See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated March 28, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Richmond, VA (2026)
Richmond, the capital of Virginia, is a growing city with a thriving arts and culinary scene along the James River. With a median home price of around $400,000, buyers here benefit from both state programs and a strong local homeownership initiative. The WORTH RVA collaborative, led by LISC Virginia, connects buyers with housing counseling and down payment assistance through a network of service organizations. The Virginia Housing DPA Grant provides 2% to 2.5% of the purchase price as a free grant, while the DHCD HOMEownership DPA offers up to $40,000 for buyers at or below 80% AMI. The Virginia Pilot DPA provides up to $50,000 for households at or below 60% AMI. By stacking state and nonprofit resources, Richmond buyers can access significant assistance toward homeownership.
State Programs in Virginia
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHCD HOMEownership Down Payment Assistance Program | Deferred Loan | Up to 10% to 15% of the sales price plus up to $2,500 for closing costs. Maximum assistance of $40,000. | Yes | View → |
| FHLBA Community Partners Product | Forgivable Loan | Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| FHLBA First Time Homebuyer Product | Forgivable Loan | Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | Yes | View → |
| FHLBA Workforce Housing Plus+ | Grant | Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| Virginia Down Payment Assistance Pilot Program | Deferred Loan | Up to $50,000 | Yes | View → |
| Virginia Housing Closing Cost Assistance Grant | Grant | Up to 2% of the purchase price | Yes | View → |
| Virginia Housing Down Payment Assistance Grant | Grant | 2.5% (FHA Bond) or 2% (Conventional Bond) of the lesser of sales price or appraised value; down payment only | Yes | View → |
| Virginia Housing SPARC Program | Zero-Interest Loan | 1 percentage point reduction on Virginia Housing first mortgage interest rate | Yes | View → |
- 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
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $50,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to 2% of the purchase price
- First-time only:
- Yes
- 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
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- 1 percentage point reduction on Virginia Housing first mortgage interest rate
- First-time only:
- Yes
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
- 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
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
- 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
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WORTH RVA Homeownership Initiative | Grant | Down payment assistance amount varies based on need and program availability. Includes housing counseling and financial coaching. | No | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Down payment assistance amount varies based on need and program availability. Includes housing counseling and financial coaching.
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Review income limits for Virginia programs. The DHCD HOMEownership DPA requires income at or below 80% AMI, and the Pilot Program requires income at or below 60% AMI.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Contact WORTH RVA or a HUD-approved housing counseling agency in the Richmond area for required education courses.
Step 3: Connect with WORTH RVA. This collaborative of housing organizations can match you with the best available assistance programs based on your situation. Contact LISC Virginia for intake.
Step 4: Contact a Virginia Housing-approved lender to access the 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 local DPA 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 application process with your lender and DPA provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Richmond?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?+−
What is WORTH RVA?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
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