Pennsylvania down payment help
with no income limits
Pennsylvania’s DPA programs turn away buyers who earn above their income caps every day. HOPER doesn’t have income limits. Get up to $13,000 toward your FHA home purchase — no income test, no repayment, no second lien.
Available across Pennsylvania including:
See If You Qualify for HOPER
Takes 60 seconds. No credit pull. We’ll call you within 5 minutes.
How much could you receive
on your Pennsylvania home?
Enter your estimated purchase price and see your HOPER funds instantly.
* Maximum $13,000. Actual amount subject to program eligibility.
Every Pennsylvania down payment program
— compared
PHFA income limits vary by county — in Philadelphia and surrounding counties limits are around $114,000-$132,000, while rural counties are lower. Here is the full picture including what HOPER does differently.
| Program | Max Assistance | Income Limit | Repayment | Who Gets Left Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHFA Keystone Advantage | Up to 4% of purchase price | Yes — income restricted | Yes — income capped | Interest-free second lien |
| PHFA HOMEstead | Up to $10,000 | Yes — income restricted | Yes — AMI restricted | Forgiven over 5 yrs |
| Philadelphia DPA | Up to $10,000 | Yes — income restricted | Yes — 80% AMI max | Deferred loan |
| Allegheny County DPA | Up to $5,000 | Yes — income restricted | Yes — income restricted | Second lien |
| ✦ HOPER via CloseReady | Up to $13,000 (3.5%) | No income limit | Never — $0 repayment | Nobody — all FHA buyers welcome |
HOPER is available across
all of Pennsylvania
No geographic restrictions — if you are buying with an FHA loan anywhere in Pennsylvania, you may qualify for HOPER.
Median FHA home price: $180,000–$350,000. Pennsylvania buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Median FHA home price: $160,000–$300,000. Pennsylvania buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Median FHA home price: $200,000–$350,000. Pennsylvania buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Median FHA home price: $180,000–$300,000. Pennsylvania buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Median FHA home price: $120,000–$220,000. Pennsylvania buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Median FHA home price: $100,000–$200,000. Pennsylvania buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Pennsylvania Homebuyer Assistance in 2025
Pennsylvania’s Diverse Housing Market
Pennsylvania has one of the most diverse housing markets in the Northeast — from Philadelphia’s urban rowhouses to Pittsburgh’s affordable neighborhoods to the rapidly appreciating Lehigh Valley corridor. FHA buyers across the state face different challenges depending on their market.
PHFA’s Keystone Advantage program is solid but capped at income levels that exclude many dual-income households in the Philadelphia suburbs and Lehigh Valley. HOPER fills that gap with no income restrictions.
How HOPER Works for Pennsylvania FHA Buyers
HOPER provides up to 3.5% of the purchase price (maximum $13,000) as research participant compensation through Attainable Housing Advocates. There is no repayment requirement and no second lien placed on your Pennsylvania home. Funds can be applied toward your down payment, closing costs, a rate buydown, or qualified debt payoff.
Pennsylvania has a significant manufactured housing market in rural central and northern counties. HOPER supports FHA manufactured home loans statewide.
Pennsylvania homebuyer questions
answered
Is there down payment assistance in Pennsylvania with no income limit?
Yes. HOPER, available through CloseReady, has no income limits. Pennsylvania’s state DPA programs have income caps — but HOPER is open to any FHA-eligible buyer in Pennsylvania regardless of income.
How much down payment help can I get in Pennsylvania?
Through HOPER, Pennsylvania buyers can receive up to 3.5% of their purchase price with a maximum of $13,000. There are no income limits and no repayment required.
Is HOPER available statewide in Pennsylvania?
Yes. HOPER is available statewide across Pennsylvania with no geographic restrictions. All Pennsylvania counties are eligible.
Do I have to repay HOPER funds in Pennsylvania?
Never. HOPER funds are research compensation — not a loan. There is no repayment requirement and no second lien placed on your Pennsylvania home.
Can I use HOPER if I earn too much for Pennsylvania’s DPA programs?
Yes. HOPER has no income limit. If you have been turned away from Pennsylvania DPA programs for earning too much, you may still qualify for HOPER.
Pennsylvania buyers — your home is closer than you think.
Check your HOPER eligibility free. No income test. No credit pull. We call you in 5 minutes.
Check My Pennsylvania Eligibility — Free →Available statewide across all Pennsylvania counties