Buying a home in Montana: the help you may qualify for.
Down payment assistance, property tax exemptions and veteran benefits in Montana, 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.
Down payment and closing cost help
From the Montana Board of Housing.
Bond Advantage down payment assistance
Up to 5% of the price (up to $15,000)
A 15-year second mortgage you repay, with a Montana Housing Regular Bond first mortgage, for first-time buyers.
Who qualifies: Income and price limits, homebuyer education, through a 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 Montana Department of Revenue. Montana’s official exemptions information.
For homeowners who live in the home
Homestead reduced tax rate
A lower tax rate on your primary home
Starting in 2026, Montana taxes primary residences at a lower homestead rate than second homes. Owners who got the 2025 rebate were enrolled automatically.
How to apply: With the Department of Revenue, by March 1. (Montana Department of Revenue (HB 231))
Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP)
A lower rate on the first $350,000 of value
For homeowners on a fixed or limited income, at any age. Income limits apply and change each year.
How to apply: With the Department of Revenue, by April 15 each year. (Montana Department of Revenue)
For veterans
Disabled veteran property tax relief
A reduced tax rate, based on income
For veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled (or paid at 100%), and some unremarried surviving spouses. There's no cap on the home's value.
How to apply: Form MDV with the Department of Revenue, by April 15 each year. (Montana Department of Revenue)
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.
- Property tax: veterans in Montana may qualify for Disabled veteran property tax relief. See the details above.
Your next steps
- Work out a monthly cost you’re comfortable with in the home cost calculator. It also lists Montana’s programs with the loans you may qualify for.
- Talk with a free or low-cost HUD-approved housing counselor. Find one near you.
- Ask each lender which of these programs they work with, and compare Loan Estimates from at least three.
- Follow the step-by-step home buyer’s guide from budget to keys.
Common questions
Does Montana have down payment help for home buyers?
Yes. Programs from the Montana Board of Housing include Bond Advantage down payment assistance. Income and price limits, homebuyer education, through a participating lender. Funding and rules change often, so check with the agency or a participating lender.
Does Montana have a homestead or property tax exemption for homeowners?
Yes. Homeowners who live in the home may qualify for: Homestead reduced tax rate, Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP). Apply with your Montana Department of Revenue; most exemptions aren't automatic.
Is there help for veterans buying a home in Montana?
VA home loans are available in every state, often with no down payment. Veterans may also qualify for property tax benefits such as Disabled veteran property tax relief.
Sources: Montana Board of Housing and Montana’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.