Buying a home can be exciting, exhausting, and, no matter how smoothly the process may go, one of the most stressful things you can do in life. Not having enough money to adequately finance a purchase makes it all the more daunting. Fortunately, there are first-time homebuyer programs available in every state, making it easier for many people to access the resources they need to buy their new home, and to feel more secure through the whole process.
Keep in mind that first-time homebuyers don’t actually have to be buying their first home. A first-time homebuyer is defined as anyone who hasn’t had an ownership interest in a primary home in the past three years.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also includes in its list of qualified homebuyers:
- • A single parent who has only owned a home with a partner while married
- • A displaced homemaker who has only owned a home with a spouse
- • Someone who has owned a principal residence not permanently affixed to a permanent foundation
- • Someone who has only owned a property that wasn’t in compliance with state, local, or model building codes
Here are the homebuyer programs that qualified first-time buyers have available to them in the Northeast.
Table of Contents
- Key Points
- • Buying a home can be an exciting but stressful process, especially for those navigating it for the first time.
- • First-time homebuyer programs are available in every state to help make homeownership more accessible and affordable.
- • Someone who has owned a home before can still qualify as a first-time homebuyer, depending on specific criteria.
- • Government programs, including those listed by HUD, expand eligibility for a wide range of buyers.
- • Understanding available programs and local market conditions can help buyers make more informed and confident decisions.
Maine
Thinking of buying a home in the land of lobster and lighthouses? You’ll want to learn about the market and assess your financial situation before you start searching for a home mortgage loan. (A guide to the different types of mortgage loans can help.)
The scoop on the Maine market: Prices in the Pine Tree State were up 7.2% in March 2026 when compared to the prior year, with homes selling for a median of $390,300, according to Redfin. The three most competitive cities for homebuyers were Cumberland Center, Brunswick Station, and Westbrook.
💡 Learn about Maine first-time homebuyer programs
New Hampshire
The housing market in the Granite State is hot. From March 2025 to March 2026, home prices rose 0.1% to a median sale price of $500,100, according to Redfin. And 36.5% of the homes sold above their list prices. Still, there are good opportunities for first-time homebuyers in the state, and there are first-time homebuyer assistance programs to help you reach your homeowning goal.
💡 Learn about New Hampshire first-time homebuyer programs
Vermont
The Green Mountain State is paradise for outdoorsy types with forests, lakes, and mountains. However, the housing market has cooled down in the last year: The number of homes sold decreased by 4.9% between March 2025 and March 2026. Prices were up 9% as well, according to Redfin.
Homebuyers may need help to afford a home, with the median price here hitting $437,800. Fortunately, the state has several first-time homebuyer programs to offer.
💡 Learn about Vermont first-time homebuyer programs
Massachusetts
Glorious New England scenery, a rich history, and diverse cultural and educational opportunities are just some of the things Massachusetts has to offer residents. It’s no wonder that home prices here outpace the national average. Prices in Massachusetts were down 2.8% in the year ending March 2026, Redfin reports. The median sale price in the state is now $645,500.
At the same time, the median number of days a home stays on the market has increased by six days year over year, an indicator that the market is cooling. There are still plenty of opportunities for the first-time homebuyer in Massachusetts.
💡 Learn about Massachusetts first-time homebuyer programs
Rhode Island
This small state is big on charm: Rhode Island’s miles of coastline offer beautiful beaches and picturesque inlets, and you’ll also find dynamic cities and rural small towns here. There’s a lot for the first-time homebuyer in Rhode Island to get excited about. But prices here are well above the national median of $436,705. The median property value is $535,700, up 6.5% year over year, according to Redfin. Wondering what a down payment would look like on a given property price? Use a mortgage down payment calculator to do the math.
💡 Learn about Rhode Island first-time homebuyer programs
Connecticut
You’re looking at a competitive market in the Constitution State: In March 2026, home prices in Connecticut were up 5.4% year over year. The median price of a Nutmeg State home is $444,100, according to Redfin, and the number of days a property stays on the market is increasing. Fortunately you can still find affordable homes in Torrington and New Britain, among other affordable places in Connecticut.
💡 Learn about Connecticut first-time homebuyer programs
New York
The housing market in New York state can be challenging, especially for first-time buyers. Home prices in the Empire State in March 2026 were up 7.3% over the prior year, with a median sale price of $599,200. The number of days on the market rose as well. A stunning 34.3% of homes sold above their listing prices.
💡 Learn about New York first-time homebuyer programs
New Jersey
The Garden State saw record real estate sales in some areas in recent years as city dwellers fled to the suburbs. In the year ending March 2026, home prices in New Jersey were up 4% over the prior year, and the median sales price was $546,700. The median days on the market increased by six days year over year to 49. Buyers in New Jersey need to prepare themselves to compete in this market.
💡 Learn about New Jersey first-time homebuyer programs
Pennsylvania
Thinking of buying a home in Pennsylvania? Prices rose 6.1% from March 2025 to March 2026 to a median of $309,500, Redfin reported. It’s a seller’s market here, so you may have to compete to get the home you want, especially in cities such as Lower Allen (home prices were up more than 39.6% in a year) and Strasburg (up 51.5%). Harrisburg, York, and Scranton ranked as some of the best affordable places to live in Pennsylvania.
💡 Learn about Pennsylvania first-time homebuyer programs
The Takeaway
Qualifying first-time homebuyers have many options available to them in the Northeast, including down payment assistance. If you’re looking to buy your first home and aren’t sure how to get started, researching homebuyer programs is a great place to start. Once you know what kind of assistance you may qualify for, it’s a good idea to estimate just how much house you can really afford using a home affordability calculator.
Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.
FAQ
Who qualifies as a first-time homebuyer?
A first-time homebuyer is not necessarily someone purchasing their very first home. In many cases, it includes anyone who hasn’t owned a primary residence in the past three years. Certain groups, such as single parents or displaced homemakers, may also qualify under specific criteria.
What types of assistance do first-time homebuyer programs offer?
These programs often provide help with down payments, closing costs, and access to lower-interest mortgage loans. The goal is to make homeownership more affordable and accessible.
Are first-time homebuyer programs available in every state?
Yes,each state may offer its own set of programs with different eligibility requirements and benefits. It’s important to research what’s available in your specific location.
Why is it important to understand local housing market conditions?
Housing markets can vary significantly by state and even by city. Factors such as home prices, competition, and inventory levels can affect your buying strategy. Understanding these conditions can help you make more informed decisions and set realistic expectations.
How do I estimate what I can afford to buy?
Before starting your home search, it’s important to evaluate your financial situation, including income, savings, and debt. Using tools such as a home affordability calculator can provide a clearer picture of your budget. This can help ensure you choose a home that fits your long-term financial goals.
*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.
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