Virginia’s housing market offers a wide range of opportunities, from the vibrant communities of Northern Virginia and Richmond to smaller cities and rural areas across the state. For homebuyers, it’s important to know what resources are available that can make the path to homeownership much smoother.
One of the most valuable tools is Virginia’s down payment assistance (DPA) programs. Available through both state and local agencies, these programs provide grants, forgivable loans, or deferred second mortgages that help reduce upfront costs and make buying a home more accessible.
This guide highlights some of the most accessible and well-funded DPA programs currently available in Virginia. While it doesn’t include every option, it focuses on those that are active, widely used, and most beneficial to today’s buyers. We update this page regularly to reflect the latest opportunities and eligibility requirements.
AMI & Down Payment Assistance
Some down payment assistance programs in Virginia use area median income (AMI) as a metric to ensure that funds are appropriated to applicants most in need of assistance.
Most frequently, applicants will need to earn no more than 80% of the area median income for the location where they plan to purchase. However, some programs may have higher income limits, such as 100% or 120% of AMI, while others may have no income limits as all.
>>>DISCOVER: 5 Types of Down Payment Assistance: Are Grants Really the Best?
Statewide Down Payment Assistance Programs in Virginia
Virginia has several strong programs available to buyers across the state, especially those purchasing through Virginia Housing-approved lenders.
Virginia Housing Down Payment Assistance Grant
The Virginia Housing DPA Grant offers a true grant (no repayment required) to first-time homebuyers using a Virginia Housing loan. The grant covers a portion of the down payment, and is applied at closing.
Eligibility: First-time homebuyer (or buyer in an Area of Economic Opportunity), using a Virginia Housing mortgage, and earning no more than the regional income limit.
Virginia Housing Plus Second Mortgage
The Plus Second Mortgage provides a second loan of up to 5% of the home’s purchase price to cover the down payment, and an additional 1.5% for closing costs. This is a repayable second mortgage with deferred payments until the home is sold, refinanced, or paid off.
Eligibility: Must use a Virginia Housing first mortgage and meet income and credit requirements; not restricted to first-time buyers with a credit score of 680 or higher.
Virginia DHCD HOMEownership Program
Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers deferred 0% second loans up to 10% of the home price (15% in targeted areas) plus $2,500 for closing costs, with a maximum of $40,000. These loans are typically forgivable if the home remains owner-occupied.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time homebuyer earning at or below 80% of AMI and complete a homebuyer education course. DTI must not exceed 43%.
Virginia Individual Development Accounts (VIDA)
VIDA is a savings match program that helps low- to moderate-income individuals save toward a down payment. The state matches $10 for every $1 saved, up to $10,000 in match funds.
Eligibility: Must complete financial education, be able to complete the program within four to 24 months, and meet income limits and net worth requirements.
Virginia Down Payment Assistance Programs by County
Several counties in Virginia offer well-funded and accessible local DPA programs.
Loudoun County DPCC Program
Loudoun County’s Down Payment/Closing Cost Assistance Program provides up to 10% of the purchase price or $70,000 (whichever is less) as a forgivable loan for first-time buyers. Forgiveness occurs over 15 years, provided the program's rules are met.
Eligibility: Household income must be between $49,200 and $114,749 (2025) and the applicant must live or work in Loudoun for at least 6 months.
Prince William County FTHB Program
Prince William County’s Program provides a deferred second mortgage covering 23–33% of the home price to first-time buyers. The loan is repayable upon sale and includes a shared appreciation clause.
Eligibility: Must earn at or below 80% AMI, live or work in Prince William County/Manassas/Manassas Park, and complete housing counseling.
Arlington County MIPAP
Arlington’s Moderate-Income Purchase Assistance Program (MIPAP) provides a 0% interest, deferred-payment second loan up to 25% of the purchase price, with a cap of $112,500. The county retains a share of future equity in exchange.
Eligibility: First-time homebuyer with income around or below 80% AMI, and must complete Virginia Housing education.
The MIPAP program was NOT accepting new applications at the time of writing, but may do so by the time you read this.
Henrico Employee Home Purchase Assistance Program
Henrico County’s Program offers up to $25,000 as a forgivable loan to full-time county employees who have worked at least one year. The loan is forgiven after five years of owner occupancy.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time homebuyer, earn below Virginia Housing’s limits, and contribute at least $1,000 of personal funds. A minimum credit score of 600 is required.
Down Payment Assistance Programs by City
Cities across Virginia provide targeted down payment assistance to boost homeownership within their limits.
Alexandria Flexible Homeownership Assistance Program
The FHAP Program offers up to $50,000 as a 0% deferred-payment loan for first-time buyers purchasing through city-affordable homeownership programs. The loan includes a shared-equity provision to maintain long-term affordability.
Eligibility: Household income must be at or below 100% AMI for partial assistance, and 80% AMI for full $50,000 assistance, and the buyer must live or work in Alexandria.
Richmond Homeownership Assistance Program
Richmond’s Program offers up to $15,000 in forgivable loans for down payment and closing costs for eligible first-time buyers. Loans are forgiven after five years of occupancy, provided the program's conditions are met over that time.
Eligibility: Must earn within the program’s guidelines, purchase within the city limits, and complete homeownership education.
Norfolk HOME DPA Program
The City of Norfolk provides up to $40,000 in assistance for first-time homebuyers in the form of a forgivable 0% interest loan. Forgiveness terms vary by assistance amount.
Eligibility: Must earn ≤80% AMI, contribute 1% of the sales price, complete homebuyer education, and purchase a home in Norfolk.
Suffolk Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance
Suffolk’s Program offers up to $14,500 as a 0% deferred-payment loan that is forgiven after 5 years of occupancy, provided the program's conditions are met during that time.
Eligibility: First-time buyer with income at or below 80% AMI, must contribute at least 1% of the home price and complete Virginia Housing’s home-buyer course.
Additional Down Payment Assistance Programs in Virginia
Here are additional programs that were not mentioned above but may still be helpful depending on where you plan to buy.
Statewide Programs
Chenoa Fund (Nationwide program available in Virginia)
County Programs
Hampton Roads Loan Fund Partnership (Serves several counties)
City Programs
Purchasing a Home in Virginia With Down Payment Asssistance
Virginia offers a variety of programs designed to help with down payment and closing costs, giving both first-time and repeat buyers extra support. From statewide options to city and county initiatives, these resources can make purchasing a home more affordable. Make sure to stay informed about current mortgage rates, and don’t forget to experiment with our loan calculators to better understand what you can afford. With the right program, homeownership in Virginia can be far more attainable.
Check with the organization directly for the most recent guidelines. While programs were fact-checked at the time of writing, requirements change often, and programs become unavailable when funds are exhausted.
