First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Virginia

Virginia Housing Programs (formerly VHDA):

Virginia Housing offers 30-year fixed mortgages through participating lenders plus several true grant and second mortgage options to reduce down payment and closing cost needs. First-time buyer status is generally defined as no ownership in the last three years unless buying in a targeted area. Confirm current limits and lender participation at virginiahousing.com/homebuyers/loan-grants or with a Virginia Housing approved lender.

Virginia first-time homebuyer highlights:

Eligibility: First-time buyers (no ownership in past 3 years) or buyers in Areas of Economic Opportunity; income and sales price limits vary by metro area.
Offerings: 30-year fixed mortgages (Virginia Housing bond loans that can be FHA, VA, RHS/USDA or conventional), low down payment paths, and grant or second mortgage assistance.
Requirements:

• Income limits are area specific. For example, Virginia Housing bond loan limits show higher household limits in high cost areas (Washington/Arlington/Alexandria and some Northern Virginia counties) and lower limits in rural areas; see the official income and sales price table. See Virginia Housing loan limits.
• Credit score: many Virginia Housing options accept scores in the low 600s for some products, but exact minimums vary by loan type and lender. Typical guidance used by lenders is often 620+ for many conventional paths; refer to your lender for program specific cutoffs.
• Debt to income: lenders commonly underwrite to roughly 45% DTI with exceptions for compensating factors; exact allowances depend on loan program and lender overlays.
• Homebuyer education: required for most first-time buyer grants and programs; free courses are available through Virginia Housing and approved counselors.

Down Payment Assistance (DPA) — what Virginia Housing actually offers:

Down Payment Assistance Grant: A true grant that does not have to be repaid when used with eligible Virginia Housing bond loans. For bond loans the typical amounts are approximately 2% of the sales price for conventional bond loans and 2.5% for FHA bond loans. See Virginia Housing DPA pages for program rules and limits. Virginia Housing Down Payment Assistance Grant.
Plus Second Mortgage: If a grant is not available or you need larger assistance, Virginia Housing offers a Plus Second Mortgage option that can eliminate the need for a cash down payment when paired with an eligible first mortgage. Learn more.

Community Heroes / Virginia Heroes:

Virginia Housing launched a Community Heroes Grant (a $10,000 grant) for qualifying teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, military and similar public servants. Program documentation exists, but the pilot was closed or suspended in lender notices in early 2026. Do not assume this grant is actively available without lender confirmation. Check the Virginia Housing Community Heroes page and lender updates before advising buyers to rely on it. Virginia Housing Community Heroes Grant and Virginia Housing lender updates.

Local programs (examples and where to check):

Many counties and cities layer local HOME, CDBG, or housing trust fund awards on top of Virginia Housing benefits. Local programs change with HUD and local funding cycles, so verify availability with the city or housing authority.

Richmond / Henrico County

Richmond / RRHA ComeHome and HOME programs: Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority runs ComeHome and other homeownership initiatives for public housing and voucher holders. RRHA programs include down payment and closing cost assistance and targeted homeownership initiative slots. See RRHA for current program details and application steps. RRHA Homeownership.

Virginia Beach / Hampton Roads region

Virginia Beach: The city and regional partners periodically offer HOME or CDBG funded assistance routed through nonprofit partners. Availability and amounts vary; check the city housing office and Virginia Housing for current offers. For city plans and housing studies see the Virginia Beach housing resources in the city planning and housing documents. (Local DPA amounts vary by year and funding cycle.)

Norfolk / Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority

Norfolk Homebuyer Assistance: Norfolk programs administered through NRHA and HOME funding can offer significant down payment and closing cost assistance in targeted neighborhoods. For example, the city HOME and Strengthening Neighborhoods pages list programs that can provide substantial assistance (official pages show up to $40,000 and up to $60,000 in certain targeted cases based on income and location). Verify current program rules and availability at the City of Norfolk housing pages and NRHA. City of Norfolk Strengthening Neighborhoods and NRHA Homeownership.

Federal loan basics that commonly pair with state/local aid:

• USDA Rural Development: 0% down purchase loans for eligible rural properties; income limits apply. See USDA Virginia page. USDA RD Virginia.
• VA loans: Eligible veterans and active duty borrowers may be able to buy with no down payment through VA-guaranteed loans; lenders verify Certificate of Eligibility. See the VA home loans page. VA home loans.
• FHA loans: 3.5% minimum down for applicants with credit scores of 580 or higher; FHA rules and credit thresholds are set by HUD/FHA. See HUD/FHA guidance for current credit requirements. HUD / FHA.

Always confirm details (income limits, sales price limits, program open dates, and lender overlays) with a Virginia Housing approved lender or the city/housing authority administering local funds. Virginia Housing is the primary statewide source: virginiahousing.com.

Seeking Agents® connects you with Virginia agents who understand these programs and compete to offer reduced commissions or added services—free for buyers and sellers.