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By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated March 28, 2026

Homebuyer Programs in Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Population: 258,000 | Median home price: $410,000 | Est. closing costs: $8,000 - $12,500

Skyline of Chesapeake, VA

Chesapeake is the second most populous city in Virginia, located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area with a mix of suburban neighborhoods and rural farmland. With a median home price of around $410,000, buyers here can access the Call Chesapeake HOME program, which provides up to $13,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time buyers. The Virginia Housing DPA Grant adds 2% to 2.5% of the purchase price as a free grant, while the DHCD HOMEownership DPA offers up to $40,000 and the Virginia Pilot DPA provides up to $50,000 for income-eligible households. Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads also serves Chesapeake. Combining local and state programs can help buyers stack significant assistance.

City Programs in Chesapeake

Call Chesapeake HOME Down Payment Assistance Program
Type:
Deferred Loan
Amount:
Up to $13,000 for down payment and closing costs
First-time only:
Yes

State Programs in Virginia

DHCD HOMEownership Down Payment Assistance Program
Type:
Deferred Loan
Amount:
Up to 10% to 15% of the sales price plus up to $2,500 for closing costs. Maximum assistance of $40,000.
First-time only:
Yes
Virginia Down Payment Assistance Pilot Program
Type:
Deferred Loan
Amount:
Up to $50,000
First-time only:
Yes
Virginia Housing Closing Cost Assistance Grant
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Up to 2% of the purchase price
First-time only:
Yes
Virginia Housing Down Payment Assistance Grant
Type:
Grant
Amount:
2% to 2.5% of the purchase price
First-time only:
Yes
Virginia Housing SPARC Program
Type:
Zero-Interest Loan
Amount:
1 percentage point reduction on Virginia Housing first mortgage interest rate
First-time only:
Yes

Federal Programs

FHA Loans
Type:
Government-Insured Mortgage
Amount:
Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
First-time only:
No
Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD)
Type:
Government Property Sale Program
Amount:
50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
First-time only:
Yes
Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac)
Type:
Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
Amount:
Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
First-time only:
No
HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae)
Type:
Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
Amount:
Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
First-time only:
No
HUD $100 Down Program
Type:
FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
Amount:
Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
First-time only:
No
USDA Rural Development Loans
Type:
Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
Amount:
100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
First-time only:
No
VA Loans
Type:
Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
Amount:
No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
First-time only:
No

Nonprofit Programs

Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads Homeownership Program
Type:
Zero-Interest Loan
Amount:
Affordable home purchase with 30-year fixed-rate mortgage capped at 30% of household income
First-time only:
No

How to Apply

Step 1: Check your eligibility. The Call Chesapeake HOME program serves low to moderate income first-time buyers. Virginia state programs have varying income limits by household size.

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency in the Hampton Roads area for the required education course.

Step 3: Apply for the Call Chesapeake HOME program through the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission or City of Chesapeake Housing Department for up to $13,000 in assistance.

Step 4: Contact a Virginia Housing-approved lender to access the DPA Grant (2% to 2.5% of purchase price) and other state loan products.

Step 5: Explore additional state assistance through a DHCD-approved local provider for the HOMEownership DPA (up to $40,000) or Pilot Program (up to $50,000).

Step 6: Get pre-approved, find a home within program limits, and complete the formal application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

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