Updated · Mike Certo, NMLS #260555
Virginia Down Payment Assistance Programs Guide
Virginia Housing (formerly VHDA) operates a strong DPA program family covering grants, second mortgages, and tax credits. Local county and city DPA programs supplement state programs across Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. Here's the practical Virginia DPA program map.
Virginia Housing program family
Virginia Housing DPA Grant
Forgivable grant of 2-2.5% of purchase price (verify current amount). Grant — does NOT require repayment. Income limits by county. Pairs with an eligible Virginia Housing first mortgage (FHA bond or Conventional bond pathways). Verify current eligibility via Virginia Housing.
Virginia Housing Plus Second Mortgage
Deferred-payment second mortgage up to 3-5% of purchase price. 30-year, 0% interest. Pairs with Virginia Housing FHA Plus, Conventional, or other first mortgage. Payment deferred until sale or refinance.
Virginia Housing Conventional
Below-market conventional first mortgage with reduced mortgage insurance for income-eligible buyers. Pairs with Plus Second Mortgage or used standalone.
Virginia Housing FHA Plus
FHA first mortgage paired with Plus Second Mortgage DPA. Strong combination for FHA-eligible buyers.
Virginia Housing MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate)
Federal tax credit converting portion of mortgage interest into annual federal tax credit. Not cash assistance — reduces federal tax owed each year. Can sometimes layer with another DPA program.
Major Virginia county DPA programs
- Fairfax County FHFLP — first-time homebuyer program
- Arlington County DPA
- Loudoun County workforce housing
- Prince William County DPA
- Henrico County (Richmond area) DPA
- Chesterfield County DPA
Major Virginia city DPA programs
- City of Richmond DPA
- City of Norfolk DPA
- City of Virginia Beach DPA
- City of Roanoke DPA
- City of Alexandria DPA
- City of Lynchburg DPA
- City of Charlottesville DPA
Eligibility variables
- Income limit: Typically tied to county area median income (AMI)
- Purchase-price limit: County-specific (Northern Virginia has higher caps due to high-cost market)
- Credit score: Typically 640+ for Virginia Housing; some national programs accept 600+
- Occupancy: Primary residence only
- First-time buyer: Required for many programs; HUD 3-year definition applies
- Homebuyer education: Required for most programs
One assistance program per transaction
Virginia DPA programs do not combine with each other (with the MCC tax credit being the limited exception). You select ONE DPA program per home purchase.
Next step
20-minute call. Bring city/county, household income, FICO ballpark, target purchase price. We map your top 2-3 program fits.
Related
FAQ
Can I combine Virginia Housing DPA Grant with Fairfax County FHFLP?
Generally no. You select one DPA program per transaction. Most Virginia DPA programs don't combine with each other.
What's the credit floor for Virginia Housing?
Most Virginia Housing programs require 640+. Some national programs (Chenoa Fund) accept 600+.
Does Northern Virginia high-cost market affect DPA caps?
Yes — Northern Virginia counties have higher purchase-price caps than statewide caps, but still may not accommodate luxury Northern Virginia properties.
Are there Virginia DPA programs without income limits?
National programs like Chenoa Fund, Arrive Home, and Essex/NHF typically don't have income limits — useful for higher-income Northern Virginia buyers who exceed Virginia Housing caps.