Housing & Shelter
B-HiP — Baltimore Homeownership Incentive Program
Up to $10,000 or more to help you buy a home in Baltimore City.
Verified Community Partner· confirmed 2026-07-21
Before you go
Complete your homeownership counseling BEFORE you write an offer on a house. Buyers who make an offer first become ineligible — this is the step that most often trips people up. Older leaflets list the office at 417 E. Fayette Street; the current address is City Hall Room 250.
What they do
Run by the City's Department of Housing and Community Development, B-HiP is a set of incentive programs that lower closing costs and boost your down payment when buying in Baltimore City. Several can be combined.
Services offered
- Baltimore City Employee Homeownership Program — $5,000 for City and quasi-City employees of 6+ months
- Buying Into Baltimore — $5,000 awarded by lottery to people who attend a Live Baltimore Trolley Tour
- Live Near Your Work — $2,000-$5,000+, matched by participating employers
- First-Time Home Buyers Incentive — 50% of the required down payment, GAP funding, and an interest rate buydown up to 2.5% for households at or below 80% of area median income
- An extra $5,000 for buyers purchasing a home they have rented for 6+ months, or with a disability in the household
- Vacants to Values Booster — $10,000
Who qualifies
Buying a home in Baltimore City. You must complete homeownership counseling from a City-approved agency, contribute at least $1,000 of your own money, and allow 30 days between application and settlement. The First-Time Home Buyers Incentive requires household income at or below 80% of area median income.
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