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Home buyer help · Maine

Buying a home in Maine: the help you may qualify for.

Down payment assistance, property tax exemptions and veteran benefits in Maine, gathered from official state sources and explained in plain English. Every program has its own rules, so check with the agency before you count on it.

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Last checked November 12, 2026Sources state agencies

Down payment and closing cost help

From the MaineHousing.

  • First Home Loan Advantage

    $5,000 toward down payment and closing costs

    With a MaineHousing First Home Loan, for first-time buyers. You put in 1% of the loan and take a homebuyer class.

  • Salute ME and Salute Home Again Military and heroes

    0.50% off the First Home Loan rate, plus the $5,000 Advantage

    For veterans and active duty service members (including qualifying National Guard) buying a first home or returning to homeownership.

    Salute ME and Salute Home Again details

Who qualifies: Income and home price limits, through a MaineHousing participating lender.

Property tax exemptions and credits

Exemptions lower your home’s taxable value or your bill. Most aren’t automatic: you apply with your town assessor. Maine’s official exemptions information.

For homeowners who live in the home

  • Homestead exemption

    Up to $25,000 off just value

    For owners who have lived in Maine as their permanent home for the 12 months before April 1. Towns that assess below full value give a smaller amount.

    How to apply: With your town assessor, by April 1. (Maine Revenue Services)

  • Property Tax Fairness Credit

    A refundable credit on your Maine income tax

    For lower- and moderate-income Maine residents whose property tax is high compared with their income. The credit is larger for people 65 or older.

    How to apply: On your Maine income tax return. (Maine Revenue Services)

For veterans

  • Veteran exemption

    $6,000 off value (changes are planned for April 2027)

    For veterans who served during a federally recognized war period and are 62 or older, or rated 100% disabled, and some surviving spouses. Maine has passed changes for April 1, 2027, so ask your assessor for the current amounts.

    How to apply: With your town assessor, by April 1. (Maine Revenue Services)

Want to see which ones fit you? Answer a few questions in the property tax exemptions checker.

If you serve or served

  • VA home loan: available in every state, often with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility. See VA home loans.
  • Salute ME and Salute Home Again: 0.50% off the First Home Loan rate, plus the $5,000 Advantage. For veterans and active duty service members (including qualifying National Guard) buying a first home or returning to homeownership.
  • Property tax: veterans in Maine may qualify for Veteran exemption. See the details above.

Your next steps

  1. Work out a monthly cost you’re comfortable with in the home cost calculator. It also lists Maine’s programs with the loans you may qualify for.
  2. Talk with a free or low-cost HUD-approved housing counselor. Find one near you.
  3. Ask each lender which of these programs they work with, and compare Loan Estimates from at least three.
  4. Follow the step-by-step home buyer’s guide from budget to keys.

Common questions

Does Maine have down payment help for home buyers?

Yes. Programs from MaineHousing include First Home Loan Advantage, Salute ME and Salute Home Again. Income and home price limits, through a MaineHousing participating lender. Funding and rules change often, so check with the agency or a participating lender.

Does Maine have a homestead or property tax exemption for homeowners?

Yes. Homeowners who live in the home may qualify for: Homestead exemption, Property Tax Fairness Credit. Apply with your town assessor; most exemptions aren't automatic.

Is there help for veterans buying a home in Maine?

VA home loans are available in every state, often with no down payment. Maine also has a program with benefits for military, veterans or other public servants: Salute ME and Salute Home Again. Veterans may also qualify for property tax benefits such as Veteran exemption.

Sources: MaineHousing and Maine’s property tax office, linked above. Last checked November 12, 2026. Programs, amounts, income limits and funding change often, sometimes every year. Know Before You Own doesn’t recommend lenders or take referral fees. This page is general education, not legal, tax or lending advice. See other states.