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

Homebuyer Programs in Fredericksburg, VA (2026)

Population: 29,000 | Median home price: $470,000 | Est. closing costs: $9,500 - $14,000

Skyline of Fredericksburg, VA

Fredericksburg is a historic city located between Washington, D.C. and Richmond along the I-95 corridor, known for its Civil War battlefields and charming downtown. With a median home price of around $470,000, the market reflects its growing popularity as a commuter-friendly city. The Fredericksburg Direct Homeownership Assistance Program covers specific closing costs and up to 50% of down payment costs for eligible buyers purchasing within city limits. 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. Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity also provides affordable homeownership opportunities in the area.

City Programs in Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Direct Homeownership Assistance Program
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Covers specific closing costs and up to 50% of down payment 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
FHLBA Community Partners Product
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
First-time only:
No
FHLBA First Time Homebuyer Product
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
First-time only:
Yes
FHLBA Workforce Housing Plus+
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
First-time only:
No
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:
2.5% (FHA Bond) or 2% (Conventional Bond) of the lesser of sales price or appraised value; down payment only
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

How to Apply

Step 1: Check your eligibility. The Fredericksburg Direct Homeownership Assistance Program serves low to moderate income first-time buyers. The home must be within the 22401 zip code (City limits).

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education through a HUD-approved housing counseling agency.

Step 3: Contact the City of Fredericksburg Housing Department to apply for the Direct Homeownership Assistance Program, which covers closing costs and up to 50% of down payment.

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

Step 5: Explore additional state assistance through a DHCD-approved 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 the 22401 zip code, and complete the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in Fredericksburg?+
The Fredericksburg Direct Homeownership Assistance Program covers specific closing costs and up to 50% of down payment costs. The Virginia Housing DPA Grant adds 2% to 2.5% of the purchase price. The DHCD HOMEownership DPA can provide up to $40,000, and the Virginia Pilot DPA offers up to $50,000 for those at or below 60% AMI.
Do I have to buy within city limits?+
Yes, the Fredericksburg program requires the home to be located within the City of Fredericksburg limits (22401 zip code). State and federal programs are available regardless of specific location within Virginia.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?+
Yes, the Fredericksburg program and most state programs require first-time buyer status, defined as not having owned a home in the past three years.
What homebuyer education is required?+
Virginia Housing requires an approved homebuyer education course. HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in the Fredericksburg area offer the required education. Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity also provides homebuyer education.

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