Updated 1/26/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.

Connect with a DPA team

How Down Payment Assistance Works

I need to give a quick overview of how down payment assistance works. After that, the programs are listed.

With down payment assistance, you'll run into two different types:

  • A grant

  • A loan

A Grant

If we meet the qualifications up front, then it's money that does not need to be repaid.

A Loan

If the down payment assistance comes in the form of a loan, then pay attention to the three different types:

  • Repayable

  • Deferred

  • Forgivable

Repayable is just as most imagine. It charges interest over a certain amount of time, with monthly payments until it's paid off.

Deferred loans usually don't require a monthly payment, and typically don't charge interest. It's due in full when you refinance, sell the home, or when it ceases to be your primary residence.

Forgivable loans will disappear if you meet the criteria, which usually comes down to keeping the home as your primary residence for a specific amount of time.

Okay with that, here are the programs!

Virginia 

Virginia Housing Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Grant

  • Assistance: Provides a grant of 2% (for Conventional loans) or 2.5% (for FHA loans) of the purchase price.

  • Terms: True Grant. No repayment is required.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers (and repeat buyers in targeted areas) using a Virginia Housing first mortgage. Income and sales price limits apply.

  • More Information: Virginia Housing DPA Grant

Virginia Housing Plus Second Mortgage

  • Assistance: Provides a second mortgage of 3% to 5% of the purchase price to cover down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Repayable Loan. This is a 30-year fixed-rate second mortgage (usually at the same interest rate as your first mortgage). You must make monthly payments on this loan.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers with a credit score of 620-660+ (depending on the loan type). Must have liquid reserves remaining after closing (typically 1% of sales price).

  • More Information: Virginia Housing Plus Second Mortgage

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides down payment assistance, often ranging from 10% to 15% of the sales price (or up to $50,000 for specific pilot programs).

  • Terms: Deferred 0% interest loan. Forgiven after a set affordability period (usually 5 to 15 years depending on the amount).

  • Eligibility: Buyers at or below 80% AMI. Funds are often administered through local partners and nonprofits rather than directly by DHCD.

  • More Information: Homeownership Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) | DHCD

City of Richmond Homebuyer Assistance Program

  • City Employees: Up to $25,000.

  • General Public: Typically up to $10,000 - $15,000 (via HOME funds).

  • Terms: Forgivable loan. Forgiven after 5 or 10 years depending on the amount.

  • Eligibility: First-time buyers purchasing within Richmond city limits; income limits apply.

  • More Information: Richmond Homebuyer Assistance

Arlington County Moderate-Income Purchase Assistance Program (MIPAP)

  • Assistance: Provides an interest-free loan of up to 25% of the purchase price (maximum limit approx. $100,000+ depending on need).

  • Terms: Deferred 0% interest loan. Repayment is deferred until the home is sold or refinanced.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers with income limits generally up to 80% AMI (approx. $91,000 for a single person).

  • More Information: https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Housing/Get-Help/Home-Ownership/MIPAP

City of Norfolk Homeward Norfolk (HOME)

  • Assistance: Provides up to $60,000 (updated from $40k) in down payment and closing cost assistance.

  • Terms: Forgivable deferred loan. Forgiven if you remain in the home for 10 years (reduced from the previous 15-year requirement).

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing in Norfolk; household income must be at or below 80% AMI.

  • https://nrha.us/housing/homeownership/

City of Alexandria Flexible Homeownership Assistance Program

  • Assistance:
    • Tier 1 (<80% AMI): Up to $50,000.

    • Tier 2 (80-100% AMI): Up to $40,000.

  • Terms: Deferred 0% interest loan. Repayment is due only when the home is sold, refinanced, or no longer owner-occupied.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers living or working in the City of Alexandria.

  • https://www.alexandriava.gov/housing-services/homebuyer-resources

Loudoun County Homeownership Loan Programs

  • Assistance: Provides a loan of up to $70,000 (updated from the older $25k limit) or 10% of the sales price, whichever is less.

  • Terms: Forgivable 0% loan. Fully forgiven after 15 years of owner-occupancy.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers who live or work in Loudoun County.
    • DPCC: Income 30-70% AMI.

    • DPCC Plus: Income 70-100% AMI.

  • More Information: Loudoun County Homeownership Loan Programs

Prince William County First-Time Homebuyers (FTHB) Program

  • Assistance: Can provide up to 23% - 33% of the sales price (depending on funding availability and need) to lower the mortgage principal.

  • Terms: Deferred 0% interest loan. Repaid upon sale or transfer (shared equity terms may apply).

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers living or working in Prince William County. Income limits apply (approx. $100k+ depending on household size).

  • More Information: Prince William FTHB Program

Henrico County First-Time Homebuyers Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance

  • Assistance: Offers financial assistance with down payment and closing costs.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers in Henrico County; income limits apply.

  • More Information: Henrico County Homebuyer Assistance

Fairfax County First-Time Homebuyers Program (FTHB)

  • Assistance: This is a Below-Market Sales Price program. You buy a home at a strictly controlled lower price (e.g., buying a townhome for $200k that is worth $450k).

  • Terms: Shared Equity / Resale Restriction. You must live in the home, and when you sell, you must sell it at a controlled price to another income-eligible buyer.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers living or working in Fairfax County. Income tiers range from 30% to 70% AMI.

  • More Information: Fairfax County Housing

Hampton Roads Region Homebuyer Assistance Programs

Updated 1/26/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.