Buy a single family home, condo or triple-decker in Worcester with clear numbers on limits and assistance.
Reviewed and updated October 3, 2026 by Ryan and Megan Winslow, Winslow Homes
Winslow Homes started in Central Massachusetts, and Worcester remains close to home for Ryan and Megan. The city mixes triple-deckers, capes, colonials and condos, and many first-time buyers here start with a 2 or 3 family home. This guide covers Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), conventional, MassHousing and ONE Mortgage loans, plus the City of Worcester's own down payment help.
| Item | 2026 figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester County FHA limit, one unit | $545,100 | source, October 2026 |
| Worcester County FHA limit, two units | $697,800 | source, October 2026 |
| Worcester County FHA limit, three units | $843,500 | source, October 2026 |
| Worcester County FHA limit, four units | $1,048,300 | source, October 2026 |
| Worcester County conforming limit, one unit | $832,750 | source, October 2026 |
| FHA minimum down payment, 580 or higher score | 3.5% | source, October 2026 |
| FHA upfront mortgage insurance | 1.75% of the base loan | source, October 2026 |
| FHA annual mortgage insurance, 30 years, 3.5% down | 0.55% | source, October 2026 |
| VA loan limit with full entitlement | None | source, October 2026 |
| VA funding fee, first use, under 5% down | 2.15% | source, October 2026 |
| MassHousing assistance, Option 1 | Up to $30,000, 0% deferred | source, October 2026 |
| MassHousing assistance, Options 2 and 3 | Up to $25,000, 15-year loan | source, October 2026 |
| ONE Mortgage down payment, single family or condo | 3%, no private mortgage insurance | source, October 2026 |
| ONE Mortgage household asset cap | $75,000 | source, October 2026 |
| City of Worcester down payment help | Up to $5,000 | source, October 2026 |
| City program income limit | 80% of area median income | source, October 2026 |
Worcester County's one unit FHA limit sits a little above the national floor of $541,287 (source, checked October 2026). The 3 family FHA limit of $843,500 (source, checked October 2026) gives triple-decker buyers room to work.
FHA loans allow 3.5% down with a 580 or higher score and 10% down with a score from 500 to 579 (source, checked October 2026). FHA also allows 2 to 4 family homes when you live in one unit.
With full entitlement, VA loans carry no loan limit (source, checked October 2026). The first use funding fee is 2.15% with under 5% down, and veterans who receive disability compensation do not pay it (source, checked October 2026).
The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) runs ONE Mortgage. It asks for 3% down on a single family home or condo, 5% on a 3 family home, and carries no private mortgage insurance (source, checked October 2026). You need no home ownership in the past three years, household assets of $75,000 or less and a homebuyer class (source, checked October 2026). Income limits vary by community (source, checked October 2026). See the ONE Mortgage guide.
MassHousing pairs its first mortgage with up to $30,000 deferred at 0% or up to $25,000 repaid over 15 years for income-eligible first-time buyers (source, checked October 2026). See the MassHousing guide.
The city offers up to $5,000 toward down payment or closing costs (source, checked October 2026). The rules (source, checked October 2026):
ONE Mortgage and MassHousing loans close through participating lenders. Ryan and Megan tell you up front whether The Federal Savings Bank offers a given program on your file. If it does not, they show you the trade-offs against the loans they do offer.
Your loan estimate lists every charge. In Worcester, plan for:
On a multi-family home, set aside cash for vacancies and repairs. Older triple-deckers need roofs, porches, heating systems and lead paint work over time.
Ryan and Megan are Mortgage Bankers with The Federal Savings Bank and Massachusetts real estate brokers through Winslow Homes. They started their real estate careers in Massachusetts and know how Worcester multi-family deals come together, from rent figures to attorney timelines.
They compare every loan and assistance program that fits your file and show you cash to close and monthly payment for each. Start at winslowloan.com or use the program matcher.
$545,100 for a one unit home and $843,500 for a 3 family home (source, checked October 2026).
$832,750 for a one unit home (source, checked October 2026).
Up to $5,000 for down payment or closing costs for first-time buyers at or under 80% of area median income (source, checked October 2026).
Yes. ONE Mortgage covers 3 family homes with 5% down and one-on-one counseling before closing (source, checked October 2026).
At least 45 days before closing (source, checked October 2026).
Ryan Winslow NMLS #2426605. Megan Winslow NMLS #2692933. The Federal Savings Bank NMLS #411500. The Federal Savings Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. Program terms, income limits and funding change. This is not a commitment to lend. Verify licensing at NMLS Consumer Access.
Instant answers on programs, payments, towns and homes, any time, in English or Spanish. Ryan and Megan follow up personally.
Estimates from your inputs only. Not a loan offer, rate quote or approval. Ryan and Megan, Mortgage Bankers with The Federal Savings Bank (NMLS #411500), confirm real numbers.
