Opportunities for Philadelphia First-Time Homebuyers in 2025
Home prices, limited inventory, and rising rents have made it difficult for first time buyers in Philadelphia. In partnership with the City of Philadelphia,
Civetta Property Group
is leading efforts to expand access to affordable homeownership in Philadelphia PA through first-time homebuyer programs designed to make
buying more attainable in 2025.
Buying your first home in Philly isn’t easy right now. Between high prices, not enough homes, and rising rents, many hopeful buyers are feeling stuck. That’s why
Civetta Property Group, in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, is working to change the game. Through powerful first-time homebuyer programs like the Turn the Key program, we’re helping more people
find their path to affordable homeownership in 2025—because everyone deserves a place to call home. Below, you can explore Turn the Key and other affordable housing programs you’ll need to know to make
Turn the Key Program
Turn the Key is making a real difference in Philadelphia by giving eligible first time buyers up to seventy five thousand dollars to help with down payments and closing costs on brand new, move-in ready homes.
- Who it’s for: Working individuals and families who earn about 57 percent of the Area Median Income, which is around forty five thousand dollars a year on average. People with higher incomes, up to around eighty thousand dollars for single buyers, might qualify too.
- Home quality: These are modern energy efficient new homes that often cost less each month than renting. The average mortgage payment is around one thousand three hundred fifty dollars, compared to an average rent of one thousand seven hundred twenty five dollars.
- Support included: Buyers receive free housing counseling that usually takes about eight hours. The program accepts flexible credit scores, including those as low as 620 to 640.
Civetta Property Group has helped over one hundred buyers close on
Turn the Key homes, with 135 completed, 110 sold, and 75 currently in development.
Philly First Home
Philly First Home
is a great option for buyers who do not qualify for the Turn the Key program or want to purchase a home on the open market.
- Benefit: Up to $10,000 or six percent of the purchase price for down payment and closing costs.
- Additional information: Free housing counseling helps ensure buyers are mortgage ready and confident about the home buying process. This program can be combined with Turn the Key, giving buyers access to as much as eighty five thousand dollars in total assistance
First Front Door Program
This program is offered through partner banks like
PFCU.
- Benefit: Up to $15,000 to $20,000 for down payment or closing costs.
- Ideal for: Buyers who have some savings and need a final boost to reach their homeownership goal
Looking Ahead: The H.O.M.E. Plan
Mayor Parker’s
Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) plan is a two billion dollar initiative to create and preserve housing across Philadelphia.
Key goals include:
- $800 million in new city housing bonds
- 13,500 affordable units to be built
- 16,500 homes to be preserved or repaired
- New loan options and home repair services for existing homeowners
The H.O.M.E. plan supports programs like Turn the Key and Philly First Home. This initiative provides immediate help while also building long term solutions for housing affordability.
What is a Grants vs a Loan?
Before taking a closer look at your options, it is helpful to understand the difference between grants and loans, and what kinds of programs are available in Philadelphia.
Grants and loans are two common types of financial help for first-time homebuyers. Grants do not need to be repaid as long as you meet the program’s terms and can be used for down payments, closing costs, or reducing your mortgage. Loans must be repaid, usually with interest. Some programs offer low interest or forgivable options, like Turn the Key, which provides a second loan that is forgiven after twenty years if all requirements are met. However, early move out or sale may require repayment.
Homebuying Grants in Philadelphia You Should Know
Philly First Home Grant
- Amount: Up to $10,000 or six percent of the home’s purchase price
- Use: Down payment, closing costs, or reducing your mortgage
- Who qualifies: First-time homebuyers or those who have not owned a home in the past three years
- Requirements: Must purchase in Philadelphia and complete approved housing counseling
Urban League Grant
- Amount: $2,000
- Use: Typically used for down payment or closing costs
- Who qualifies: First-time buyers within 100% of Area Median Income
- Requirement: Must purchase in Philadelphia County
WSFS Neighborhood Opportunity Grant
- Amount: Up to $10,000
- Who qualifies: Eligibility and grant amount are determined by WSFS Bank based on your financial profile and loan application.
Ocean First Lender Grant
- Amount: Up to $10,000
- Who qualifies:
First-time homebuyers purchasing in Philadelphia County that meet the income requirements and choose
OceanFirst bank as their lender.
IDA United Way Match Grant
- Amount: Up to $4,000
- Use: Down payment and closing costs
- Details: A match program that turns $2,000 in personal savings into $6,000 total
PHA Mobility Grant
- Amount: Up to $25,000
- Who qualifies: PHA residents that meet income eligibility requirements. Preference is given to municipal employees
- Requirements: Must be a firsttime buyer or have not owned a home in three years. Must complete Turn the Key counseling
Why First-Time Homebuyer Programs Matter
First-time homebuyer programs like the Turn the Key initiative make homeownership more affordable and sustainable for working Philadelphians. Turn the Key mortgages often cost less than the average cost of rent, the new construction homes are energy efficient, and buyers receive guidance with credit, counseling, and legal support to ensure long term success.
Next Steps with Civetta Property Group
Civetta Property Group has helped
hundreds of firsttime buyers access affordable homes across Philadelphia. Ourhomebuyer advocates will walk you through key stages of the homebuying process, including:
- Reviewing your eligibility for programs like Turn the Key and Philly First Home
- Guiding you through free housing counseling and credit support
- Showing you available homes and walking you through the buying process
Start Your Homeownership Journey Today
Affordable homeownership in Philadelphia is within reach for first-time homebuyers, and
Civetta Property Group is here to help you get there. From navigating first-time buyer programs to touring move-in ready homes, we will be with you every step of the way. Check to see if you
pre-qualify
for the Turn the Key program, and start exploring affordable homes in Philadelphia PA today!
