Down Payment Assistance · District of Columbia
District of Columbia Down Payment Assistance Programs (2026)
First-time buyers in District of Columbia have access to grants, forgivable second mortgages, and deferred-payment DPA. Here's how they work, who qualifies, and how to stack them with an FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional loan.
Types of DPA available in District of Columbia
- Grants — free money, no repayment. Usually 2–5% of the purchase price.
- Forgivable second mortgages — repayment forgiven after you stay in the home a set number of years (commonly 5 or 10).
- Deferred-payment seconds — no monthly payment; the balance is due only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
- Match programs — District of Columbia agencies match your own savings 2:1 or 3:1 up to a cap.
Typical District of Columbia eligibility
- First-time buyer (no ownership in the past 3 years)
- Income at or below the county's income cap (tied to area median)
- Minimum 640 FICO (some programs 620)
- HUD-approved homebuyer education certificate
- Primary residence in District of Columbia only
- Purchase price under the county's cap (varies widely across District of Columbia)
How to stack DPA with your first mortgage
District of Columbia DPA layers on top of an FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional first mortgage. The most common pairing in District of Columbia is FHA + DPA — FHA's 3.5% down requirement plus a DPA grant or second means many buyers close with $0 out of pocket beyond earnest money and inspection costs.
With property tax at 0.62% and average insurance near $1,300/yr, District of Columbia's DTI math is unforgiving on high-price homes — DPA lowers your loan amount and payment enough to keep you inside program limits.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for down payment assistance in District of Columbia?
Most District of Columbia DPA programs require you to be a first-time buyer (no ownership in the last 3 years), meet an income cap tied to area median income, complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course, and use the assisted funds on a primary residence.
How much down payment assistance can I get in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia DPA typically ranges from 3% to 10% of the purchase price. Some programs cap at a flat dollar amount ($5,000–$25,000); others scale with your loan size. High-cost counties in District of Columbia usually have higher caps.
Do I have to pay back down payment assistance in District of Columbia?
It depends on the program. District of Columbia offers three common structures: grants (never repaid), forgivable second mortgages (forgiven after living in the home 5–10 years), and deferred second mortgages (repaid only when you sell or refinance).
Can I combine District of Columbia DPA with an FHA or VA loan?
Yes. Most District of Columbia DPA programs are designed to layer on top of an FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional first mortgage. VA borrowers usually already have 0% down, so DPA is more common with FHA and Conventional in District of Columbia.
What credit score do I need for down payment assistance in District of Columbia?
Most District of Columbia DPA programs require a 640+ FICO, though some accept 620. The first-mortgage program you pair with (FHA at 580+, Conventional at 620+) usually sets the floor.
See which District of Columbia DPA programs you actually qualify for
The Readiness Scorecard cross-references your income, credit, and location against live District of Columbia DPA program rules — no credit pull, 60 seconds, free.
Check my District of Columbia DPA eligibility →