If you’re looking at homes in Federal Hill, there’s a good chance you’ll come across a property with a CHAP tax credit.

For many buyers, this creates an immediate question:

Is this actually a good deal, or is there something I’m missing?

The short answer is yes—CHAP homes can be a great opportunity. But the real advantage comes from understanding how the tax credit impacts your monthly payment and what that means for your buying power.

What Is a CHAP Home in Federal Hill?

Most CHAP homes in Federal Hill start as older, outdated properties.

Investors or contractors purchase these homes and renovate them under CHAP guidelines. You’ll commonly see this in:

• Federal Hill
• Riverside
• Locust Point
• Canton

The result is typically a fully renovated home with:

• New kitchens and bathrooms
• Updated HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems
• Modern finishes
• Rooftop decks or outdoor space (in many cases)

For buyers, you’re essentially getting a like-new home in an established Baltimore neighborhood.

Why Buyers Are Drawn to CHAP Homes

The biggest reason buyers are attracted to CHAP homes is simple:

👉 Lower monthly payments due to reduced property taxes

Because of the CHAP tax credit, the tax burden is significantly reduced compared to what it would be based on the full post-renovation value.

This creates a real financial advantage.

In many cases, buyers are able to:

• Increase their purchase price comfortably
• Buy a more updated home
• Stay within their monthly budget

Real Example: How the CHAP Tax Credit Works

Let’s walk through a simple example to make this clear.

Pre-renovation CHAP appraised value: $215,000
Post-renovation CHAP appraised value: $565,000

Without the CHAP tax credit, property taxes would be based on the full $565,000 value.

With the CHAP tax credit, the increase in value from the renovation is partially offset by a tax credit, which significantly reduces the overall tax bill.

What This Means for Your Monthly Payment

Using Baltimore City’s tax rate (approximately 2.248%):

Without CHAP (taxed on $565,000):
≈ $12,701/year
≈ $1,058/month

With CHAP (effective tax impact closer to $215,000 value):
≈ $4,833/year
≈ $403/month

Estimated Savings (Example Only)

Monthly savings: ≈ $655
Annual savings: ≈ $7,868
10-year savings: ≈ $78,680

👉 This is a simplified example to illustrate how the credit works. Actual numbers can vary.

What This Means for Buyers

This is where CHAP becomes powerful.

👉 Many buyers are able to comfortably purchase a higher-priced home than they initially expected.

Instead of settling for a smaller or outdated property, buyers can:

• Purchase a fully renovated home
• Stay within their target monthly payment
• Benefit from predictable tax savings for up to 10 years

What Buyers Often Misunderstand About CHAP

A common misconception is:

👉 “Property taxes are frozen for 10 years”

That’s not exactly how it works.

Instead:

• The credit applies to the increase in value from renovation
• The tax bill is reduced, not eliminated
• The structure of the credit determines the actual amount saved

Understanding this upfront is important so there are no surprises later.

What Happens When the CHAP Credit Ends?

The CHAP tax credit typically lasts for up to 10 years.

During that time, buyers benefit from reduced property taxes.

After the credit ends:

• Property taxes adjust to the full assessed value
• Monthly costs increase

This doesn’t make it a bad decision—it just means buyers should plan ahead.

When I work with buyers, we always look at both:

• The benefit today
• The future payment after the credit expires

A Real Advantage in Federal Hill

CHAP homes are especially common in Federal Hill and the surrounding South Baltimore neighborhoods.

Because of:

• High-quality renovations
• Strong demand for the area
• The financial benefit of the tax credit

Many of these homes:

👉 Sell quickly
👉 Sometimes sell before hitting the market

That’s why understanding CHAP—and being prepared to act—is important.

How I Advise Buyers on CHAP Homes

When working with buyers considering a CHAP home, I focus on helping them understand the full picture.

We look at:

• The actual monthly payment with the credit
• How it compares to non-CHAP homes
• What the payment could look like in the future

The goal is simple:

👉 Make sure you feel confident not just buying the home, but owning it long term.

Is a CHAP Home Right for You?

A CHAP home in Federal Hill can be a great fit if:

• You want a fully renovated home
• You value lower monthly payments in the early years
• You understand and plan for the future

For many buyers, it creates an opportunity to get into a better home in a great location.

About Eric Figurelle

Eric Figurelle is a real estate agent in Baltimore, Maryland helping buyers and sellers navigate the Baltimore City and Baltimore Metro real estate market.

He has helped buyers and sellers purchase and sell hundreds of homes throughout Federal Hill and the surrounding South Baltimore neighborhoods, including many CHAP renovation properties.

If you’re considering buying a home in Federal Hill and want to understand how a CHAP tax credit could impact your monthly payment and long-term plan, I’m happy to walk you through it.

Eric Figurelle, Realtor
410-952-5099
[email protected]
https://figurelleteam.com