First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Washington, D.C.

D.C. Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) Programs:

DC Open Doors:

Eligibility: Available to first-time buyers (no homeownership in past 3 years) or repeat buyers in targeted areas (e.g., qualified census tracts); properties include single-family homes, condos, or manufactured homes on owned land.
Offerings: 30-year fixed-rate FHA, VA, or conventional mortgage with competitive rates; includes optional Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL) up to 3.5% (conventional) or 5% (FHA/VA) of purchase price.
Requirements:

• Maximum household income ≤$216,580 (all household sizes). Learn more on the DC Open Doors page
• Credit score ≥640 (660 for conventional loans, 680 for manufactured homes).
• Debt-to-income ratio ≤45% (50% for FHA with ≥680 score).
• Homebuyer education course (6-8 hours, ~$50-$75 online) required for all borrowers.
• Purchase price limit of $647,200 (FHA limit for D.C.).

Learn more about DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL):

Benefits: Deferred, 0% interest second loan up to 3.5% (conventional) or 5% (FHA/VA) of purchase price, due on sale, refinance, or after 30 years; FHA-paired loans repayable after 5 years if no longer owner-occupied. Pricing subject to daily market volatility; check DCHFA lender portal.
Eligibility: Must use DC Open Doors first mortgage; income capped at $216,580; minimum credit score of 640; homebuyer education required.

Learn more about DC Open Doors DPAL

DC4ME Program:

Description: Offers a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional) with 3% down payment assistance as a non-repayable grant for D.C. government employees; no first-time buyer requirement.
Requirements: Income capped at $216,580; minimum credit score of 640; homebuyer education required; must be a full-time D.C. government employee; purchase price limit of $647,200.

Learn more about DC4ME Program

Local Programs:

City-wide (DHCD)

Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP): Offers up to $250,000 for down payment and $10,000 for closing costs as a deferred, 0% interest loan; forgivable after 5 years if income ≤80% AMI (e.g., $78,150 for a family of four), or repayable over 40 years if 80–110% AMI (e.g., $107,250). First-time buyers only; lottery-based allocation; purchase price limit of $647,200.

Learn more about HPAP

D.C. Government Employees

Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP): Provides up to $25,000 for down payment and $2,500 for closing costs as a 0% interest, deferred loan, repayable upon sale or refinance, or forgivable after 7 years if still a D.C. government employee; for full-time D.C. government employees (including public/charter schools, agencies under D.C. Council oversight); first-time buyers only; income ≤120% AMI (e.g., $117,250 for a family of four).

Learn more about EAHP

Public Safety & Education Workers

Negotiated Employee Affordable Home Program (NEAHP): Offers up to $20,000 for down payment and $2,500 for closing costs as a 0% interest, deferred loan, repayable upon sale or refinance, or forgivable after 7 years if still in an eligible role; for police, firefighters, teachers, and other public safety/education workers; first-time buyers only; income ≤120% AMI.

Learn more about NEAHP

Additional Information:

• D.C. Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): Tax credit of 20% of annual mortgage interest (max $2,000 yearly); $500 fee; combines with DC Open Doors or DC4ME; recapture tax may apply if sold within 9 years; income capped at $216,580.
• FHA Loans: Require 3.5% down payment if credit score ≥580 (10% if below).
• VA Loans: Zero-down payment for eligible veterans or active military; no PMI; flexible credit requirements.
• USDA Loans: Not applicable due to D.C.’s urban setting.
• Median Home Price: $735,000 (February 2025); median down payment: $44,100 (6% of median price).

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