Development as a central gateway for local and regional housing assistance.

Verification & Details

Status: Open

Source: salemma.gov

Official source → salemma.gov

Apply on official siteUpdated Dec 6, 2025

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