Explore Virginia Housing grants, DHCD assistance, and local programs in Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, Stafford, Norfolk and Hampton Roads with direct links to official guidance.
Virginia offers multiple paths to help with your first purchase, from Virginia Housing grants to DHCD-administered loans and local programs. The county and loan type determine which rules apply. A deferred or shared-equity loan is not the same thing as a grant.
Eligible borrowers may compare the Down Payment Assistance Grant, Closing Cost Assistance Grant, and Plus Second Mortgage. Grant eligibility depends on the paired first mortgage and cannot be assumed for every VA, FHA or conventional scenario.
For eligible first-time buyers generally at or below 80% of area median income, assistance may reach $40,000 through approved local administrators, with affordability and occupancy requirements. A separate pilot may serve lower income buyers.
DHCD program & local providers · 2026 HOME income limits (PDF)
MIPAP: Arlington currently advertises a 0% deferred second loan of up to 25% of the purchase price, subject to caps and underwriting. Shared appreciation may be due at resale or refinance.
Fairfax Down Payment Loan: first-time buyers generally need to meet the 80% AMI threshold, use a prequalified Virginia Housing lender, and satisfy the county's education and affordability requirements.
FHAP: the city has resale-restricted and designated property options, with limited qualifying units. Not every property on the open market is eligible.
Local programs can depend on employment, occupancy, price caps and whether the applicant lives or works in the community. Confirm the specific city or county before counting funds in cash to close.
Virginia DHCD local provider contacts · Virginia Housing income / loan limits
The NRHA HomeNet program offers counseling and lender resources. The official current HomeNet page lists HOME first-time assistance up to $40,000 at or below 80% AMI; the amount depends on the individual program.
HRPDC administers eligible HOME funds for several Hampton Roads localities; other cities administer their own programs. Coverage and funds vary. Use the administrator's service-area list rather than assuming all Hampton Roads properties qualify.
Usually no. DHCD delivers HOMEownership down payment assistance through regional nonprofit or local administrators. Contact the approved provider serving the property locality.
The standard Virginia Housing DPA Grant applies to eligible bond FHA or conventional loans. Ask about the separate Closing Cost Assistance Grant for eligible Virginia Housing VA or USDA bond loans.
Most programs require an approved homebuyer education course. Some county programs require counseling and preapproval before you sign a sales contract.
Most first-time-buyer public down payment programs require owner occupancy. Investor and second-home purchases generally do not qualify.
It depends. Some deferred loans or shared equity products become payable at refinance, sale or transfer. Obtain the actual lien documents before deciding.
Local programs can have waiting lists or close after funds are committed. The lender should check the latest administrator funding status and compare alternate loan and grant options.
Start with the program operator before relying on assistance amounts. Official resources: Virginia DHCD, 2026 DHCD income-limit PDF, DHCD DPA FAQ PDF, Virginia Housing
Funding availability, credit rules, household income, property condition, approved-lender requirements and repayment triggers can change. This educational guide is not a commitment to lend or an agency endorsement.
Tell Ken the location, approximate purchase price, income type and your expected purchase timeline. We can compare eligible options before you write an offer.
Find My Financing OptionsSubmit a ScenarioReviewed October 28, 2026. Written for buyers throughout Maryland and Virginia by Ken Powell, NMLS #2656628.
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