2026 Homebuyer Assistance Programs in Philadelphia, Delaware County, Montgomery County & South Jersey

by Noelle Carter

If you’re buying in 2026, the smartest move isn’t guessing.

It’s knowing:

Your credit range
Your income bracket
Where you want to buy
And which programs you can layer

Below is your complete breakdown by program with credit score + income summaries so you can quickly see where you fit.

📍 PHILADELPHIA COUNTY PROGRAMS

🏙 Philly First Home

Best For: First-time buyers purchasing in Philadelphia

Credit Score: Determined by lender (typically 620+)
Income Limit: Income-restricted (varies by household size – city AMI limits apply)
Assistance: Down payment + closing costs
Repayment: Forgivable (terms apply)
Property: Must be in Philadelphia, owner-occupied

💰 Philly LIFT – Up to $15,000

Credit Score: 620 minimum
Income Limit: Up to 80% Area Median Income (AMI)
Savings Required: $4,000 minimum
Repayment: Subordinate lien (terms vary)
Property: Philadelphia only

🏦 Wells Fargo Homebuyer Access Grant – Up to $15,000

Credit Score: Typically 620+
Income Limit: Varies by census tract (income caps apply)
Buyer Status: Usually first-time buyer
Repayment: No repayment required
Property: Eligible census tracts in Philadelphia + select NJ counties

🏡 Citadel Home Help – Up to $18,000

Credit Score: Determined by loan product (580+)
Income Limit: Varies by program/area
First-Time Buyer Required? No
Repayment: No repayment required
Property: Approved Philadelphia neighborhoods

📊 K-FIT (Keystone Forgivable in Ten Years)

Credit Score: 660 minimum
Income Limit: High cap – approx. $140,000+ household income (Philly County)
Assistance: 5% of purchase price
Repayment: Forgiven 10% per year over 10 years
Property: Must pair with PHFA mortgage

🔑 Keys to Equity – Up to $20,000

Credit Score: Determined by lender (often 620+)
Income Limit: Up to 120% AMI
Repayment: Forgivable grant (not a subordinate lien)
Property: Pennsylvania & Delaware

🏘 First Front Door (FFD) – Up to $15,000

Credit Score: Determined by lender (typically 620+)
Income Limit: Up to 80% AMI
Buyer Status: First-time buyer (no ownership in 3 years)
Buyer Contribution: $1,000 minimum
Repayment: Forgivable
Property: Pennsylvania & Delaware

📍 DELAWARE COUNTY PROGRAMS

🏠 Delaware County Homeownership First – Up to $5,000

Credit Score: Evaluated individually
Income Limits:
1 person: $39,200
2 persons: $44,800
3 persons: $50,400
4 persons: $56,000
(Scales up to 8-person household)

Buyer Status: First-time buyer
Contribution: $1,000 minimum
Repayment: Terms vary
Counseling: 8-hour group + 1 individual session required

🏡 Upper Darby Township First-Time Buyer – Up to $20,000

Credit Score: Must qualify for mortgage (typically 620+)
Income Limits:
1 person: $66,850
2 persons: $76,400
3 persons: $85,950
4 persons: $95,500
(Subject to annual updates)

Buyer Contribution: $1,000 minimum
Repayment: 0% interest forgiveness loan
Property: Must be single-family in Upper Darby

Purchase Price Caps:

$304,000 (existing)
$365,000 (new construction)

📍 MONTGOMERY COUNTY PROGRAMS

🏘 Montgomery County First-Time Buyer – Up to $10,000

Credit Score: Must qualify for conventional/FHA/VA (typically 620+)
Income Limit (80% AMI Example):
1 person: $66,850
2 persons: $76,400
3 persons: $85,950
4 persons: $95,500

Buyer Contribution: