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

Homebuyer Programs in Newport News, VA (2026)

Population: 183,000 | Median home price: $295,000 | Est. closing costs: $6,000 - $9,000

Skyline of Newport News, VA

Newport News is a mid-sized city on the Virginia Peninsula in the Hampton Roads area, home to major shipbuilding and military installations. With a median home price of around $295,000, it is one of the more affordable cities in Hampton Roads. The Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority provides up to $14,500 in forgivable down payment 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. Combining local and state programs can significantly reduce the upfront costs of buying a home here.

City Programs in Newport News

Newport News Down Payment Assistance Program
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to $14,500 as a forgivable loan
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 Newport News DPA program serves low to moderate income first-time buyers. Income limits apply and vary by household size.

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education through a HUD-approved housing counseling agency in the Hampton Roads area.

Step 3: Contact the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NNRHA) to apply for up to $14,500 in forgivable down payment assistance.

Step 4: Contact a Virginia Housing-approved lender to access the state DPA Grant (2% to 2.5% of purchase price) and determine which loan product fits your needs.

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, and complete the formal application process. The home must be your primary residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in Newport News?+
The Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority provides up to $14,500 as a forgivable loan. 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 be a first-time homebuyer?+
The Newport News DPA program and most state programs require first-time buyer status. Federal VA loans are available to eligible veterans regardless of prior homeownership, which is significant given the large military presence in the area.
Is the Newport News assistance a grant or a loan?+
The $14,500 from the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority is provided as a forgivable loan. Terms of forgiveness apply based on an affordability period. The Virginia Housing DPA Grant is a true grant that never has to be repaid.
What homebuyer education is required?+
Virginia Housing and the Newport News program both require an approved homebuyer education course. HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in the Hampton Roads area offer the required education.

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