Buying a home in Washington State can be a major financial challenge, especially when it comes to saving for the down payment. With Washington’s average home price hovering around $605,000 (2026), even an average down payment can feel out of reach for many first-time buyers.
To put that into perspective:
A 3% down payment, a common minimum for first-time buyers, would require $18,150.
A 5% down payment pushes that to $30,250.
With a 20% down payment, you're looking at $121,000.
This is where down payment assistance (DPA) programs can make a big difference. They help reduce or eliminate upfront costs through grants or second loans that are often deferred or forgiven.
There are several different places to find down payment assistance programs, from government-backed resources to nonprofit organizations and lender partnerships. Many of these programs are specifically designed for first-time homebuyers, so it’s important to understand what you qualify for.
In this guide, we’ve highlighted some of the most effective and widely available DPA programs in Washington. While we can't cover every option in detail, you’ll find standout programs at the state, county, and city levels below. We’ll continue to keep this page up to date as programs change.
Statewide Down Payment Assistance Programs
Washington offers a rich network of statewide programs, many coordinated through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC), that provide support regardless of where in the state you’re buying.
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Home Advantage Downpayment Assistance
Offered by the WSHFC, the Home Advantage Downpayment Assistance offers a 0% interest, second mortgage with no monthly payments to help cover your down payment and closing costs. The loan typically ranges from 3% to 5% of your first mortgage amount, depending on the loan type and other factors. The loan is repaid only when you sell, refinance, transfer the home, or after 30 years.
Eligibility: Household income up to $215,000 (2025) and completion of a homebuyer education course. No first-time buyer requirement unless paired with certain programs.
House Key Opportunity DPA
Paired with the House Key Opportunity first mortgage, the House Key Opportunity DPA offers up to $15,000 at 1% interest, with repayment deferred for 30 years. It's ideal for lower-income first-time buyers.
Eligibility: Income limits vary by area, must be a first-time buyer unless purchasing in a targeted area, and completion of a homebuyer education course is required.
HomeSight “BIPOC” Down Payment Assistance
HomeSight’s “BIPOC” Down Payment Assistance provides affordable, low-interest loans to first-time buyers who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC). It’s designed to help close the racial homeownership gap and can be layered with other DPA programs.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time homebuyer who identifies as BIPOC, and complete HomeSight’s education and counseling.
Covenant Homeownership Program (CHA)
A program created by Washington state law in 2023, the Covenant Homeownership Program addresses historical housing discrimination. It offers 0% interest, deferred-payment loans, with potential forgiveness for some borrowers.
Eligibility: First-time buyers with incomes that fall within the program guidelines, and whose families were Washington residents before 1968 and belonged to groups historically excluded by housing covenants (e.g. Black, Native American, Pacific Islander, Asian Indian, etc.).
Down Payment Assistance Programs by County
Some counties go even further to support local buyers. Here are our top picks from key regions across Washington.
King County Downpayment Assistance
HomeSight's King County Down Payment Assistance delivers up to $45,000 at 3% interest in the form of a 30-year deferred second loan. It’s available in South King County and unincorporated areas (not Seattle or ARCH cities as defined in the next section). The loan and interest are repayable after 30 years, or if you move out, sell or refinance during that time.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time homebuyer who meets income limits. Homebuyer education is required. Must be purchasing in Auburn, Federal Way, Tukwila, or unincorporated areas of King County.
ARCH East King County Downpayment Assistance
ARCH East King County Downpayment Assistance provides up to $30,000 with 4% simple interest, deferred for 30 years. Notably, it’s not limited to first-time homebuyers.
Eligibility: Must meet household income limits. Must purchase a home in an ARCH member city that is within specified price limits.
Down Payment Assistance Programs by City
Several cities in Washington have created programs tailored to local buyers. Here are standout options.
Seattle Downpayment Assistance Program
The Seattle Downpayment Assistance Program provides assistance up to a maximum of $76,000 per household.
Eligibility: First-time buyers with income ≤ 80% of AMI purchasing within city limits. Homebuyer education and counseling are required.
Tacoma Down Payment Assistance Program
The Tacoma Down Payment Assistance Program offers up to $80,000 in assistance as a 0% interest loan, deferred for 30 years. It becomes payable after 30 years or on sale, refinancing or the borrower leaving the home, if earlier.
Eligibility: First-time buyers with income ≤ 80% AMI. The program prioritizes Black households but is open to all eligible buyers.
Bellingham Downpayment Assistance
Bellingham Downpayment Assistance combines with the Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity first-mortgage loan program. It can offer up to $40,000 in downpayment assistance at 3% simple interest.
Additionally, there is a “restricted” program accessed through participating lenders in partnership with Kulshan Community Land Trust, where the qualified homebuyer agrees to work with Kulshan CLT including agreeing to long-term sales restrictions, which can provide up to $75,000 at 0% interest.
Eligibility: First-time buyers who meet household income limits. Property must be in city limits and within specified price limits. Buyer must contribute $2,500 toward the downpayment or 1% of the purchase price, whichever is greater.
Additional Down Payment Assistance Programs
Below is a full list of programs organized by geography that weren’t featured above. These programs may be helpful depending on your specific circumstances.
Statewide Programs
Chenoa Fund (Nationwide program available in Washington)
County Programs
City Programs
Vancouver DPA (administered via Clark County)
What is AMI?
One common term that you'll see many Washington down payment assistance programs use is "AMI." AMI stands for area median income, and is a common metric that DPA programs use to ensure aid is provided to homebuyers who need it most.
In practice, you'll generally see programs requiring applicants to earn no more than fixed percentage, such as 80%, of the area median income in the locale where they're planning to buy.
For Example: If your planning to purchase a home in an area with an AMI of $146,500, and the program you're applying to requires you to earn 80% or less, you could qualify with an income as high as $117,200.
You can search for your local AMI by property address using Fannie Mae’s map tool.Putting It All Together: Down Payment Assistance in Washington
Buying a home in Washington can be tough, but down payment assistance programs can help make it easier. Whether you're a first-time buyer or exploring special options, these resources help make homeownership more accessible. Experiment with our loan calculators to find out what's best for you and keep an eye on current mortgage rates to better understand your financing options. With the right support, you can move forward with confidence.
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.
