District of Columbia first-time home buyer programs
DC Housing Finance Agency lists 5 programs that help buyers in the District of Columbia with the down payment or closing costs. Amounts and terms are shown as the agency publishes them.
- Programs from the agency
- 5
- Biggest amount listed
- $202,000
- First-time buyers only
- 3 of 5 programs
- Income caps
- 170% of area median or $275,400
Down payment assistance programs in District of Columbia
| Program | Amount | Grant or loan | Income limit | First-time buyers only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC Open Doors Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL). With a DC Open Doors first trust mortgage from a participating lender; credit score 640+; price limit no maximum sales price limit. | Up to 3.5% | Deferred loan: 0% loan. You repay it after 30 years, or sooner if you sell, give the home to someone else, refinance or move out. | Up to 170% of the area median income, at most $275,400; only the borrower's income counts. | No |
| Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) | Up to $202,000 | Deferred loan: 0% loan with no monthly payment; the agency pages do not say when it is due. | Your household income can be up to 110 percent of area median income. | Yes |
| DC4ME. Only for current full-time District of Columbia Government employees, including eligible instrumentalities, independent agencies and public charter schools. With the DC4ME reduced-rate first trust mortgage from DCHFA; credit score 640+; homebuyer course. | Up to 3% | Deferred loan: 0% second loan with no payments for now; the agency pages do not say when it is due. | Household income up to 170% of area median income, at most $275,400 | Yes |
| DC4ME VA Loan Product. Only for veterans, active-duty service members, certain Reservists and National Guard members, and surviving spouses. With a VA mortgage from the DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA); credit score 640+. | Up to 3% of the home loan | Deferred loan: 0% second loan with no payments for now. | No income limit, but you must meet the VA's rule on money left each month after bills (residual income). | No |
More programs the agency lists
- HomeAdvantage DC: Up to 3.5%. Income: varies by household size, using the federal income limits for bond-funded home loans.
Usually, "first-time buyers only" means you haven't owned a home during the past three years, though every program sets a rule of its own. The name of each program links to a DC Housing Finance Agency page that says whether applications are open right now. The agency also maintains its own list of participating lenders. Compare down payment assistance programs across all states, or ask a lender that works with District of Columbia's programs.
How do you repay District of Columbia's programs?
- Deferred loan: nothing to pay each month, but the full amount comes due when you sell, refinance or pay the first mortgage off.
How does your income compare with District of Columbia's caps?
Every program has its own income cap, which the table shows, and the exact chart is on that program's agency page. Use the HUD income limits lookup (FY2026) to find the figure for your county and household size. If a program relies on its own county chart or Freddie Mac's, the result can differ from HUD's number, and the agency's chart decides.
| HUD area | Median family income | HUD low-income limit |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | $166,100 | $106,800 |
HUD uses about 80% of the median as a starting point. Its own caps can hold that number down, including a yearly cap on increases, so the low-income limit is under 80% in a few areas.
Talk to a lender that works with District of Columbia programs
These programs are paid out through the agency's approved lenders, so the lender is your next step. Tell us where you're buying and a lender that works with the District of Columbia's programs can explain which ones fit you.
Rather not call? Send your details and the lender will reach you.