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Get Matched Free →First-Time Home Buyer Programs in District of Columbia (2026)
By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent
Washington, DC has some of the largest homebuyer assistance in the country. The Department of Housing and Community Development's Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) gives first-time buyers up to $202,000 in gap financing plus $4,000 for closing costs, with the amount set by income (up to $182,700 for a household of 4 in 2026). The DC Housing Finance Agency's DC Open Doors covers the minimum down payment with a 0% deferred loan for first-time and repeat buyers earning up to $275,400, and DC4ME adds 3% for full-time DC government employees.
Compare District of Columbia Down Payment Assistance Programs
| Program | Max help | Who it’s for | Income cap | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHLBA First Time Homebuyer ProductForgivable Loan | Max help:$17,500 | Who it’s for:First-time buyers | Income cap:Household income at or below 80% of county area median income (AMI) or state median family income, whichever is higher | Credit:Lender sets |
| DC Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)Deferred Loan | Max help:Up to $202,000 in gap financing plus up to $4,000 for closing costs, based on household income and size | Who it’s for:First-time buyers | Income cap:FY 2026 table for loans closing after July 1, 2026, by household of 1 to 4: up to 50% MFI $58,150 to $83,050 ($202,000 max); 51% to 80% MFI up to $93,000 to $132,900 ($161,600 to $101,000 max); 81% to 110% MFI up to $127,900 to $182,700 ($80,800 to $70,000 max). | Credit:Lender sets |
| DC Open DoorsZero-Interest Loan | Max help:Covers the buyer's full required minimum down payment (3% or 3.5% options depending on loan type) | Who it’s for:First-time and repeat buyers | Income cap:Up to $275,400 (170% of area median income), counting the borrower's income only. | Credit:640 |
| DC4ME (DC Government Employee Homebuyer Program)Zero-Interest Loan | Max help:Optional 3% down payment assistance (on VA loans, 3% for closing costs or prepaids) | Who it’s for:First-time and repeat buyers | Income cap:Up to $275,400 household income (170% of area median income). | Credit:640 |